Kava side effects

There are both positive and negative side to kava. Kava has long been used to produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. In 1768 Captain James Cook was the first Westerner to record the use of kava in the account of his voyage to the South Seas. Subsequent explorers noted the relaxing, soothing effects of the kava drink.

In the 1980s kava was introduced to the aboriginal populations of the Northern Territories in Australia in order to reduce the on the going abuse of alcohol amongst the population, and to try to improve mortality in a population where alcohol abuse was rife.

In 2002 kava was banned in Europe, the UK and Canada due to concerns over liver toxicity. While the three-week trial raised no major health concerns regarding the kava extract used, the researchers said larger studies were required to confirm the drug's safety. This was enough for the EU and Canada to ban kava importation. The subsequent EU ban was a huge blow to the South Pacific kava economy, causing a total fall of 75% of kava exports over the period 4-10 mouths post the EU ban. In Vanuatu, a fall from (US $1,34 million or vt174200000) to  (US $0.32 million or vt41600000) was experienced during the time of the ban. This represents a fall of 76%. This results a loss of export revenue over US $3.6 million per year.

 
Contrary to the EU banned on kava several case studies where made in which most of them disproved EU belief of the level of toxicity in the liver. One of the most comprehensive  case study is “The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study “  Lead researcher Jerome Sarris, a PhD candidate from UQ's (University of Queensland in Australia) School of Medicine led a group of researcher (D. J. Kavanagh & G. Byrne & K. M. Bone & J. Adams & G. Deed studies).

 "When extracted in the appropriate way, kava may pose less or no potential liver problems. I hope the results will encourage governments to reconsider the ban," Jerome Sarris

Tu Dai Kava vs Noble

Recently Tu dai (two-days) kava Piper Wichami0 has become popular due to its potency. However whilst  potent there are strong concerns over potential hepatotoxic issues with drinking this wild/non-noble strain of kava. In Papua New Guinea it‘s what’s called "Isa", and it’s called "Tuday" in Hawaii. In Vanuatu it is considered a type of "Tapu" kava, pronounced as "two-day" because it is said to have negative effects lasting two days and a increase hepatotoxicity enzymes in the liver. Some dubious exporters have even been known to mix kava stems (the Kavalactone in the stems have a detrimental or opposite effect from the Kavalactone in the kava roots) with milled kava and also saw dust. Its was said that the two-day kava was the resend that the banned was put in place. In Vanuatu there are strict laws over the exportation of Kava. Only strains that by their lactone composition are deemed as "noble" are allowed to be exported. In Vanuatu, Tu dai kava is seen as weed and isn’t recommended for drinking.

The positive

The positive side to kava is one that benefits both the people and the economy but like ever thing moderation is the key. When drinking kava these are effect you’ll feel mild sedation, a slight numbing of the gums and mouth, and vivid dreams. Kava has been reported to improve cognitive performance, promote a cheerful mood and it’s a Muscle relaxant. It has a positive social aspect and micro economy aspect. 

, said study found kava to be an effective and safe treatment option for people with chronic anxiety and varying levels of depression.

"We've been able to show that Kava offers a natural alternative for the treatment of anxiety, and unlike some pharmaceutical options, has less risk of dependency and less potential of side effects," Jerome Sarris said. 

"We also found that kava had a positive impact on reducing depression levels, something which had not been tested before," Jerome Sarris said.

 The negative

The negative effects mainly come from excessive use of kava that’s why moderation is the key. Heavy use of kava has linked to indigestion, dry, flaky, yellowish skin, hair loss, hearing problems, visual disturbances and drowsiness, blood abnormalities, and loss of muscle control, kidney damage, skin scaling, dizziness, and headache, restlessness, upset stomach, and lack of appetite.

Some of the negative effects can be avoided by choosing the right kava (noble or tu dai) and the right amount to take in moderation. Kava should not be taken within two weeks of surgery. Pregnant and nursing women, children, and people with liver or kidney disease shouldn’t use kava. You shouldn’t take it before driving. Kava is a diuretic (is any drug that elevates the rate of urination and thus provides a means of forced diuresis) it may have an additive effect if combined with drugs or herbs and it can impairs liver function. Kava also may interfere with blood clots using drug that influences blood clotting should be avoid unless under a doctor’s supervision.

Use kava safely                 

Kava may increase side-effects of medications used to treat seizures. 
Kava and Alcohol do not go together. Impairment from both alcohol and Kava can produce fatal consequences.   
Kava is reported to have advs effects with sleep and anxiety medications.   
Kava may also reduce the effectiveness of Parkinson's disease medications.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Aside from the fact that it can have an intoxicating effect, side effects from kava are generally mild and rare. You can find more information about kava side effects and buy kava at Vanuatu kava store