How Does Kava Make You Feel? What to expect when trying Kava for the first time
One of the most common questions we get asked here at The Tupou Kava Company is from people who are thinking of trying kava for the first time. Usually they want to know:
How does kava make you feel?
Drinking kava (our traditional ceremonial beverage from Tonga) offers an experience unlike any other. Partaking in the Pacific 'tradition of chill' takes you on a gentle journey through a spectrum of sensations ranging from relaxation to euphoria, muscle relief to mental clarity.
The beauty of kava lies in its ability to help you unwind and centre yourself without the cognitive dullness or sedative effects that come with alcohol or other substances.
The effects of kava can vary depending on the strain consumed, how it’s prepared, your individual tolerance, and even the setting in which you drink it.
If you’ve ever been curious about what it feels like to drink kava and whether it's an experience you'd enjoy, keep reading – we’ll walk you through it.
Prepare to feel relaxed: Kava offers a calm without the fog
The most well-known and appreciated effect of kava is its ability to bring about deep relaxation. After drinking kava, many people describe a calmness that flows through the body, melting away stress and easing physical tension. This relaxed feeling is different from the sensation that alcohol or sedatives provide; kava calms you without making you feel foggy or disoriented. When you drink kava you will remain clear-headed, aware, and alert, while your body enjoys a profound state of ease.
This effect comes from kava’s active compounds, known as kavalactones, which interact with the central nervous system and helps promote restfulness and tranquility. Kavalactones have been compared to mild tranquilisers or anti-anxiety medications, though without the heavy sedative effects. For many, this makes kava the ideal drink after a long, stressful day—something to sip on as you unwind, while still maintaining full functionality.
Kava’s relaxation effect feels like stress is slowly being melted away. You may notice that your muscles loosen, your breathing deepens, and your thoughts slow down. But amazingly this all happens without impairing your mental clarity. Drinking kava is a natural way to relieve tension, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking relaxation without the lethargy that might come with other relaxants.
You may feel euphoric: a subtle feeling of well-being
While relaxation is the primary effect of kava, some strains and situations can also induce a mild euphoria. Unlike the intense euphoria that can come from alcohol or other substances, kava’s euphoric effects are subtle. It’s more of a gentle feeling of well-being, a sense of contentment that lifts your mood without overwhelming your senses.
This feeling can make you feel more connected to your surroundings, at ease with yourself and the people around you. Whether you’re at a social gathering or spending quiet time alone, the soft euphoria of kava can make these moments more enjoyable. The sensation is often described as a peaceful contentment that lingers, creating a sense of calm happiness rather than an exhilarating high.
Euphoria from kava is dependent on the strain, for example Tongan Kava is well-known as an uplifting and euphoric kava strain, while other strains have more sedative properties or heavy body experience.
Overall, when you drink kava you will maintain a mellow and grounded feeling. This makes kava an appealing option for those who want a mood boost without the instability or crash that other euphoria-inducing substances might bring.
Your thoughts will remain clear and focused: feeling relaxed without cognitive impairment
One of kava’s most significant benefits is that it allows for deep relaxation while maintaining mental clarity. This is a sharp contrast to alcohol, which can impair judgment, dull cognitive function, and create a mental fog. After drinking kava, you’ll feel physically relaxed, but your thoughts will remain clear and focused. You’ll stay fully aware, with your cognitive faculties intact.
This mental clarity is why many people prefer kava for social situations or quiet introspection. Whether you're at a casual gathering or having a thoughtful conversation, kava allows you to enjoy the relaxing effects of a drink while still being fully present. It doesn’t impair your ability to think clearly or communicate effectively, making it an excellent alternative for those who want to unwind but also stay mentally sharp.
For many, the clarity that kava provides is one of its most appealing characteristics. It creates a relaxed state without causing mental dullness. Whether you’re looking to meditate, reflect, engage in deep conversation, or simply enjoy an evening of peace, kava enhances these experiences by keeping your mind alert while your body relaxes.
You'll get a numbing sensation or tingling in the mouth
One of the first things many new kava drinkers notice is the numbing or tingling sensation that happens in the mouth and on the lips after taking the first sip. This distinctive effect is caused by kavalactones, particularly kavain, interacting with nerve endings in the mouth. The numbing effect is temporary and usually fades after a few minutes, but it’s a unique part of the kava experience.
Although the tingling may feel odd initially, it’s an entirely normal and expected part of drinking kava. It’s even considered an important element of the traditional kava ritual in many Pacific Island cultures. The numbing sensation is often seen as a signal that the kava is beginning to take effect, preparing your body and mind for the relaxation that’s soon to follow.
For those new to kava, the tingling can feel strange, but seasoned drinkers often come to associate this sensation with the calm and peaceful experience that’s about to unfold.
Your muscles will relax: a soothing physical release
In addition to its mental effects, kava is also known for its ability to relax muscles and ease physical tension. This effect is one of the reasons kava is so popular among people who are looking for relief after physical activity or a stressful day.
Kava can gently soothe tense muscles, making it particularly appealing for individuals with anxiety-related muscle tightness or physical aches from daily activity.
The muscle-relaxing properties of kava are yet another reason it’s often compared to mild tranquilisers. However, unlike pharmaceutical options, kava doesn’t usually cause drowsiness or a feeling of heavy sedation. Instead, it offers a more natural and subtle form of muscle relaxation that enhances overall feelings of calm.
You'll reduce anxiety and stress: kava is a natural anxiolytic
One of the most well-documented benefits of kava is its ability to reduce anxiety and stress. Numerous studies have shown that kava is effective at easing feelings of anxiety without the sedative effects that often accompany prescription medications. This makes it a popular choice for those dealing with social anxiety, general anxiety, or stress from daily life.
Kava can help soothe anxious thoughts, allowing you to feel more at ease in social situations or calm during stressful moments. Its anti-anxiety effects are one of the reasons kava has been traditionally used in Pacific Island cultures for important social and ceremonial gatherings, where calmness and mental presence are valued.
In conclusion, kava offers a distinctive blend of effects, including deep relaxation, subtle euphoria, mental clarity, and physical relief. It allows you to unwind, alleviate stress, and find calm without dulling your mind. Whether enjoyed in solitude for quiet reflection or in social settings to foster connection, kava serves as a valuable aid for relaxation.
What's even better is that studies show that drinking kava has many therapeutical benefits!
As always, enjoy kava in moderation, drink good quality kava that's been ground from kava root only (not leaf or twig which can cause liver issues in high doses) and only buy kava from reputable sources to ensure you have a safe and rewardingly chill experience.
If you've already tried Kava, comment below and let us know how kava makes you feel? Also let us know if there were any additional sensations that we didn't mention.
Malo! (thankyou)
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Written by: Katalina Barton, co-founder The Tupou Kava Company
About The Tupou Kava Company:
The Tupou Kava Company are producers of 100% organic Tongan Noble Kava grown on our family plantation in Vava’u island, using the traditional methods of our ancestors. Click here to view our range of traditional Tongan Kava