CBD and Kava Root: Benefits & How They Work Together

At CBDistillery®, we're committed to meeting and exceeding consumer expectations. In our Synergy Collection, you'll find a selection of CBD products featuring precise combinations of some of nature's most impressive botanicals. Some are made with enhanced concentrations of minor cannabinoids. Others feature plant extracts selected for their specific contributions to the health and wellness potential of our non-GMO hemp extract. 

When you want a CBD product made with ingredients selected to help you unwind at the end of the day, a capsule formulated for a blissful state of inner tranquility, consider adding a bottle of our Calm Synergy Capsules into your rotation. Each serving gives you 30mg of full spectrum CBD and just the right amount of kava root extract. 

What Is Kava Root?  

Kava (Piper Methysticum) is a tropical evergreen shrub native to the Western Pacific and a member of the pepper family. Kava plants take about three years to mature and can grow to heights of nearly six feet. Mature kava grows a large number of above-ground root-runners, and its stems eventually develop a "knobby" appearance similar to bamboo (Teschke et al., 2011). 

If you wanted to grow kava, you would need a cutting from a lower stem. That cutting would have to have at least one knobby node capable of producing roots because the plant species went sterile long ago. Its flowers do not produce seeds. Although the stems, stalks, and flowers of the plant are toxic, the oil extracted from kava's roots and runners is known for its calming, relaxing effect (Kava, 2016). 

What Are the Benefits of Kava Root?  

The health and wellness potential of kava root (kava kava) is most often credited to its kavalactones, active plant elements shown to impact the central nervous system. Kava plants produce about 18 different types, but only 6 make up more than 95% of an extract's kavalactone profile. The rest aren't considered all that impactful, at least not on their own (Tasi, 2021). 

Although most of the evidence is based on lab results and a limited number of clinical studies, researchers believe kava's kavalactones affect dopamine, serotonin, and GABA levels (Costa et al., 2010), neurotransmitters involved in mood and emotional regulation, stress responses, and more. Based on what the research shows so far, multiple studies suggest possible benefits for relaxation, focus, enhancing creativity, feelings of overall well-being, and better sleep (Wheatley, 2001). 

Why Blend Kava Root Extract with Full Spectrum CBD? 

Many people looking for a natural way to calm their minds are at least somewhat familiar with the effects credited to kava root. As you're investigating the botanicals individually, you'll soon discover they have a few surprising similarities. However, they achieve similar results in different ways. Kavalactones have an impact on several molecular targets that can impact the way you feel. 

CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids interact with the receptors of your endocannabinoid system (ECS) (Marzo & Piscetelli, 2015). As the largest regulatory system in the human body, ECS signaling impacts nearly every crucial function, from sleep cycle regulation and stress responses to digestive processes and the perception of pleasure and pain (Mouslech & Valla, 2009). Cannabis researchers believe CBD supports ECS function in a way that helps maintain essential balance (homeostasis) (Sallaberry & Astern, 2018). 

According to the responses of nearly 2000 survey participants, most CBD users report positive results for better sleep, relaxation, discomfort after physical activity, and mild or temporary anxiety. We paired our full spectrum CBD with kava root extract because of the way each active ingredient complements and enhances the effects of the others, their synergistic relationship. 

How to Take CBD and Kava Root Together  

Now that you know some of the many possible benefits of their individual contributions, you might be tempted to pick up a kava root supplement, grab a CBD tincture from that shop around the corner, and test the waters. The purity, potency, and overall quality of your plant extracts can have a significant impact on your results. Quality control standards can vary by brand. 

If your purchases haven't been batch tested by an accredited lab, you could end up with a hemp-derived product with little (if any) CBD or a kava root extract with lower concentrations of kavalactones than you might expect. Instead of leaving your first experience to chance, consider investing in a bottle of CBDistillery® Calm Synergy CBD & Kava Root Capsules. 

How to Take Calm Synergy CBD & Kava Root Capsules  

At CBDistillery®, we make it easy to experience the combined health and wellness potential of our full spectrum hemp extract and a high-quality kava root supplement. Each easy-to-swallow capsule gives you 30mg of CBD and 400mg of kava root, an amount that gives you 120mg of kavalactones per serving. Great for home use or travel, we think you'll appreciate how each active plant element contributes to the calming, relaxing effects of our proprietary blend. 

We suggest taking a single capsule with water 1-2 times per day. If you're using this product for the first time, we also recommend waiting 3-4 hours before attempting a second serving so that you can gauge the product’s effects fully. Although you're sure to find reports from CBD users claiming impressive results within hours of their first serving, you may need to be patient. It can take time for your system to respond to the combined effects of cannabinoids and kavalactones. If you have to wait, you may find it at least somewhat helpful to know that most CBD users report achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent use. 

As always, we recommend you discuss any new supplement with your primary care physician to avoid any drug interactions. Our Medical Advisor, Dr. Kevin Frey, recommends limiting alcohol use while taking kava root supplements.

Could You Benefit From the Synergistic Effects of CBD & Kava Root?  

Current research suggests the kavalactones in kava root interact with essential neurotransmitters involved in emotional regulation, stress responses, and sleep cycle support. Hemp-derived cannabinoids support ECS function in a way that helps promote essential balance. Although you'll likely be pleased with the results of either botanical, we think you'll love how they work together. 

To learn more about our hemp-derived products, visit CBDistillery® to download our Ultimate CBD User Guide, the #1 resource guide for CBD users. When you choose CBDistillery® products, you can shop with confidence. Our CBD products are third-party batch tested, Leaping Bunny certified, and made in a GMP-registered facility. 

References 

Costa, R, Sartori L, et al. (2010) Study of In Vitro and In Vivo Extraction of Kavalactones of Pharmaceutical Form Containing Ground Plant Drug (Piper Methysticum G Forster). 29(2) Lat Am J Pharm 289-92. PDF.   

Kava B. (2016) Lifecycle of a Kava Plant. Kava.com 

Marzo, V, Piscetelli F. (2015) The Endocannabinoid System and Its Modulation by Phytocannabinoids. 12, Neurotherapeutics 692-98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0374-6 

Mouslech Z, Valla V. (2009) Endocannabinoid System: An Overview of Its Potential in Current Medical Practice. 30(2) Neuro Endocrinol Lett 153-79. PDF 

Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

Tasi, A. (2021) Kava vs CBD: What's the Difference? Which One Should I Use? Kava Guides. 

Teschke, R, Sarris J, et al. (2011) Kava Hepatotoxicity in Traditional and Modern Use: The Presumed Pacific Kava Paradox Hypothesis Revisited. 73(2) BJCP 170-74. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.04070.x 

Wheatly, D. (2001) Stress-Induced Insomnia Treated with Kava and Valerian: Singly and in Combination. 15(6) Clinical Trial 549-51. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.840