Kava Kava
Kava is a traditional South Pacific root used for calm, social ease, and tension relief. It can feel noticeably relaxing without “knocking you out,” but it’s not for everyone—kava has important liver and sedation cautions, and it should not be mixed with alcohol. Best used short-term or occasionally, not as an everyday forever-herb.
Key Benefits
- Supports calm mood during stress (supportive)
- May ease muscle tension and restlessness (supportive)
- Can support sleep quality when tension is the issue (supportive)
- May help with occasional social tension (supportive)
Common Issues It May Help With
- Stress and tension
- Occasional anxiety
- Restlessness
- Trouble unwinding at night
How To Use (Simple)
- Traditionally prepared as a water-based drink from ground root. Modern options include capsules, tinctures, or extracts—follow label directions. Start low, use in the evening, and avoid daily long-term use unless clinician-guided.
Taste / Notes
Earthy, peppery, numbing on the tongue.
Evidence Level
Some evidence supports kava for anxiety-related symptoms depending on product quality and dose, but safety concerns limit routine use. Product type matters (root-only, reputable sourcing).
Cautions
HIGH CAUTION: Do not combine with alcohol. Avoid if you have liver disease, past hepatitis, or elevated liver enzymes. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue, or abdominal pain. Avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Can cause drowsiness—do not drive after use.
Interactions
Additive sedation with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleep meds, opioids, sedating antihistamines Potential liver stress with other liver-impacting drugs/supplements (use caution) If taking psychiatric medications, consult clinician due to CNS effects
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