Kava kava can make you feel relaxed and give you a general sense of well-being, but there is a dire risk associated with this herbal treatment: severe liver injury. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) website, advisory agencies in numerous European countries have pulled kava kava from the market or issued consumer warnings. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has also curtailed clinical research on kava kava.
About Kava Kava
Kava kava is a tall leafy shrub that's in the pepper family. Native to the South Pacific islands, it has been used for centuries in ceremonies, and reportedly has similar effects as an alcoholic drink. The hairy, branchlike roots are used in medicinal treatments. Kava kava root may be chewed or ground and added to water to create a thick beverage. Kava kava is also known by its Latin name, Piper methysticum, and the other common names of kava, awa and kava pepper, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
Kava Kava Efficacy
Studies suggest that kava kava may be used as a treatment for anxiety, insomnia and other nervous disorders, according to the UMMC. In a review of seven scientific studies, kava kava was demonstrated to be more effective than a placebo in managing anxiety. One study found that kava kava's effects kicked in after only a week, while another demonstrated that it could be as effective as some prescription medications. However, after the FDA issued a warning linking kava kava to liver damage in 2002, subsequent studies funded by NCCAM were put on hold.
Preparations & Dosages
Kava kava comes in liquid forms and powdered preparations, such as capsules and tablets. Avoid using kava kava if you have liver disease. Don't give kava kava to children. Talk to your doctor before using kava kava, urges the UMMC. Clinical studies used kava kava in specific dosages, but due to reports of liver injury, the UMMC indicates that it's "now impossible to say what dose of kava may be considered safe." Only a medical professional can make this determination.
Side Effects
In addition to hepatitis and liver failure, involuntary muscle contractions (dystonia) are also associated with kava kava use, according to NCCAM. Kava kava can interact with other drugs, such as alcohol, anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety medications, diuretics, phenothiazine medications and Levodopa, which is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Using kava kava excessively or for a long time can cause yellow, scaly skin. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking kava kava, as it reportedly causes drowsiness.
Safety
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, integrative physician, a report in the September 2006 issue of "Phytomed" indicates that Italian and German researchers believe dangers associated with kava kava are unfounded. Rats were fed 10 times the amount of kava kava given to humans; none displayed signs of liver damage after three and six months. Weil states that he finds the study "reassuring," but advises against taking kava kava for more than four weeks to be on the safe side. The UMMC, NCCAM and FDA continue to advocate using kava kava only under a physician's supervision.
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