Kava, Piper methysticum, is an herb native to the South Pacific islands. The tuber-like root is pounded into a mash and extracted with water to make tea. Vitamins-Supplements.org states that chemicals called kavalactones account for most of kava's benefits. Kava supplements are reported to relax muscles, cure insomnia, and relieve stress and nervousness. The FDA cautions that some risks accompany kava's use.
Kava Alone
You can use kava without additional ingredients as a liquid, in tinctures or extracts, and dry, powdered, or crushed in tablets or capsules. Limit your daily dose to 300 mg of kavalactones, according to Vitamins-Supplements.org, citing the American Herbal Products Association guidelines. They recommend 120 to 240 mg a day spread over three doses for mild to moderate anxiety. Take 45 to 70 mg of kavalactones divided into three doses a day to reduce stress, restlessness or nervousness.
Kava Combinations
According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, herbalist and author of "The Stevia Cookbook" and "Mind Boosters," you can take a combination of kava and passionflower, along with melatonin, 5-HTP and other sleep-inducing ingredients, to overcome occasional sleepless nights or for relaxation at the end of a stressful day. Limit use to only two or three nights per week, and no more than three weeks in a month.
Cautions
According to a June 2010 report by herbalists at Herbal Extracts Plus, using kava along with prescription medications for treatment of mental illnesses could exaggerate any side effects from these drugs, including involuntary neuromuscular activities in the arms, neck or face.
A 2007 research report published in the journal "Clinical Toxicology" detected significant liver disease in chronic kava drinkers from Tonga, which was absent in other Tongan non-kava drinkers.
In 2002, the FDA reported that Switzerland, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Canada had banned or restricted use of products containing kava. The report also noted one case of total liver failure attributed to kava use, requiring a transplant. While most side effects are not so severe, consult your doctor before using any kava-containing products.
The FDA has not evaluated kava to verify its pharmaceutical benefits.
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