Kava Kava Side Effects

Botanically known as Piper methysticum, kava is a plant native to the South Pacific. Belonging to the pepper family Piperaceae, the plant has been an integral part of religious, political and cultural life throughout the Pacific region. The plant is often related to black pepper and possess heart shaped leaves and flowers. Its brown color roots, called Waka, has high medicinal value and is used to prepare a popular narcotic drink called kava kava. The drink is prepared by drying the roots under the sun, grounding them into powder and then mixing it with water.

Kava kava is a popular social drink, similar to alcohol, in South Pacific and so apart from its medicinal uses, the drink also plays a significant role in different rituals and ceremonies. This was just a brief account on kava herb, now before moving on to kava kava side effects, let us first know how it benefits us.

Health Benefits of Kava Kava

Kava kava has been well-known for its mild tranquilizing and pain killing properties and so is commonly used as a folk medicine for numerous health problems. It is used to cure anxiety symptoms, stress, and restlessness, and even sleep disorders (insomnia). The drink also helps to treat mental illnesses like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, psychosis, depression, migraines and other headaches, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and other respiratory diseases like common cold flu, influenza, etc.

Moreover, some studies show that kava kava benefits by reducing the possibilities of muscle pain, tuberculosis, cancer, etc. Also some people uses it to cure the pain and swelling due to urinary tract infections, venereal disease, menstrual discomfort, and even to stimulate sexual desire. Kava is applied on the skin to cure skin disorders like eczema, leprosy and it also promotes fast wound healing.

Side Effects of Kava Kava

Though kava kava is highly beneficial to our body, its potential side effects and dangers cannot be ignored. Hence, check out the below given probable side effects of kava kava.

• Studies show that the drink is known to cause various allergic reactions like skin itchiness, hives, scaly skin rash called kava dermopathy. Besides these, its long term heavy usage can also lead to swelling in the mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, etc.
• One of the most severe kava kava dangers is liver damage. Research shows that excessive intake of kava kava can result in liver damage, including symptoms like jaundice (yellow eyes or skin), upper right abdominal pain, or elevated liver enzymes, loss of appetite, etc.
• Apart from these, its high dosage and long term use can also cause hypertension, reduced protein levels, blood cell abnormalities, muscle weakness or spasms, visual impairment, mild dizziness, headaches, nausea and fatigue.
• Another kava kava side effect is that it reacts adversely with other beverage alcohol and certain types of medications. Some reports show it causes dizziness and other unpleasant side effects when taken along with phenothiazines (medications used to treat schizophrenia). Moreover, it has also been reported to subdue the effectiveness of levodopa, a drug used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and can lead to severe tremors which is a common Parkinson's disease symptom.

Children, pregnant or nursing women and patients being treated for depression or other health disorders should avoid having kava kava. Though if consumed in right proportions, it may not cause any adverse affects, people having allergy to any member of the pepper family, such as black pepper, Piper nigrum, should consult their health care providers before using any kava kava products in order to avoid kava kava side effects.