Herbs & Supplements

Kava-Kava Other Names: Awa, Kava, Kawa, Kew, Piper methysticum, Tonga, Yagona When should I be careful taking it? Individuals who have or who have ever had liver conditions and individuals who regularly drink alcoholic beverages should avoid taking kava because it may cause liver damage. Individuals with Parkinson's disease usually have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Kava may increase or decrease amounts of dopamine in the body, possibly worsening Parkinson's symptoms. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take kava because neither its immediate nor its long-term effects on developing babies and infants are known. Precautions Individuals who take kava may need to have their liver function monitored. Taking kava may cause daytime drowsiness, so individuals who need to drive or perform other tasks that require alertness should avoid its use. << Back What side effects should I watch for? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.