Sarah Brown
Kava is a plant native to the South Pacific islands, specifically Hawaii, Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu, Fiji, the Samoas, and Tonga. It is a member of the pepper family and is believed to have originated in Vanuatu. Kava is often consumed as a beverage or extract made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant. The name kava comes from the Polynesian word awa, meaning bitter. Kava has been traditionally used in religious and cultural ceremonies for its sedative, hypnotic, and muscle-relaxant effects, similar to alcohol. While kava is known for its therapeutic and psychoactive properties, there are concerns about its potential toxic effects on the liver, especially when consumed in high doses or in combination with other substances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Guinea |
| Other names | Ava Pepper, Ava Root, Awa, Gea, Gi, Intoxicating, Kawa, Waka, Lewena, Yaqona, Grog, Sakau, Wati, 'Ava, 'Awa |
| Preparation | Crushed, chewed, ground, soaked in cold water |
| Effects | Sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-insomnia, stress-reliever, psychoactive |
| Side effects | Liver damage, malnutrition, weight loss, apathy |
| Risk factors | Antidepressants, Parkinson's disease, liver disease, polydrug use, pregnancy, breastfeeding |
| Legal status | Banned in most European countries, available in Australia and the US |
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What You'll Learn
Kava is a plant native to the Pacific Islands
Pacific Islanders have used kava for thousands of years for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. The traditional kava beverage is made from the roots and stump of the plant, which are crushed, chewed, ground, and soaked in cold water. Kava drinks are now sold at kava bars in many locations in the United States. Outside of the Pacific region, kava is commonly referred to as 'awa in Hawaii, 'ava in Samoa, yaqona or yagona in Fiji, sakau in Pohnpei, seka in Kosrae, and malok or malogu in parts of Vanuatu.
Kava has psychoactive properties and is considered a depressant drug, slowing down the messages travelling between the brain and the body. It can produce symptoms similar to drunkenness, including difficulty with balance and slurred speech. In small doses, kava can cause muscle relaxation, sleepiness, and feelings of wellbeing. However, long-term use of kava has been linked to liver damage, although the evidence is not conclusive. There have been rare but severe cases of liver injury associated with kava use, and the risk may be higher when kava is consumed with alcohol or in concentrated forms such as pills.
The use of kava as a beverage has grown in recent years, both in the Pacific Islands and in other parts of the world. Kava products are sold in the United States as dietary supplements, and in some other countries as drugs or herbal medicines for anxiety and other health conditions. However, there are concerns about the safety of kava, and it has been banned or regulated in some countries due to potential toxic effects on the liver.
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Kava is a central nervous system depressant
Kava is a depressant drug, meaning it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body. It is made from the root or stump of the kava shrub (Piper methysticum), a member of the pepper family native to the South Pacific. Kava is a central nervous system depressant, and while it contains no alcohol, it can produce similar symptoms to drunkenness, including difficulty balancing and slurred speech.
The effects of kava vary depending on the dosage. Small doses can lead to muscle relaxation, sleepiness, feelings of wellbeing, mild loss of feeling in the throat and mouth, and appetite loss. In contrast, larger doses may cause dilated pupils, reddened eyes, nausea, drowsiness, and reduced muscle control (ataxia). Kava is often used for its sedative, hypnotic, and muscle-relaxant effects, similar to alcohol. It is traditionally consumed as a drink, prepared by crushing, grinding, or chewing the root and stump of the shrub, then soaking them in cold water. This drink is commonly used in Pacific Islander communities during ceremonies and cultural practices, strengthening social ties and aiding communication with spirits.
Kava has been explored as a treatment for insomnia, stress, and anxiety disorders. However, it is not currently recommended as a long-term treatment due to concerns about its overall safety and effectiveness. Long-term use of kava has been linked to potential health issues such as malnutrition, weight loss, apathy, and liver damage, especially when consumed with alcohol or in concentrated forms. Mixing kava with other drugs can also lead to unpredictable and harmful effects. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before consuming kava, especially for those with underlying conditions.
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Kava is used for its sedative, hypnotic and muscle-relaxant effects
Kava is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body. It is made from the root or stump of the kava (Piper methysticum) shrub, a member of the pepper family. Kava is often consumed as a drink, supplement, or extract.
Kava is used for its sedative, hypnotic, and muscle-relaxant effects. It is commonly used to treat insomnia, stress, and anxiety. It is also used for withdrawal from drugs like benzodiazepines, and sleeping problems. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting these uses.
Kava produces a state of calmness, relaxation, and well-being without diminishing cognitive performance. It may produce an initial talkative period, followed by muscle relaxation and sleepiness. The beverage has an initial numbing and astringent effect in the mouth, caused by the local anesthetic action of kavalactones.
The strength of a dose of kava depends on how the drink is prepared and how much powdered kava is added to the water. Even though there is no alcohol in kava, it can produce similar symptoms to drunkenness, including difficulty with balance and slurred speech. Small doses of kava can cause relaxed muscles, sleepiness, and mild loss of feeling in the throat and mouth. However, larger doses can lead to dilated pupils, reddened eyes, nausea, drowsiness, and reduced muscle control (ataxia).
Kava is not considered physically addictive, and its use does not lead to dependency. However, it is important to note that kava can have adverse effects when mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Combining kava with alcohol or certain medications can increase the risk of sedation, cognitive impairment, and liver damage.
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Kava may cause liver damage
Kava is a drug made from the ground roots of the Piper methysticum plant, a member of the pepper family. It is native to the Pacific Islands of Hawaii, Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu, Fiji, the Samoas, and Tonga. Kava is traditionally consumed as a water-based drink, with the roots crushed, ground, or powdered and soaked in water to produce a tea-like beverage.
While kava is known for its sedative, hypnotic, and muscle-relaxant effects, there have been concerns about its potential link to liver damage. Long-term and frequent use of kava has been associated with an increased risk of liver toxicity and damage. Several cases have been reported where individuals consuming kava products developed symptoms such as nausea and jaundice, eventually leading to liver failure.
The World Health Organization considers moderate consumption of traditional kava to present an "acceptably low level of health risk." However, the preparation and consumption method can significantly impact its safety profile. Kava prepared with organic solvents or consumed in excessive amounts or concentrated forms, such as pills, may increase the risk of adverse effects, including liver injury.
The mechanism behind kava's potential hepatotoxicity is not entirely clear. Some studies suggest that while kavalactones—the active compounds in kava—are not intrinsically cytotoxic, other components of kava preparations may contribute to liver toxicity. Additionally, kava's ability to alter the way the liver processes certain medications and drugs can further complicate its impact on liver health.
It is important to note that the evidence regarding kava's hepatotoxicity is not conclusive, and some groups have disputed the findings. The frequency of severe liver toxicity due to kava consumption is also unknown, and it may be a rare occurrence. Nonetheless, individuals with a history of liver damage or disease should exercise caution and avoid consuming kava with alcohol or other drugs, as the combination may increase the risk of liver-related adverse effects.
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Kava is not a mushroom, it is a beverage or extract
Kava is made from the ground roots of the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to the Pacific Islands of Hawaii, Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu, Fiji, the Samoas, and Tonga. It is believed to have originated in Vanuatu. The root is crushed, ground or powdered and then soaked in water to produce a tea-like drink. This tea is consumed socially and ceremonially in the South Pacific Islands.
Kava has a bitter taste and is often mixed with water or coconut milk and served cold. It is also available as an extract, which can be sold as over-the-counter tablets or preparations to treat insomnia, stress, and anxiety. Kava is also available as a supplement, which can be dried and used to reduce stress and anxiety.
Kava has been linked to liver damage, although the evidence is not clear. It is recommended that kava is not consumed with alcohol, especially if there is a history of liver damage or disease. It is also advised that children do not consume kava.
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Frequently asked questions
Kava is a drink made from the ground roots of the Piper methysticum plant, a member of the pepper family. It is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body. It is often used for its sedative, hypnotic and muscle-relaxant effects.
No, kava is not a mushroom. It is a plant.
Kava was first grown on the islands of Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Guinea around 3,000 years ago. It is now found in many Pacific islands, including Hawaii, Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, and Tonga.
