Vanuatu Kava Root vs Tibetan Valerian

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Vanuatu Kava Root

Piper methysticum var. vanuatu

Nervine

Valeriana officinalis subsp. tiliifolia

Nervine

Vanuatu Kava Root

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Tibetan Valerian

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Premium kava variety from Vanuatu considered highest quality noble kava used for anxiety and ceremonial purposes.

A calming sedative herb used in Tibetan medicine for sleep disorders and nervous conditions.

Active Compounds

kavain, dihydrokavain, methysticin, desmethoxyyangonin

valerenic acid, isovaleric acid, valepotriates, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

ceremonial kava ceremony, anxiety relief, social bonding ritual

insomnia, anxiety, nervous tension, headache

Modern Uses

anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant

sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant

Adult Dosage

200-300mg kavalactones daily from noble variety

300-600mg extract nightly

Contraindications

liver disease, alcohol, antidepressants

operating machinery, sedative medications

Side Effects

liver toxicity with prolonged use, sedation, nausea

morning drowsiness, vivid dreams

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E