Native to the South Pacific, the root of the kava plant has been used as a social and ceremonial drink with an alcohol-like effect for centuries. Kava is known for its tranquilizing qualities and is often used to treat anxiety. Kava has also been used to treat conditions such as insomnia, epilepsy, psychosis, depression, migraines, muscle pain and menstrual discomfort. In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about kava's safety for human consumption. Talk to your health care provider before beginning use of kava supplements.
Liver Damage
Concerns over kava's safety are related to reports of liver damage, such as hepatitis and liver failure, which can result in death. Short-term use of kava has led to the need for liver transplants, and side effects increase with longer-term use of higher dosages. If you decide to take kava, early warning signs of liver damage include jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes, fatigue, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any symptoms of liver damage while taking kava.
Other Side Effects
Use of kava root may produce other side effects, including dizziness, restlessness, drowsiness, upset stomach, headache, weight loss, blood in your urine, and involuntary movements or tremors, and topical use may cause skin allergies such as contact dermatitis. Long-term use of high doses of kava may result in dry, flaky skin and skin yellowing, hair loss, loss of appetite or partial loss of hearing.
Potential Interactions
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should not take kava with any other medications. Kava may increase the effects of anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, diuretics and phenothiazine medications used to treat schizophrenia. Kava may reduce the effects of levodopa, used to treat Parkinson's disease. Kava may also increase the time needed to break down medications that are metabolized by the liver. Kava should not be used with other herbal supplements that may harm the liver, including comfrey, niacin, pennyroyal oil and chaparral, and it should not be used with herbal supplements that contain sedative properties, such as catnip, St. John's wort, valerian and yerba mansa.
Additional Warnings
Kava is not recommended for use by anyone. If you are planning on taking kava, talk to your health care provider before you begin. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take kava, as the effects of kava on infants are unknown. Do not take kava if you have liver damage, and do not mix alcohol with kava supplements. Stop taking kava supplements at least two to three weeks before any surgery as kava may interact with anesthetics, and inform your surgeon about your current or past kava use.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Kava Kava
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Kava
- MedlinePlus: Kava
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Consumer Advisory: Kava-Containing Dietary Supplements May Be Associated With Severe Liver Injury; March 2002
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Kava
- American Cancer Society: Kava
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