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Herbs & Supplements
Kava-Kava
Other Names: Awa, Kava, Kawa, Kew, Piper methysticum, Tonga, Yagona
What side effects should I watch for?
Major Side Effects
Multiple documented cases of liver damage have been attributed to taking kava. While individuals with previous liver conditions appear to be at highest risk; cases of cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver damage, liver failure, and death are believed to have occurred in individuals with no history of liver diseases. In addition, the dose and duration of kava use do not appear to be factors in the development of liver problems. Some individuals who used kava only once or who only took a small amount may have developed serious liver problems. Symptoms of liver damage may include:
- Excessive fatigue
- Extreme widespread itchiness
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Pain or swelling in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Yellowing of the skin or the white parts of the eyes
The unpredictable effect that kava may have on dopamine levels may result in rare cases of uncontrollable movements of the head, mouth, neck, or tongue.
Chronic use of more than 400 mg (0.4 gram)of kava-lactones per day for extended periods of time has resulted in:
- Blood in the urine
- Decreased numbers of platelets
- Decreased numbers of white blood cells
- Increased numbers of red blood cells
- Loss of body protein
- Underweight
Side effects that were seen in a study of individuals who consumed approximately 200,000 mg (200 grams) of kava included:
- Inability to control muscle movements
- Shaking
- Twitches of the eyes
Less Severe Side Effects
Kava has been known to cause upset stomach. Individuals taking kava have also reported central nervous system (CNS) side effects such as dizziness and headaches.
A skin reaction known as "kawaism" has occurred in individuals who consumed large amounts of the kava beverage for extended periods of time. Symptoms of kawaism include dry, rough, yellowish-colored skin and red, irritated eyes.
Kava can cause daytime drowsiness, so individuals who need to drive or perform other tasks that require alertness should avoid its use.
Chewing kava root or drinking kava tea may cause the mouth or tongue to become numb.
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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.
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What side effects should I watch for? 
