Kava for Anxiety, Stress Relief & Relaxation – Research Review

Is Kava effective for Social Anxiety or General Anxiety Disorder? Kava Kava has long been used for its calming, anxiolytic properties in traditional medicine.

Kava is a dietary supplement that is typically manufactured in the form of a beverage, extract, tablet, capsule or powder. It has played an important ceremonial role in Fiji and Samoa, where the beverage is called “grog” or “yaqona”.

Although the FDA has not approved Kava for the treatment of any specific ailments, it has been used in traditional medicine for many different conditions and problems, including the common cold, musculoskeletal pain, insomnia, urinary tract infections and cancer.

In addition, many people have also taken Kava for anxiety and depression, as well as other mental disorders. The Natural Medicines Database rated Kava as Possibly Effective for anxiety treatment, but notes that this herb may be unsafe to consume.

Kava

Herbal Supplement

Anxiety

Mood

Sleep

How It Works:

• Reduces feeling of anxiety & stress
• Improves feeling of wellbeing
• Shown to improve sleep & insomnia

Dosage:

Between 100 - 300 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Kava Kava for Anxiety

According to the World Health Organization, mental disorders like anxiety affect one in four adults worldwide.

Because of the pervasive nature of this condition, many looking for ways to deal with their illness more effectively, whether it be through prescription medications or natural alternatives.

One of the natural substances anxiety sufferers have used is kava, a supplement derived from the dried roots of the Piper methysticum shrub.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, the majority of research studies have indicated that kava effectively reduces the symptoms of anxiety more than a placebo.

The results of these studies also indicated that the dietary supplement’s effects may be comparable to that of a low-dose benzodiazepine.

In one study, 400mg of the proprietary LI150 Kava extract was comparable to 10mg of buspirone in patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Treatment was required between 1 – 8 weeks to notice a significant benefit.

Another study found that 300 mg of the WS1490 Kava extract taken daily for 8 weeks reduced anxiety and hot flashes experienced by menopausal women.

However, some contradictory evidence does exist, and further study is needed to verify the supplement’s efficacy.

How Much Kava Root Should I Take for Anxiety?

Kava is available in several different forms. Although each of these forms of kava may have different concentrations of active ingredients, there is no evidence that any particular form of kava is more effective for anxiety than the others.

Because kava has not been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety, no standardized dosage recommendations have been published.

However, in past research studies evaluating the effectiveness of kava for anxiety, dosages used have ranged from 50 to 400 mg daily for up to eight weeks. When dosages exceeded 50 mg, divided doses have sometimes been used.

Keep in mind that, because of the potential side effects of kava, it may not be safe for every person. Thus, you should never take any more than the minimum effective dose of this supplement.

Likewise, you should not take more kava than your doctor or the supplement’s manufacturer recommends.

Is Kava Effective for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

Benzodiazepines, which can be habit forming, are often prescribed to treat anxiety. Individuals who have become addicted to these drugs typically experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.

The Natural Medicines Database reports that some research studies have shown that kava may prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce anxiety among people who are discontinuing the use of benzos.

However, further study is needed in order to validate this possible use of kava.

Kava Side Effects and Contraindications

Kava was once thought to be safe when consumed in reasonable doses, but more recent research studies have identified several potential side effects that this supplement can produce. While some of these side effects are mild, others are serious and potentially life threatening.

Some of the milder side effects of kava consumption may include:

• Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea or stomach pain
• Mild headache
• Skin rashes
• Sedation

Most of the more serious side effects of kava pertain to the liver. Specifically, the consumption of kava has been connected to multiple cases of hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver and liver failure.

In some cases, the liver damage linked to kava was so severe that liver transplant became necessary after only one to three months of consumption. Fatalities have also been reported.

In addition, chronic, heavy use of this dietary supplement has been linked to instances of abnormal body movements, pulmonary hypertension and kidney problems.

Can Kava Be Used Safely?

To reduce the likelihood of side effects when using Kava for anxiety, liver damage and other complications related to the consumption of kava, never take more than the recommended amount of this dietary supplement.

Do not take Kava for longer than necessary, and report any side effects to your doctor. If you experience any signs of liver damage, such as pain in the stomach or yellowing of the skin, seek immediate medical attention.

Kava should not be taken in combination with any prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs or other supplements that cause sedation, CNS depression or liver toxicity. You should not drink alcohol while consuming kava, as doing so may increase the risk of liver damage.

No supplement is safe for every person, and all supplements should be taken under the supervision of a licensed medical professional. Before consuming kava supplements for anxiety, talk to your doctor to make sure this supplement is appropriate for you.

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