Kava, also called "kava kava," or Piper methysticum, has been used for medicinal purposes and in ceremonies in the Pacific Islands for centuries. Kava is used for its relaxation-inducing and sedative-like properties to treat anxiety, insomnia and nervous disorders. Kava may also have effects on the liver, with a number of serious cases reported concerning kava's potential to damage the liver.
Relieves Anxiety Symptoms
If you have anxiety, taking kava may help to relieve your symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites a review of seven medical studies finding that taking a standardized kava extract was significantly more effective in treating anxiety than taking the placebo. Other studies found that kava can substantially improve anxiety symptoms and may be as equally effective as some prescription anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium). According to the University of Michigan, the kavalactones are the most important active organic constituents in kava extracts, and are thought to have anti-anxiety, pain-relieving, muscle-relaxing, and anticonvulsant effects; therefore, the herb can be effective in relieving chronic stress, muscle tension and emotional stress in addition to anxiety. The University of Maryland recommends taking 150 to 300 mg of kava supplement one to three times daily, or as needed to treat anxiety.
Improves Sleep
Preliminary scientific evidence indicates that kava may help to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. Kava may help to improve sleep quality and help you fall asleep faster, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The same compounds in kava that are responsible for its anti-anxiety effects are likely to also be responsible for its potential in treating insomnia.
Reduces Convulsions & Muscle Spasms
Kava lactones may also act as muscle-relaxants, anticonvulsants and mild pain-relievers, according to the University of Michigan Health System. "The kava lactones have a depressant effect on the central nervous system and are antispasmodic," notes the Herb Growing & Marketing Network. Kava can help to treat chronic pain, reduce sensitivity and relax muscles when they're tensed in reaction to pain.
Potentially Causes Liver Damage
Kava may cause severe liver problems, and at least 25 reports of liver-related injuries have been associated with kava-containing products, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Liver problems from taking kava have included hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure and even death. One case resulted in death, while three other cases resulted in the need for liver transplants, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Although other medications and pre-existing liver problems might have contributed to these cases of liver injury from taking kava, the University of Maryland warns that you shouldn't take the herb without first consulting your doctor. If you have liver problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn't take kava, warns the University of Maryland. Also, you shouldn't take kava with alcohol, barbiturates, antidepressants or antipsychotic drugs.
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