Kava is a root derived from the Piper Methysticum plant, which has been grown across the South Pacific for hundreds of years in places such as Fiji, Polynesia and Melanesia. While it has traditionally been used for ceremonial rituals and family gatherings, it has recently become popular in Western culture due to the calming and mood-setting qualities it provides consumers.

Noble Kava

The word “Noble” is not only the tradition of Kava, but also how the plant is grown, harvested, and the effects it produces. The classification is based on the chemical composition of the kava root, particularly its kavalactone content. Noble Kava is considered the safest and most desirable to consume due to its predictable, smooth, and calming effects, making it the best choice for long-term consumption.

Non-Noble Kava

“Non-Noble”, often called ‘Tudei’ (pronounced “two-day”) is generally lower quality and has unpredictable results. The nickname “Tudei” comes from the prolonged effects that typically last up to 48 hours, and the effects are harsher and more intense than often desired. The chemical composition of non-noble kava is significantly heavier, and the body typically has a harder time processing it, raising concerns for daily consumption.

Key differences

The key difference between Noble and non-noble Kava is which kavalactones take the lead. There are about 6 different compounds that make up the kava plant called Kavaloctones. Each plant has all 6, but in different amounts, and these are what give the effect we feel when consumed. Noble Kava is going to be higher in Kavain, which is what produces the clean, calm, and relaxing effect, popular for anxiety relief. Non-Noble Kava is typically reversed and higher in Dihydromethysticin and Dihydrokavain, which are 2 of the heavier compounds from the plant, making it difficult for the body to process, and is the reason for lingering effects.