Traditional Uses

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia (problems sleeping)
• Analgesic (pain killer)
• Urinary antiseptic

Mode of Action

• Contains kava lactones which:
  • act as muscle relaxants and anticonvulsants
  • reduce excitability of the limbic system (the system that controls mood)
  • have a peripheral local anaesthetic effect
  • are a non-opiod pain killer

Drug Interactions

• Do not take with central nervous system depressants including alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepins, phenothiazines
• Do not take with psychopharmacological agents

Cautions

• Avoid in pregnancy and breast feeding
• Do not take for more than 3 months without supervision
• Use caution driving and operating heavy machinery
• Caution in endogenous depression
• Prolonged use can result in yellowing of skin and nails as well as a scaly eruption on the palms and soles
• High doses can lead to decreased motor function and impaired judgment

Recommended Dose

• 150 mg twice a day containing 30% kava lactones. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)

References

• Blumenthal, 1998;
• Chevallier, 1996; Thompson, 1978