Kava, or Piper methysticum, is an herb reported to have calming effects. In the Pacific Islands, kava has been used for centuries in traditional ceremonies and is valued for its sedating effects, which are somewhat similar to alcohol. It can be taken in supplement form or brewed into a tea. It's sometimes used to relieve anxiety, insomnia and certain types of pain. Understanding the positive and negative effects of kava will allow you to weigh the risks and benefits before using the herb. Consult your medical professional before taking kava or any other supplement; some supplements interact with prescription medications. This article is not intended as medical advice, it is for informational purposes only.
Anesthesia/Analgesia
Kava is sometimes applied topically to relieve pain caused by toothache and other conditions. The kavapyrones in the kava drink are reported to have a numbing effect, making it useful for alleviating pain in the mouth, throat and stomach. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, kava can be effective as a painkiller and muscle relaxant due to its effects on GABA receptors in the brain. In addition to its topical painkilling abilities, kava may also be helpful for easing tension, muscle pain and spasm.
Despite its historical use as a pain-reliever and muscle relaxant, not enough evidence exists to recommend kava for these purposes.
Respiratory Depression
Like other depressants, kava can slow breathing and heart rate. When taken in large doses or with other depressants, this effect is magnified and may result in dangerous respiratory depression.
To prevent respiratory depression when using kava, start with the lowest effective dose and avoid mixing it with alcohol, benzodiazepines and other sedating drugs.
Mental Relaxation
Kava's reported ability to produce mental relaxation makes it a popular remedy for anxiety. According to the National Institutes of Health, kava extract can be effective in relieving non-psychotic anxiety. As an added bonus, it may be less likely to cause side effects and post-treatment withdrawal symptoms than many pharmaceutical anxiety medications. Kava's relaxing properties may also be useful for relieving insomnia in some people.
Avoid taking kava with other sedating drugs, as this can cause dangerous side effects like respiratory depression. More research is needed before kava can be safely recommended for anxiety and insomnia.
Liver Problems
Like all supplements, kava can cause unwanted side effects in some people. It has been linked with several cases of liver damage resulting in liver transplantation or death. According to Science Daily, the compound known as kavain found in the kava plant can damage the liver by constricting blood vessels and causing retractions of the cellular lining.
While it is not known what other factors may have played a role in causing liver damage in the afflicted patients, consumers should be advised of these risks when using kava drink and other kava products.
