Kava

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about kava, an herb native to the islands of the South Pacific and a member of the pepper family. Kava has been used as a ceremonial beverage in the South Pacific for centuries and is known for its flavor, scent, and potential therapeutic properties. It includes details on common names, uses, possible side effects, and resources for further information.

Common Names

• Kava
• Kava kava
• Awa
• Kava pepper

Latin Name

• Piper methysticum

Uses

Kava has been traditionally used for various purposes:

• To help with sleep and combat fatigue
• To treat asthma and urinary tract infections
• Topically as a numbing agent
• Today, it is primarily used for anxiety, insomnia, and menopausal symptoms.

How It Is Used

The root and rhizome (underground stem) of kava are used to prepare beverages, extracts, capsules, tablets, and topical solutions.

Scientific Insights

• Some scientific studies suggest that kava may be beneficial for managing anxiety; however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning linking kava supplements to a risk of severe liver damage.
• Kava is not proven to be effective for other uses.
• Research funded by NCCAM on kava was suspended following the FDA’s warning.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Kava has been associated with liver damage, including hepatitis and liver failure, which can be fatal.
• It may cause dystonia (abnormal muscle spasms or involuntary movements) and can interact with several medications, including those for Parkinson’s disease.
• Long-term or heavy use may lead to scaly, yellowed skin.
• Users should avoid driving and operating heavy machinery due to the potential for drowsiness.
• It is essential to inform healthcare providers about complementary and alternative practices to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Kava Linked to Liver Damage. Accessed at NCCAM on July 10, 2007.
• Kava. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
• Kava (Piper methysticum G. Forst). Natural Standard Database.
• Kava kava rhizome (root). In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs.
• Kava (Piper methysticum). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Kava-Containing Dietary Supplements May Be Associated With Severe Liver Injury.
• NCCAM National Institutes of Health

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of kava, its uses, and important considerations for its use.