Kava

Kava is a drug made from the ground roots of the plant Piper methysticum, a member of the pepper family that also includes black pepper. It is a native plant of the South Pacific. Kava can be taken as a drink, a supplement or an extract.

Traditionally the root is crushed, ground or powdered and soaked in water to be drunk as a tea. This tea is often consumed socially and as part of traditional ceremonies and cultural practices throughout the South Pacific Islands. It can produce a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. However, long-term use can lead to a range of health problems, including malnutrition and apathy.

The active chemicals in kava are known as kavalactones. Their strength can vary widely, depending on growing conditions (such as soil type and the amount of sunlight and water available) and on the variety of plant. The strength of a dose also depends on how the drink is prepared and how much powdered kava is added to the water.

Effects on the body#

Kava is a central nervous system depressant. Even though it contains no alcohol, it can produce symptoms similar to drunkenness, including difficulty with balance and slurred speech. Its effects can depend on your body size, your general health, whether you have taken kava before, the strength and amount taken, and whether you are taking other drugs at the same time.

Common effects include:

• for small doses — relaxed muscles, sleepiness, feelings of wellbeing, relaxation, and mild loss of feeling in the throat and mouth
• for larger doses — appetite loss, dilated pupils, reddened eyes, nausea and reduced muscle control (ataxia)

Who should avoid kava#

It is dangerous to take kava with other psychoactive drugs or alcohol. There is little information on how kava interacts with other medicines, so it is best to avoid it if you are taking any prescription medicine.

Kava can be dangerous for some people. Do not take kava if you:

• have a pre-existing heart, lung or liver condition
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are driving or operating heavy machinery
• are currently taking pharmaceutical medicine
• drink large quantities of alcohol

Children should not take kava.

Long-term use#

In the long term, kava use may cause a wide range of problems, including:

• breathing difficulties
• visual changes, including sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• slight alterations to blood cells, including white and red blood cells and platelets
• liver damage
• compromised immune function
• kidney damage
• contact dermatitis — causing a scaly, flaky rash on the skin
• appetite loss, leading to malnutrition and weight loss
• loss of drive and motivation
• worsened symptoms of pre-existing mental illnesses such as schizophrenia

There is no evidence that people who regularly drink large doses of kava become dependent, so there does not seem to be a risk of withdrawal if a person suddenly stops taking it. However, medical supervision is still recommended.

Medicinal use#

In 2003, products containing kava were banned in a number of countries because of concerns about possible toxic effects on the liver. In some places, all products containing kava were temporarily withdrawn after a person died from liver failure. Following later review, products with standardized amounts of kava, such as supplements and teabags, became available again, and these can be used for stress, anxiety and insomnia.

If you are thinking about taking kava for medicinal purposes, contact a healthcare professional first.

Seek medical advice#

Immediately seek medical advice if you experience any symptoms while taking preparations containing kava. Symptoms may include:

• yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
• appetite loss
• extreme tiredness
• raised body temperature
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal pains
• brown-colored urine
• unusual bruises or bleeding

Key points#

• There does not seem to be a risk of withdrawal if a person suddenly stops taking kava
• Immediately seek medical advice if you experience any symptoms while taking preparations containing kava
• Symptoms may include yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)

Where to get help#