Kava root has been discovered as a herbal remedy for treating muscle seizures and relieving anxiety. Kavapyrones found in the root calm the brain, which creates a relaxing and soothing effect in the body. You can also consume kava root in the form of tea or supplements.
What is Kava Root?
Scientifically known as Piper methysticum, the kava root is a tropical shrub with woody stems and heart-shaped leaves. In Pacific culture, people drink kava tea as a part of celebration ceremonies. Kavalactones are chemicals you can find in the kava root that directly affect the brain and central nervous system. Kava is famous as alternative medicine in history, and some recent medical research has also been conducted on it.
Kavalactones, an active ingredient in the plant, make 3 to 20% of the dry weight of the kava plant. These chemicals may also help to reduce anxiety and pain. According to very limited research, even decrease cancer risk in the body. Most of the research on kava is based on its effects on reducing stress and anxiety. [1]
Kava Root Benefits
The main benefit associated with the usage of kava root is a decrease in anxiety levels which is caused by kavalactones. These kavalactones may vary depending on the growing conditions of the plant. Moreover, the effects produced by these chemicals also rely on the body size, overall health, and how used your body is to kava.
Reduction in anxiety
Research shows that the kava plant can help treat anxiety disorders. A study in 2013 with 75 volunteers to apply the clinical trial showed that kava tea had a small but effective impact on lessening anxiety symptoms in people. The participants who consumed the kava tea complained only of headaches and no other significant side effects. [2]
While medication is available for controlling anxiety and stress disorders, they have multiple side effects on the body, which could be harmful. Kava is a presumably safer drug to use for managing anxiety. Many further studies were carried out to check the kava plant’s effects on anxiety, and 11 of such studies concluded that the kava plant is a safer alternative to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Kava as a sleeping aid
A lack of sleep is as problematic as anxiety, and people resort to medication and drugs to improve their sleeping habits. These medicines can be addictive, and people become largely dependent on them. Kava may be great as an alternative to these medicines for calming down the nerves and helping people to sleep better.
Research conducted on 24 people showed that kava reduced insomnia and stress better than a placebo. Further improved studies also proved that kava was better than medicines in reducing insomnia. However, this improvement in sleep might also contribute to reducing anxiety. Since insomnia is mostly stress or anxiety-related, kava tea can induce sleep by relaxing and reducing the anxiety aspect of the body. [3]
Kava Root Extract
Kava is normally taken in the form of tea, supplements, and powder. The kavalactones are extracted from the plant for usage in supplements. Initially, people used to grind the kava root into a paste and then boil it for drinking in the form of tea, but now pre-made kava extract is available in the markets.
Even though it is natural, you can consume kava safely. Kava extract can be used between 150 to 450mg by adults for two years. Research shows that the optimal dosage is 250mg per day. However, it is recommended to ask your doctor or physician before using it. [4]
Kava Root Side Effects
Despite being a natural alternative medicine to stress and anxiety-related problems, using kava can have certain side effects. Taking kava daily can make it difficult for people to use and operate machinery, and since it makes you drowsy, it shouldn’t be consumed before driving.
Some suggest that kava can cause liver damage; however, there is limited research about it, and rare cases have been reported. Kava also interacts with alcohol, and using it with liquor can increase the risk of liver damage. Kava consumption should be in controlled amounts, and you should see a doctor if you face some side effects.
Those who are already facing health issues such as heart and liver problems shouldn’t consume kava without their physician’s permission.
Kava Root Effects
Kava is similar to alcohol because it acts as a depressant for the central nervous system. Its effects on the body depend on the body size, the amount you consume, and even the kind of kava you use. A small dose of kava will simply make you feel drowsy, have relaxed muscles, appetite loss, and slight numbness in the mouth and throat. A larger dose could also lead to eyes reddening, pupils dilating, nausea, and ataxia, where one loses control of muscle movement.
Be sure to see that you are not taking psychoactive drugs which could interact with kava and cause health issues.
Kava Root Tea
Historically, people consumed kava tea and drank it to relax the mind. If you have a kava root, you can make a paste out of it and boil it to make tea. However, kava tea is now available in markets either alone or alongside other herbs that also induce relaxation in the body.
Before getting kava tea, read that it has kavalactones as part of the ingredient list and not just a proprietary blend of products. This way, you will know how much kava you are consuming.
Kava Root Supplements
Many who don’t like the taste of kava tea use it in the form of capsules. When buying kava supplements, be sure to check the kavalactone content to know your dosage. Most supplements contain between 30% to 70% of kavalactones. Before taking kava supplements, ask your doctor and check if other medications you are consuming are interactive with kava. [5]
Bottomline
Even though kava is a natural source of controlling anxiety and may have other benefits, it can be unsafe if used in large amounts daily. Since it brings about an effect of drowsiness and relaxed muscles, be sure not to consume it before driving or working. Moreover, further research needs to be conducted to see how effective kava can be in other medical conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Sarris, J., Stough, C., Bousman, C. A., Wahid, Z. T., Murray, G., Teschke, R., Savage, K. M., Dowell, A., Ng, C., & Schweitzer, I. (2013). Kava in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 33(5), 643–648. https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0b013e318291be67
- Sarris, J., Stough, C., Bousman, C. A., Wahid, Z. T., Murray, G., Teschke, R., Savage, K. M., Dowell, A., Ng, C., & Schweitzer, I. (2013, October). Kava in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 33(5), 643–648. https://doi.org/10.1097/jcp.0b013e318291be67
- Lehrl S. (2004). Clinical efficacy of kava extract WS 1490 in sleep disturbances associated with anxiety disorders. Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Journal of affective disorders, 78(2), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0165-0327(02)00238-0
- Teschke, R., Sarris, J., & Lebot, V. (2011, January). Kava hepatotoxicity solution: A six-point plan for new kava standardization. Phytomedicine, 18(2–3), 96–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.10.002
- Olsen, L. R., Grillo, M. P., & Skonberg, C. (2011). Constituents in kava extracts potentially involved in hepatotoxicity: a review. Chemical research in toxicology, 24(7), 992–1002. https://doi.org/10.1021/tx100412m
