Why do people drink kava

Kava is a plant from the South Pacific; the drinks made from its root have been consumed for centuries for their anti-anxiety and euphoric effects. As interest in kava has grown, several kava bars have popped up all over the United States.

Though no good data exists on kava use, experts say that kava popularity has increased in the US. But the plant has a troubled past and a murky safety record. Kava consumption has been associated with liver injury in the US and Europe. Despite years of research, scientists are still unsure about what in the plant, if anything, is toxic. The uncertainty is prompting kava-producing countries to act. Next week, at a joint session in Vanuatu , they will discuss how the plant can be cultivated and processed safely.

But until the standards are in place, drinking kava can be risky. Though the cases of liver toxicity have been disputed through the years, several adverse event reports submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration and obtained by The Verge through a FOIA request show that every year, a few people get sick from consuming kava drinks or pills containing kava extract. Some people developed liver problems and severe skin rashes after drinking kava teas. In , a year-old woman died of acute hepatitis — an inflammation of the liver — after taking kava supplements.

In these cultures, people have been drinking kava ceremonially for more than 2, years — to celebrate important social events or welcome a new guest. In , kava was intentionally introduced into Aboriginal communities in Australia as an alternative to alcohol.

Following these case reports, in , several countries including Germany, Switzerland, France , Australia , and Canada restricted the sale of kava. In , Germany lifted its kava ban, but kava sales are still restricted.

Since then, scientists all over the world have analyzed the South Pacific plant to understand whether kava damages the liver and if so, why. Fifteen years later, no definite conclusions have been reached — and the only consensus is that more research needs to be done. Some health effects are no secret. Drinking too much kava is also associated with impotence and loss of sex drive. When it comes to liver damage, however, the science gets murky.

The Australian Government's Budget included measures to increase consumer access to kava and are due to be implemented by Further information. There is no evidence that people who regularly use kava become dependent on the drug, so if you stop taking it, you are unlikely to experience withdrawal symptoms. However, if you have health problems seek medical advice. If your use of Kava is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, you should seek help and support.

Not sure what you are looking for? Try our intuitive Path2Help tool and be matched with support information and services tailored to you. Last published: November 10, What is Kava? Read more about importation of kava.

How is it used? Pacific Islands Traditionally, Pacific Islanders crushed, chewed and ground the root and stump of the shrub, then soaked it in cold water to produce a drink for ceremonies and cultural practices. Fresh kava is another story. So what consumers in the United States and other regions get is the earthy taste Pingel describes.

So is it legal in the United States? Kava is legal in the United States for personal use as a dietary supplement. In fact, kava is legal in most countries, and is often regulated as a food or dietary supplement Poland, though, is the only country to outright ban the plant.

A German study linked kava to liver damage, leading to a now-reversed regulatory ban in Germany. The research also prompted the U. Food and Drug Administration to issue a consumer advisory that year for supplements containing kava. Those findings, however, have been largely disputed since. Newswire Powered by. Close the menu.

Rolling Stone. Log In. People aged over 18 years entering Australia can bring in up to four kilograms of kava in their accompanied baggage although local restrictions mean that kava cannot be brought into Western Australia or the Northern Territory.

Read more about kava import restrictions. The active chemicals in kava are known as kavalactones. Variations in growing conditions such as soil type and the amount of sunlight and water available and different varieties of plant mean that the strength of kavalactones can vary widely.

The strength of a dose of kava also depends on how the drink is prepared and how much powdered kava is added to the water. Kava is a central nervous system depressant. Even though there is no alcohol in kava, it can produce similar symptoms to drunkenness, including difficulty with balance, and slurred speech. There is little information on how kava interacts with other medication, so it's best to avoid kava if you are taking any prescription medicine.

There is no evidence to suggest people who regularly drink large doses of kava become dependent. Because of this there doesn't seem to be a risk of withdrawal if a person suddenly stops taking kava. However, medical supervision is recommended. In , products containing kava were banned in most European countries, because of concerns about its possible toxic effects on the liver. In Australia, all products containing kava were temporarily withdrawn, following the death of one person from liver failure.

This restriction was withdrawn after a review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in As a result of that review, products with standardised amounts of kava, such as in supplements and teabags, are available in Australia. Products with kava can be used for stress, anxiety and insomnia.