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Kava kava, which may also be known as simply “kava,” is used in alternative medicine and as a ceremonial drink in certain South Pacific traditional cultures.
Kava is consumed as a beverage, tablet, topical cream or other such substance made from the roots of the Piper methysticum shrub. Although research studies indicate that kava may be effective for anxiety and sleep, it also causes side effects and poses significant safety concerns.
The use of Kava supplements has been banned in several countries, such as the UK, Australia and Canada, due to its safety risk. This supplement is still legal to purchase in the USA, but FDA regulators have issued a warning about potential health dangers.
Kava extract side effects may include liver problems, interactions with certain medications, gastrointestinal problems, mild headache and impaired physical or cognitive function, similar to drinking alcohol.
Anxiety
Mood
Sleep- Reduces feeling of anxiety & stress
- Improves feeling of wellbeing
- Shown to improve sleep & insomnia
Top Kava Products* ❯What is Kava and Why is it Used?
Kava kava teas and drinks have been used ceremonially for hundreds of years. Today, the herbal extract is consumed recreationally. According to the Natural Medicines Database, it has also been studied for its effects on:
- Cancer
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Tuberculosis
- Respiratory tract infections
- Colds
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Headaches and migraines
- Insomnia
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Epilepsy
- Stress
- Anxiety disorders
- Venereal diseases
- Urinary tract infections
- Menstrual discomfort
Some people also consume kava as an aphrodisiac. Topically, kava is used for toothaches, canker sores, abscesses, ear infections, wounds and skin diseases.
Most of these uses have not been validated by research studies. According to the NCMD, more research is needed to rate Kava for the effectiveness of many of these medicinal applications.
Under FDA regulations, Kava can legally be sold as a dietary supplement. However, it cannot be sold as a drug for the treatment, prevention, cure or diagnosis of any specific medical condition.
Is Kava Kava Dangerous?
Research indicates that kava poses some significant risks to the health of the consumer. Negative kava side effects that are considered mild may include:
- Mild headache
- Allergic rashes
- Gastrointestinal problems
While kava side effects for the skin and gastrointestinal tract are rarely life threatening, the supplement’s other potential side effects are more serious.
Serious side effects of kava typically involve the liver. Even short-term consumption of this substance may lead to liver toxicity, and there have been numerous reports of serious or even fatal liver problems in people who were consuming kava.
The potential kava side effects for the liver have been so severe for some patients that liver transplant has been required after only one to three months of using the drug.
As a result, the United States Food and Drug Administration has now issued several warnings to the public about the risks associated with kava consumption. Nonetheless, some alternative medicine experts still promote kava as a reasonably safe treatment option for people who use the product under medical supervision.
Common Kava Kava Dosages
In spite of the known adverse effects of kava kava and the FDA’s warnings, many people still consume this herbal extract. People who choose to consume kava should do so carefully.
Never take more than the minimum dose required to achieve the desired effect or the maximum dose recommended by your doctor.
No specific guidelines for consuming kava exist. However, below is a review of dosages that have been used in previous research studies. Do not consume Kava without first consulting with a doctor to determine if this supplement is appropriate for you and what the recommended dose for your needs is.
- For insomnia – Up to 300 mg of kava in capsule form daily in three divided doses.
- For hot flashes – Up to 100 mg of kava daily.
- For enhanced mood – A single dose of up to 300 mg of kava per day.
- For depression – Up to 250 mg of kava in tablet form daily in at least three divided doses.
- For cognition – Up to 600 mg of kava extract or synthetic kava daily.
- For anxiety – Up to 400 mg of kava in tablet or capsule form daily in divided doses.
Kava Drug Interactions and Contraindications
Some of the negative side effects of Kava pills may be reduced by avoiding use of this supplement with medications or other products that could cause interactions.
Kava may interact with a number of different medications, including p-glycoprotein substrates, levodopa, Xanax, CNS depressants, Zyprexa, omeprazole, Valium, ibuprofen, tamoxifen, warfarin, Zofran and any drug known to be toxic to the liver.
Talk to your doctor to determine whether kava interacts with any of your medications. Kava may also interact with any herbs or supplements that have sedative properties or are known to be toxic to the liver.
Kava should not be consumed in combination with alcohol. Talk to your doctor about the risks before consuming kava if you have Parkinson’s disease or hepatitis.
The use of kava should be discontinued at least two weeks before undergoing any surgical procedure, as kava may enhance the effects of anesthesia and other medications commonly administered during surgery.
Can Kava Be Used Safely?
Because of the possible side effects, including severe liver damage, kava herb should always be consumed with caution.
It can be consumed in the form of a tablet, capsule, beverage or extract. It can also be applied topically to treat certain ailments.
Before consuming kava, talk to your doctor to determine whether this supplement is safe for you, as well as how much you should take at one time. Never take more than the recommended dosage. To reduce the risk of kava side effects as much as possible, consume no more of this substance than you need to get the desired effect.
- Sarris J, Stough C, Bousman CA, Wahid ZT, Murray G, Teschke R, Savage KM, Dowell A, Ng C, Schweitzer I. Kava in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2013.
- Kava Kava. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cited on May 25, 2016.
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment