About Kava Kava

Kava kava is an evergreen shrub found throughout the South Pacific from Hawaii to New Guinea, according to Dr. Linda White in "The Herbal Drugstore." Kava is available as a health supplement in several forms, including tinctures, tablets and capsules. Medicinal uses of kava include treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Use kava with caution as the herb can cause severe complications in some people. Consult a medical professional before using kava.

Plant Characteristics

Kava comes from the dried rhizome extracted from the roots of Piper methysticum, a member of the pepper family. Piper methysticum can grow more than 9 feet tall and has large, heart-shaped leaves, according to Drugs.com. The roots contain kavalactones, chemicals that may be responsible for kava's medicinal properties. White explains that kava is threatened in the wild and cautions consumers to purchase from reputable sources.

History

The American Cancer Society explains that the people of the South Pacific have used kava for thousands of years for medicinal, ceremonial and social purposes. They traditionally offered a drink made from kava root to village elders and visiting royalty. Captain James Cook, an English naval officer, took samples of the plant while visiting Polynesia in the 1770s and brought it to Europe.

Benefits

The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that a number of clinical studies found that kava is an effective treatment for anxiety and may be as effective as some prescription medications. Kava may also help relieve insomnia related to anxiety. A study performed by the Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany found that Kava effectively treated sleep disturbances caused by non-psychotic anxiety disorders. Results were published in the February 2004 issue of "Journal of Effective Disorders." UMM explains, however, that other herbs can treat insomnia with fewer safety risks than kava.

Risks

The FDA released an advisory in 2002 warning consumers about the potential risk of liver damage after kava was linked to at least 25 cases of liver-related injuries, including hepatitis and liver failure, throughout the United States and Europe. Other possible side effects include drowsiness, allergic reaction, vertigo, upset stomach and shakiness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Long-term use of kava can cause yellowing of the skin, hair loss and partial hearing loss. Kava may cause intoxicating effects similar to alcohol

Drug Interactions

Medline Plus explains that kava may increase the risk of liver damage when taken with acetaminophen, alcohol or other drugs that can harm the liver. Kava may increase the sedating effects of opiates and antidepressants. It can prolong the effects of anesthesia and shouldn't be taken within two to three weeks prior to surgery. Those taking medication for Parkinson's disease or movement disorders should avoid kava. Talk to your doctor about other possible drug interactions before taking kava.