Kava is a traditional herbal medicine with a long history of use by Pacific Islanders; it’s well-known for its anxiety-relieving and stress-reducing properties. While kava is commonly ground into a pulp and added to water to create a ceremonial beverage, its use as an anxiety-reducing herb may pose risks. According to Mount Sinai, over 30 cases of liver damage from kava use have been reported in Europe; however, researchers have been unable to confirm if it’s the kava itself that is causing liver damage or if some other factor is responsible. Kava is also known or suspected to have a variety of interactions with other substances, including anticonvulsants, alcohol, and anti-anxiety medications.

Long-term use of kava may also cause a variety of problems, including breathing difficulties, malnutrition, and the exacerbation of pre-existing mental illnesses like schizophrenia, according to the Victoria State Government Department of Health in Australia. As such, doctors recommend against using it for long periods of time.

For More Information

Boiron, https://www.boiron.com
Dr. Jonny Bowden, https://www.jonnybowden.com
EuroPharma, https://www.europharmausa.com
Life Extension, https://www.lifeextension.com

Feature