It is normal to experience feelings of anxiety from time to time, especially when faced with an important event such as an exam, or something you find difficult such as public speaking. However, if you constantly feel worried and tense and it is interfering with your daily activities you may have generalized anxiety disorder. If you are suffering from anxiety, your doctor may recommend that you undergo cognitive behavioral therapy, or she may prescribe drug therapy. Kava is an herb that is also sometimes used to treat anxiety. It is important that you talk to a medical professional before using herbal supplements to treat your anxiety.
Characteristics
Kava, also known as Piper methysticum, is a member of the pepper family and is native to the Islands of the South Pacific. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), the roots and underground stems are the parts of the kava plant that are used to make herbal supplements.
Use
Kava can be taken as a beverage or in capsules or tablets. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) suggests taking 100 mg to 200 mg between two and four times daily for mild to moderate anxiety. However, you should only use this as a guideline; talk to your health care provider about how much kava you should take and how often you should take it.
Efficacy
The results of a three-week placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of 60 adults with elevated generalized anxiety, published in the August 2009 issue of Psychopharmacology, found that an aqueous extract of kava reduced anxiety. In addition, an analysis of clinical trial data published in 2003 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that compared to placebo, kava appeared to have alleviated symptoms of anxiety.
Side Effects
According to UMMC, kava may cause liver damage and even liver failure in some cases. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about the potential link between kava use and liver damage. Kava may also cause abnormal muscle spasms or involuntary muscle movements and long-term use may cause the skin to become yellowed and scaly, notes NCCAM.
Contraindications
Do not use kava if you have liver disease or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you have depression, taking this herb may make you feel worse. Avoid this herb if you are taking drugs to treat Parkinson's disease, sedatives or alprazolam. Do not use kava if you are due to undergo surgery as it may increase the effects of anesthesia, Drugs.com notes. Seek the advice of a medical professional before using kava.
