Best Kava Supplements (2026)

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant native to the South Pacific with a centuries-long history of use for promoting relaxation, easing stress, and supporting calm mood. The active compounds in kava — called kavalactones — interact with GABA receptors in the brain to produce calming effects without the cognitive impairment associated with alcohol or sedatives. The best kava supplements use noble kava varieties and standardize to meaningful kavalactone concentrations.

Quick Comparison

Product	Key Ingredient	Form	Best For	Rating
Zazzee Kava Kava Extract	Kava Extract, 30% Kavalactones	Capsules	Best Overall	9.5/10
Natures Craft Kava Root	Kava Root 1400mg	Capsules	Best Value	9.3/10
NOW Foods Kava Kava Extract	250 mg, 30% Kavalactones	Capsules	Best Trusted Brand	9.2/10
Double Wood Kava Kava	1000mg, 3-5% Kavalactones	Capsules	Best Budget	9.1/10
FijiKava Noble Kava Capsules	600mg Kavalactones	Capsules	Best Premium	9.4/10
Vitamatic Kava Kava 1000mg	Kava + Magnesium, GABA	Capsules	Best Combo Formula	9.0/10
Gaia Herbs Kava Root	Kava Root Extract	Capsules	Best Organic	9.1/10

1. Zazzee Kava Kava Extract – Best Overall

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Zazzee delivers a high-quality kava extract standardized to 30% kavalactones in vegan capsules, combining potency with clean manufacturing standards at a competitive price point.

Each capsule provides a potent kava kava extract standardized to 30% kavalactones — the active compounds responsible for kava’s calming effects. Zazzee uses a concentrated extraction process to ensure consistent kavalactone content across every batch. The capsules are vegan-friendly and free from artificial additives, fillers, and preservatives. Manufactured in the USA in a cGMP-certified facility with third-party testing for purity. The standardized kavalactone content sets this apart from raw root products with variable potency.

• Pros:
• Standardized to 30% kavalactones for consistent potency
• Vegan capsules with no artificial additives
• Third-party tested and manufactured in the USA

• Cons:
• Extract form may not appeal to traditional kava enthusiasts
• Smaller serving count compared to some competitors

Best for: Users who want a reliably potent kava supplement with standardized kavalactone content and clean manufacturing

2. FijiKava Noble Kava Capsules – Best Premium

FijiKava sources directly from Fiji using carefully selected noble kava cultivars and delivers an impressive 600 mg of kavalactones per serving — one of the highest kavalactone doses available in capsule form.

Each serving (2 capsules) provides 600 mg of kavalactones from premium noble kava root, processed using a cold water extraction method to preserve the full chemotype profile of the plant. Noble kava is the traditionally consumed variety known for its relaxation effects without the negative side effects associated with inferior “Tudei” kava varieties. FijiKava’s proprietary plant technology identifies specific noble kava cultivars from the 200+ known types across the South Pacific. Vegan, non-GMO, and free from fillers. 60 capsules per bottle for a 30-day supply.

• Pros:
• Exceptionally high 600 mg kavalactones per serving
• Sourced from verified noble kava cultivars in Fiji
• Cold water extraction preserves full chemotype profile

• Cons:
• Premium price compared to standard kava extracts
• Only 30-day supply per bottle

Best for: Users who want the highest-potency noble kava capsules sourced directly from Fiji with premium extraction methods

3. Natures Craft Kava Root – Best Value

Natures Craft delivers a liquid kava formulation with organic kava root and lavender flavoring, offering fast-acting relaxation support in a convenient dropper format.

This liquid kava supplement features organic kava root extract in an easy-to-dose dropper bottle with natural lavender flavoring. Liquid extracts are generally absorbed faster than capsules, making this a good choice for situations where quick-onset relaxation is desired. Natures Craft is a recognized brand in the supplement space with GMP-certified manufacturing in the USA. The lavender flavoring helps mask kava’s naturally bitter taste, which many users find unpleasant in unflavored liquid forms. Each bottle provides approximately 30 servings.

• Pros:
• Liquid format for faster absorption than capsules
• Lavender flavoring improves palatability of bitter kava
• GMP-certified manufacturing in the USA

• Cons:
• Liquid form less convenient for on-the-go use
• Kavalactone standardization not prominently listed

Best for: Users who prefer liquid supplements for faster absorption and don’t mind dropper-style dosing

4. Vitamatic Kava Kava 1000mg – Best Combo Formula

Vitamatic combines kava root extract with magnesium, ashwagandha, GABA, L-theanine, theobromine, and cacao in a comprehensive relaxation formula that targets stress from multiple angles.

Each serving provides 1,000 mg of kava kava alongside a synergistic blend of calming compounds. Magnesium supports muscle relaxation and nervous system function. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps regulate cortisol. GABA and L-theanine promote calm brain activity without sedation. Theobromine and cacao provide mild mood-lifting effects. The multi-ingredient approach makes this ideal for people who want comprehensive stress support rather than kava alone. 120 vegetarian capsules per bottle for a 30-day supply. Free from GMOs and manufactured in a GMP-certified facility.

• Pros:
• Comprehensive formula combining kava with 6 additional calming ingredients
• Addresses stress through multiple pathways — GABA, adaptogens, minerals
• 120-count bottle provides good value for a multi-ingredient formula

• Cons:
• Individual ingredient doses may be lower than standalone products
• Contains theobromine, which is a mild stimulant

Best for: Users who want an all-in-one relaxation stack that combines kava with complementary stress-support ingredients

5. NOW Foods Kava Kava Extract 250mg – Best Trusted Brand

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NOW Foods delivers a reliably standardized kava extract at 30% kavalactones with the quality assurance and testing infrastructure that has made it one of the most trusted supplement brands in the world.

Each vegetarian capsule provides 250 mg of kava kava extract standardized to 30% kavalactones (75 mg kavalactones per capsule). NOW supplements its kava extract with an herbal relaxation blend that includes eleuthero and ginger root for additional adaptogenic support. The formula is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free. NOW Foods operates A-rated, GMP-certified facilities with ISO/IEC-accredited in-house laboratories. 120 vegetarian capsules per bottle. Family-owned and operated since 1968.

• Pros:
• A-rated GMP with ISO-accredited in-house labs — industry-leading quality
• Standardized to 30% kavalactones for consistent potency
• Includes complementary herbal blend with eleuthero and ginger

• Cons:
• 250 mg extract per capsule is a moderate dose
• Herbal blend may not be desired by purists who want kava only

Best for: Quality-conscious consumers who want a standardized kava extract from a globally trusted supplement manufacturer

6. Double Wood Kava Kava 1000mg – Best Budget

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Double Wood offers a two-month supply of kava extract standardized to 3–5% kavalactones in vegetarian capsules at one of the lowest prices in the category.

Each serving (2 capsules) provides 1,000 mg of kava kava extract standardized to approximately 3–5% kavalactones. While the kavalactone percentage is lower than concentrated extracts, the higher total milligrams of kava root provide a meaningful dose. The capsules are 100% vegetarian-friendly and manufactured in the USA with third-party testing for quality assurance. 120 capsules per bottle for a full 2-month supply at the recommended 2-per-day dosage.

• Pros:
• Affordable price with a full 2-month supply
• Vegetarian capsules with third-party testing
• 1,000 mg per serving provides a substantial raw kava dose

• Cons:
• 3–5% kavalactone standardization is lower than concentrated extracts
• Less potent per capsule than high-kavalactone competitors

Best for: Budget-conscious users new to kava who want an affordable entry point with reliable quality

7. Gaia Herbs Kava Root – Best Organic

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Gaia Herbs brings its signature commitment to purity and traceability to kava, offering a liquid phytocap format with a transparent supply chain and rigorous contaminant testing.

Gaia Herbs Kava Root features a concentrated kava extract in their proprietary Liquid Phyto-Cap format, which uses liquid extract encapsulated for convenience and enhanced absorption. Gaia maintains one of the supplement industry’s most transparent supply chains, with full traceability from farm to shelf and detailed testing data accessible to consumers. The brand tests for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes at every stage of production. Each bottle contains 60 capsules. The product is designed to promote feelings of calm and relaxation while supporting emotional well-being.

• Pros:
• Liquid Phyto-Cap format for enhanced bioavailability
• Industry-leading supply chain transparency and traceability
• Comprehensive contaminant testing at every production stage

• Cons:
• Higher price per serving than standard capsule products
• 60-count bottle may last less than a month at recommended dosage

Best for: Users who prioritize ingredient traceability, purity testing, and a liquid-extract capsule format for better absorption

8. Samarogen Kava Kava Liposomal – Best Absorption

Samarogen uses liposomal delivery technology to dramatically improve kavalactone bioavailability, combining a potent 55% kavalactone extract with ashwagandha, chamomile, lemon balm, and passionflower.

Each serving (2 softgels) delivers kava root extract standardized to 55% kavalactones — one of the highest concentrations available — enhanced with liposomal technology for significantly improved absorption. The formula adds four complementary botanicals: ashwagandha for cortisol regulation, chamomile for relaxation, lemon balm for mood support, and passionflower for sleep quality. Samarogen uses CO2 extraction (avoiding ethanol and acetone solvents) for a cleaner, purer kava extract. 60 softgels per bottle for a 30-day supply.

• Pros:
• 55% kavalactone concentration — among the highest available
• Liposomal technology enhances absorption and bioavailability
• CO2 extraction for solvent-free purity

• Cons:
• Newer brand with less established track record
• Only 30-day supply per bottle

Best for: Users who want maximum kavalactone absorption through liposomal delivery with complementary calming botanicals

How to Choose the Best Kava Supplement

The most critical factor when choosing a kava supplement is ensuring it uses noble kava varieties rather than Tudei (or “two-day”) kava. Noble kava produces the desired calming effects with minimal side effects, while Tudei kava has been associated with nausea, lethargy, and other adverse reactions. Reputable brands will specify noble kava sourcing or use verified cultivars from traditional kava-growing regions like Fiji, Vanuatu, or Tonga.

Kavalactone content determines potency. Standardized extracts typically list the kavalactone percentage (ranging from 3% to 55% or higher). For capsule supplements, look for at least 30% kavalactone standardization or a total kavalactone content of 75–300 mg per serving. Higher kavalactone concentrations generally allow for lower overall dosing and more consistent effects.

Kava supplements come in capsules, liquid extracts, and traditional powder form. Capsules and standardized extracts offer the most consistent dosing. Liquid extracts may absorb faster. Traditional powders provide the full-spectrum plant experience but with more variable potency. Liposomal formulations represent a newer approach that may enhance bioavailability.

Look for third-party testing (especially for heavy metals and liver toxicity markers), GMP-certified manufacturing, and clearly disclosed sourcing information. Avoid kava products that don’t specify the plant part used — only the root and rhizome should be consumed, as aerial parts may contain compounds linked to liver concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is kava and what does it do?

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant from the South Pacific whose root contains kavalactones — active compounds that interact with GABA receptors in the brain to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and ease muscle tension. It has been used ceremonially and medicinally by Pacific Islanders for thousands of years and is now widely available as a dietary supplement for stress relief and mood support.

How much kava should I take daily?

Typical effective doses range from 70–250 mg of kavalactones per day for general relaxation and stress relief. For standardized extracts, this usually translates to 1–3 capsules depending on the kavalactone concentration. Start with the lowest recommended dose on the product label and increase gradually. Most clinical studies on kava used 120–240 mg of kavalactones daily.

When is the best time to take kava?

Kava is best taken in the evening or 30–60 minutes before a stressful situation. Its relaxation effects are fairly rapid, typically noticeable within 15–30 minutes for liquid extracts and 30–60 minutes for capsules. Avoid taking kava before activities that require peak alertness, as it can produce mild sedation at higher doses.

Are there any side effects of kava?

At recommended doses, kava is generally well-tolerated. Possible side effects include mild stomach discomfort, drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. Long-term or high-dose use has been associated with a scaly skin condition called kava dermopathy, which resolves after discontinuing use. The FDA has issued a warning about potential rare liver injury with kava-containing supplements — users with liver conditions or those taking medications metabolized by the liver should consult a healthcare provider.

Can I take kava with other supplements?

Kava pairs well with magnesium, L-theanine, and ashwagandha for enhanced relaxation. However, kava should not be combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sedatives, or other GABA-modulating substances, as this may intensify sedative effects. It may also interact with medications processed by liver enzymes (CYP450), so consult a healthcare provider if taking prescription medications.

How long does it take for kava to work?

Individual servings of kava typically produce noticeable relaxation within 15–45 minutes, depending on the format (liquid extracts work fastest, capsules take longer). The full stress-relief benefits may become more consistent after 1–2 weeks of regular use as kavalactones accumulate in the system. Some users notice improved sleep quality and reduced overall anxiety within the first week of daily supplementation.