10 Things You Need to Know About Kava
Kava isn’t a secret, but it’s not exactly a household name on the mainland. Let’s dive into the top 10 things you should know about kava.
What Is Kava?
Kava, also known as Piper methysticum, kava kava, or ‘awa, is a small shrub native to the South Pacific islands. Its root and stems are used to create a non-alcoholic, psychoactive drink that has been enjoyed socially and ceremonially for centuries in places like Hawaii, Fiji, and Tonga. Traditionally, it’s prepared by putting ground root and stem into a porous sack, submerging it in water, and squeezing the juice into a large wooden bowl. The drink is served in coconut half-shell cups. After consuming a cup or two, people typically feel a heightened sense of relaxation and attentiveness without the mental fog caused by alcohol. The taste is somewhat earthy and may take some getting used to, depending on your flavor preferences.
Kava Might Help Anxiety
Since the early 90s, kava has been promoted as an herbal remedy for stress, anxiety, and insomnia, and its popularity has been on the rise. The hype is backed by extensive clinical evidence. Kava contains compounds called kavalactones, which are responsible for its psychoactive effects. These compounds act on non-opiate pathways in the brain, providing natural and non-narcotic relief from anxiety. Some studies even suggest that kava could be as effective, or better than, pharmaceutical drugs like benzodiazepines. According to Duke University Medical Center, kava can help reduce anxiety without causing dependency or negatively affecting heart rate, blood pressure, or sexual function. A 75-participant, 6-week, double-blind trial by the University of Melbourne’s Department of Psychiatry found that kava was effective in reducing anxiety and was generally well tolerated, with only a few instances of headache reported. It’s also seen as a promising candidate for future research on improving attention disorders.
Kava Lessens Menopausal Mood Swings
For many women, menopause comes with hormone fluctuations that can lead to mood swings. While hormone replacement therapy and other medications are often used, many prefer natural solutions. Kava may be a good option in this regard, as it can improve psychological well-being without interfering with estrogen’s therapeutic effects, which is particularly important for those concerned about osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. A clinical study from 2003 reported that kava helped improve mood among menopausal women. Additionally, research from earlier this year found that kava significantly increased libido in women.
There Are Questions Surrounding Kava & Liver Health
A lot of discussion surrounds kava and liver health. Some warnings suggest it could be toxic to the liver, but most research shows there’s little evidence supporting this. Studies by Ohio State University and South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy indicated that kava is not only non-toxic to the liver but might even protect it. The primary argument against kava-related liver damage is that such damage is unpredictable, dose-independent, and not reproducible, suggesting individual metabolic differences are more likely the culprit.
Kava Might Turn You Into a Fish
Not literally, but one side effect of heavy, consistent use of kava is a scaly skin rash known as dermopathy. There are several theories about its cause. Some believe it could be due to interference with cholesterol metabolism, while another hypothesis suggests a niacin deficiency (though this has been dismissed). Another idea is that certain kava metabolites bind to skin proteins, triggering an immune response. Fortunately, this condition is usually associated with heavy, prolonged use and tends to reverse once kava consumption stops.
Kava is Used as Therapeutic Support for Addiction
Substance abuse is a significant issue in the United States, and kava might offer some help in this area. Kava contains compounds called kavapyrones that bind to brain areas associated with addiction and cravings. Though still preliminary, some clinical studies have shown that kava might reduce drug cravings. Future research will hopefully continue to explore these potential benefits.
Kava Shouldn’t Be Mixed With Prescription Drugs
This advice applies to all herbal therapies. Prescription medications and nutritional supplements can interact because they are metabolized by the same enzymes. If you are taking prescription drugs, consult your doctor before starting any supplemental therapies, including kava. The South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy notes that kavalactones inhibit several enzymes and block specific receptors and uptake channels. While this isn’t necessarily harmful, it could be problematic if taken with drugs that are metabolized by the same enzymes or have similar pharmacological properties.
Think Twice About Concentrated Extracts
Traditional kava preparation involves extracting active compounds with water, similar to making tea. Some companies, however, use harsh solvents like acetone or methanol to create concentrated extracts. While studies suggest these extracts may be non-toxic, others argue they might cause liver damage. Solvents could react with kava to produce harmful metabolites. Water not only extracts kavalactones but also glutathione, which promotes liver health. Plus, using water follows traditional preparation methods and is more effective at extracting beneficial kavalactones.
Some Folks Are Tarnishing Kava’s Image
Unfortunately, some people misuse herbs like kava, detracting from their holistic value. For instance, the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy has identified questionable online merchants marketing kava as a “legal alternative” to illegal drugs. Some brands of “herbal ecstasy” include kava, and more recently, “relaxation drinks” containing ingredients like melatonin, valerian, kava, and tryptophan have hit the market. These products are often marketed as sedatives in a can. Additionally, some “bust enhancing” products claim to use kava, though they are ineffective.
Avoid Driving When Enjoying Kava
Safety concerns about the impact of sedatives, whether prescription or herbal, on driving ability are valid. Kava does have a physically tranquilizing effect. To assess kava’s impact on driving, researchers at the University of Melbourne conducted a driving simulation experiment with 22 adults given a “small” serving of kava. While no impairing effects were observed, the small sample size and serving size mean further research is needed. The best advice? Play it safe, and if you’re planning to enjoy kava, don’t drive.
Supplementing With Kava
Incorporating kava into your routine might offer various benefits, but it’s essential to approach it with awareness and caution, taking all the potential interactions and individual responses into account.
