For relief of anxiety, an effective dosage of kava with 50 to 70 mg of kavalactones is three times daily. For sedation, a single bedtime dosage of kava with 180 to 210 mg of kavalactones is recommended. By comparison, a bowl of traditionally prepared kava drink contains 250 mg of kavalactones. If using the dried root, you need to ingest 1.5 to 3 gm per day in divided doses. This method of consumption can be quite effective, especially if the herb is sufficiently mixed with saliva as it is consumed.
Saliva activates the kavalactones.
For sleep-inducing effects, the same daily dose should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Low toxicity Toxicology studies of kava have revealed that it is generally quite safe if not consumed in excessive quantities. Doses of 50 mg per kilogram three times a week for three months produced no toxicity in rats. Human studies using kava at therapeutic dosages have failed to demonstrate any toxic effects. Fortunately, these heal as soon as the individual stops taking kava extract.