Kava Kava: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and Safety

Kava kava, also known simply as kava, is an herbal remedy derived from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, native to the islands of the Pacific Ocean. For centuries, people in Fiji, Tonga, and other Pacific islands have used kava in social gatherings and traditional medicine. The roots are typically dried or crushed into a powder, then mixed with water to create a drinkable mixture.

How Kava Works and Its Potential Benefits

Kava contains compounds called kavapyrones, which act on the brain in a manner similar to alcohol, promoting feelings of calmness, relaxation, and happiness. Additionally, kava is believed to have pain-relieving, anti-seizure, and muscle-relaxing properties. Some of the conditions kava has been used to treat include:

• Anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Stress

• Insomnia

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Kava is available as an herbal supplement in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, and tinctures (dissolved in alcohol). It can be purchased online and in health food stores.

Safety Concerns and Potential Side Effects

The safe dosage and duration of kava use are not well-established. If your doctor approves its use, it is advisable to take the lowest possible dose and not exceed three months of continuous use. Avoid drinking alcohol while using kava, as it may compound the effects.

Kava can cause side effects, including:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Depression

• Diarrhea

• Skin problems, such as dryness, scaling, or yellowing (in cases of high dosage)

The most serious concern associated with kava is the potential for liver damage. In 2002, the FDA issued a consumer advisory warning about the risk of liver disease linked to kava supplements. Some cases of liver damage, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver failure, have been reported in individuals taking kava. However, it is unclear whether kava was the sole cause of the damage or if other medications or herbs contributed to the problem. Most cases of liver damage improved within months of discontinuing kava use.

Due to the potential liver risks, some countries, such as France and Canada, have banned kava. However, it remains available for purchase in the United States and online. There are also concerns about the potential for addiction, although this has not been conclusively proven.

Precautions and When to Seek Medical Advice

Before taking kava, consult your doctor and inform them about all medications you are currently taking. Kava can interact with certain drugs, including:

• Antiretroviral medicines for HIV/AIDS treatment

• Benzodiazepines and barbiturates used to treat anxiety

• Medications for Parkinson's disease

Avoid using kava if you have liver disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder.

If you experience any signs of liver damage while taking kava, such as tiredness, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), stomach pain, or loss of appetite, contact your doctor immediately.

For more information on the potential benefits and risks of kava, consult reputable sources such as the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and the Mayo Clinic.