Kava is a native plant of the South Pacific -- the root of the kava plant is used as the basis for traditional South Pacific drinks and more recently as a complementary herbal medicine in Western societies. Kava is known to cause certain skin problems, but it also has been suggested that kava may be helpful for other problems with the skin. Kava is a very controversial supplement with some serious safety concerns and has been banned in Switzerland, Germany and Canada.
History
Kava has been used socially and medicinally in the South Pacific for thousands of years. The name "kava" was given to the plant by Captain Cook during his maritime explorations of the South Pacific, and means "intoxicating pepper." In South Pacific islands including Fiji, drink made from dried kava and water is enjoyed socially, in a way similar to alcohol in Western societies.
Benefits
In the West, in recent years, kava supplements have been sold commercially and used therapeutically for a variety of ailments. However, safety concerns about ingestion of kava have led several countries to ban kava supplement sales -- and other countries are presently considering similar bans. Proponents of kava's therapeutic use believe it is helpful in treating stress, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, ADHD, seizure disorders, depression, migraines, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections and menstrual pains.
Function
Kava is used topically as a complementary therapy in the treatment of several skin diseases and problems. Kava may be applied to the skin as a treatment for leprosy symptoms or to promote healing of skin wounds and lesions. Kava may also be used as a topical painkiller, applied to the skin. Kava mixed with water may be used as a mouthwash solution to alleviate pain in the lining of the mouth or from toothache. All of these topical uses of kava have not been proven effective in controlled studies, and should not be considered a replacement for conventional medical treatment of any skin problem.
Expert Insight
When used in heavy doses or over a long period of time, kava ingestion may lead to a skin condition known as "kava dermopathy." According to an article in the July 1994 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, kava may cause a scaly eruption of the skin. As early as Captain Cook's expeditions, some Pacific Islanders were noted to be afflicted with kava dermopathy. Although reversible, this scaly skin reaction to oral kava consumption may be severe, and yellowish in color.
Warning
MedLine Plus currently advises that kava should not be taken by mouth. Even though oral kava supplements may be sold in the West, kava is known to cause liver damage, which in some cases has been fatal. Kava should not be taken orally while pregnant or breastfeeding, due to possible harmful effects on the baby. It is uncertain whether applying kava to your skin carries the same serious health risks as taking kava supplements, but it is possible that kava may be absorbed through the skin and cause some degree of liver damage this way.
