Kava is a medicinal herb that acts on the central nervous system and is involved in the regulation of emotion. It is primarily used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Due to its association with liver damage, the FDA issued a warning in March 2020 cautioning Americans about its potential negative effect. Yet, kava can still be purchased as an over-the-counter supplement in the United States. Consult your doctor before taking kava.
Anxiety
Anxiety is not a symptom of depression, but there is a substantial comorbidity between the two disorders. According to a study by Dr. Robert Hirshfield, a psychiatrist from the University of Texas, more than half of patients with an anxiety disorder also meet the criteria for a depressive disorder, and vice versa. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies have shown that kava can reduce symptoms of anxiety. However, there is no evidence to support its use solely for the treatment of depression.
Research
The effectiveness of kava as a treatment for anxiety and depression was the focus of a study published in the August 2009 issue of "Psychopharmacology." Patients who reported having at least 1 month of generalized anxiety symptoms were given five tablets of either kava or placebo per day for three weeks. This study found that the patients who took kava substantially reduced their levels of anxiety and depression as opposed to those who took a placebo. From these findings, researchers confirmed the effectiveness of kava for anxiety and concluded it is just as effective for treating anxiety accompanied by depression.
Insomnia
Difficulty falling asleep or constantly waking up during the night are symptomatic of depression. Since kava is a sedative, it can be used to induce sleep in sleep-deprived sufferers of depression. Kava is an effective sleep aid for short-term use because its effects occur quickly and there are minimal after effects in the morning, according to an article in the July 2005 issue of "Journal of Psychopharmacology." However, due to its serious side effects, it should be used with caution and only when approved by your doctor.
Herbs for Depression
Valerian and St. John's Wort are two popular herbs used to treat depression. Like kava, valerian is also used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Unlike kava, its side effects, which includes headaches, nausea and dizziness, are mild. Like valerian, St. John's Wort is used to treat depression, anxiety and insomnia. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, studies have shown that St. John's Wort effectively treats mild to moderate depression on a short-term basis. Side effects include headache, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
References
- "Primary Care Companion Journal of Clinical Psychiatry"; The Comorbidity of Major Depression and Anxiety Disorders; Robert Hirshfield; 2001
- Medline Plus: Kava
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Kava
- "Psychopharmacology"; The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study (KADSS): a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial using an aqueous extract of Piper methysticum; J. Sarris, et al.; August 2009
- "Journal of Psychopharmacology"; Medicinal plants for Insomnia: A Review of their Pharmacology, Efficacy and Tolerability; D. Wheatley; July 2005
- FDA.gov: Consumer Advisory: Kava-Containing Dietary Supplements May be Associated With Severe Liver Injury
