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Kava kava

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Other names:

Piper methysticun (Piperaceae –black pepper-family), Kava pepper, Kawa-kawa

Common products that contain it include: Kava-calm, Kavatrol, Chill pill

What it is supposed to do:

Treat headaches, depression, insomnia, restless leg syndrome

Improve sex drive

Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent in the urinary tract

How it is supposed to work:

Several of the chemical components of kava interact with pain receptors in the brain and may relax muscles.  The painkilling power is effective for up to 24 hours.

Toxic effects
Gastrointestinal complaints (most common complaint),
"kava dermopathy"- allergic skin reaction (dry and discolored) which resolves with stoppage of the drug,
impaired mental functioning affecting motor reflexes and judgment when driving or using heavy machinery,
Hallucinations, euphoria
muscle weakness, ataxia, blurred vision, CNS intoxication,
deafness
chronic overuse can produce difficulty breathing, alteration in the red and white blood cell counts and liver damage.

Does it work?

Several controlled studies have shown that symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety were significantly reduced in people who took kava as compared to those who took placebo.

Other information:

Do not combine with alcohol and other CNS depressants- individuals will become disoriented and lethargic.

Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid kava.

Avoid kava for two weeks prior to elective surgery.

References:

  1. Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A to Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and their Herbal Remedies. Phyllis A. Balch CNC 2002, Avery, a member of Penguin Putnam, Inc. New York.
 

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Copyright © 2004 Adolescent Herbal Guide
Last modified: February 24, 2004