Pacific Islanders have used the kava plant, which is native to the South Pacific, for thousands of years, well before the plant was given the name "kava," which means "intoxicating pepper." The root of the kava plant is believed by some people to have medicinal or calming properties. According to MedlinePlus, kava effects the central nervous system. Kava drinkers cite many uses and advantages, but few advantages are medically supported and medical professionals warn that kava is a highly dangerous substance with potentially deadly side effects.
Advantages
People in the South Pacific continue to use kava in rituals and as a social drink similar to alcoholic beverages. According to MedlinePlus, kava is possibly effective for the treatment of anxiety when patients use an extract that contains 70 percent kavalactone, which is the ingredient in kava thought to be responsible for its effects. Kava also is possibly effective, during a course of gradually increasing doses, for the reduction of withdrawal symptoms related to sleep and anti-anxiety medications. Menopausal women might see improvement in anxiety after one week of treatment with kava. There is insufficient evidence to substantiate the effectiveness of other uses for kava.
Kava Uses
Kava is known by several names, including kew, ava pepper, tonga, methysticum, sakau and yangona. As an herbal product, including teas, kava is used to treat insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. People also use kava as an aphrodisiac and muscle relaxant and to treat mental health disorders, migraines, infections and various other diseases and medical conditions. Some people use kava as a mouthwash to treat toothaches and canker sores. Kava applied to the skin is believed by some to alleviate pain, heal wounds and treat skin conditions.
Side Effects
Kava can cause severe liver problems, including cirrhosis, hepatitis and liver failure, according to Providence Health and Services. The potential for liver damage increases with the use of alcohol while taking kava. If you take substances or medications that cause drowsiness -- such as alcohol, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and sedatives -- kava can increase the effect. Less-serious side effects are upset stomach, vision changes and morning drowsiness. Kava can interact dangerously with other over-the-counter and prescription medications. Kava should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, people with liver problems or who take medications that affect the liver, or people with depression.
Allergic Reaction and Long-Term Use
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to kava, which requires emergency medical care, are difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the throat, tongue, lips or face. Long-term use of kava can lead to a condition called kawanism, which causes red eyes, puffy face, scaly skin rash, muscle weakness and blood abnormalities. A doctor's supervision is recommended for kava use longer than three months.
Forms and Dosing
Kava is sold as a tea and in standardized extracts, solid supplements, topical formulations and tinctures. According to Providence Health and Services, treatment for insomnia usually involves taking kava an hour before bedtime. People might take kava several times a day when used for other purposes. Avoid the potential for kava overdose by not using different forms of kava at the same time. If you choose to use kava, follow the directions on the packaging.
Tips and Warnings
Talk to your doctor before using kava in any form, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications. If you use kava and notice any symptoms of liver damage, stop using kava immediately and see your doctor.
Kava is a supplement and, as such, is not regulated or approved as a treatment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. MedlinePlus uses the effectiveness ratings of the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, which range from "effective" to "insufficient evidence to rate." Canada, Germany and Switzerland have banned kava and other countries are poised to ban the sale of the plant as well, as of April 2011.
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