Kava
Dating back well over 3,000 years, kava has been used by the people of the South Pacific as both a social and ceremonial drink. It has also touted as a remedy for a host of ailments on which it has no significant effect, including asthma, arthritis, indigestion, cystitis, syphilis, and gonorrhea. However, kava does hold promise in alleviating mild forms of anxiety and insomnia.
How It Works
In the 1960s, European researchers isolated substances called kavalactones, which seem to produce a calming, sedative-like effect. These substances also appear to relax muscles, relieve spasms, and prevent convulsions. Nevertheless, just how these compounds work their magic is not fully understood. Some researchers believe that kava's mechanism of action is similar to that of conventional tranquilizers such as Valium. These medications interact with special binding sites in the brain called GABA receptors. Some studies point to kava having a similar effect while others suggest that the herb does not affect these receptors at all. Even so, researchers believe kava is exerting some influence on the brain.
What It Might Do for You
Although it may not cure severe forms of anxiety, kava may be able to take the edge off more mild varieties. Millions of us suffer through bouts of stress that lead to temporary periods of sleeplessness and anxiety. Our choice has been to simply suffer through it or seek tranquilizing medications - many of which have debilitating side effects and are highly addictive. Kava, on the other hand, may be a natural, nonaddictive alternative for relieving mild anxiety.
Potential Side Effects
When used appropriately, kava appears to be safe. However, when first taking kava, you may experience some grogginess or fatigue. In rare cases, kava can cause stomach upset and an allergic rash. In fact, long-term, excessive use of kava can cause a dry, scaly rash called "kava dermopathy." However, it will disappear upon stopping use of the herb. In addition, high doses of the herb have also been known to trigger hepatitis.
Herb-Drug Interactions
If you decide to take kava, talk it over with your healthcare provider as many drugs can interact with the herb. For instance, kava is not recommended for those taking Levidopa, a drug used to treat Parkinson's. Also be careful of mixing kava with medications indicated for insomnia or anxiety such as benzodiazepines. These meds include:
- Xanax
- Libritabs
- Librium
- Lipoxide
- Mitran
- Reposans-10
- Klonopin
- Gen-Xene
- Tranxene
- Tranxene-SD
- Diastat
- Valium
- Valrelease
- ProSom
- Dalmane
- Durapam
- Paxipam
- Ativan
- Serax
- Doral
- Restoril
- Halcion.
Also be careful of combining kava and antipsychotic drugs such as:
- Thorazine
- Permitil
- Prolixin
- Serentil
- Trilafon
- Compazine
- Sparine
- Anergan
- Phenergan
- Mellaril
- Stelazine
- Vesprin
Principal Author:
Stefanie Perelman, M.S., R.D., holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master's in clinical dietetics from New York University. A registered dietitian, she presently works at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and is available for private consultation.
Nutrition Editor
Donna Tinnerello MS, RD, CD/N is registered dietitian with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. She works in lower Manhattan at Cabrini Medical Center, the community and in private practice. Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight loss. Donna is available for private consultation by referral only.