Kava Safety
Is Kava Safe to Drink?
If you are trying kava for the first time, it’s natural to want to learn about and understand kava safety. However, many of the health warnings on kava’s safety that dominate online—namely around the claim that kava can cause liver damage—are outdated or have been disproven. This lack of information often deters people from drinking kava when they could enjoy its relaxation effects.
Fortunately, more up-to-date and positive findings from university research are also being shared. We want to set the record straight and provide the most up-to-date information on kava safety possible. Below, we explain the origins of the kava liver toxicity myth, provide an update, and explain our recommendations for how to safely drink kava.
Background of Kava Liver Damage Concerns
Anyone researching kava for the first time will soon come across websites, blogs, and articles that claim kava drinking is bad for the liver and your health. The origin of these claims is research that was done over 15 years ago in Switzerland and Germany. The research claimed kava contributed to liver damage and, therefore, was unsafe for consumption. This research led to kava drinking being banned in those and other European countries.
However, subsequent research reputed the findings of the original studies. Reviews of the original data revealed that the cases of liver toxicity, initially attributed to kava, actually occurred mainly from two totally different factors:
- Study participants consumed other substances known to negatively affect liver function.
- The researchers used and gave study participants parts of the kava plant that are not meant for use in kava drinks.
As a result, the ban on kava consumption was lifted in Germany in 2015 and has been lifted in other countries since, too. According to the National Library of Medicine, “based upon reported cases, the estimated frequency of clinically apparent liver injury due to kava is less than 1:1,000,000 daily doses.” This confirms that the likelihood of negative health side effects from drinking kava is minimal.
Kava Liver Damage Myth Debunked
A recent study from the World Health Organization (WHO) has debunked the long-held myth connecting kava, a plant native to the South Pacific used for relaxation, to liver damage. The study, titled “Assessment of the risk of hepatotoxicity with kava products,” challenges previous concerns about kava’s safety and finds little scientific evidence supporting a direct link between kava and liver issues. While cases of liver problems related to kava products were reported in the 1990s, the WHO study suggests that most experimental studies and clinical trials do not support the idea that kava harms the liver. Critics argue that many reported cases might not actually be linked to kava, and the benefit-risk ratio of kava for anxiety treatment appears favorable compared to other medications. The study emphasizes that kava and its compounds are not expected to cause liver toxicity. This research highlights the safety and value of kava for relaxation and well-being, countering decades of misconceptions.
Fortunately, in the US, kava is legal and categorized as a herbal supplement. Researchers have easy access to the herb and are unencumbered by any legal restrictions. As a result, we are gaining a better understanding of how kava affects the mind and body. And as a result, a more balanced representation of kava safety is emerging.
A Long History of Drinking Kava
The long history of kava drinking supports this statement that the likelihood of negative side effects from drinking kava is minimal. Kava drinking has been an integral part of the cultural traditions of the Pacific Islands for over 1,000 years without any record of causing liver problems. Pacific Islanders have enjoyed the relaxing characteristics of kava root for centuries, and they continue to do so today. Now, kava can be consumed in many forms, from traditional medium grind kava root to extracts, concentrates, and mints. Kava is considered by certain experts as a helpful plant for medicine, with little risk and good results in addressing anxiety, muscle relaxation, mood improvement, and calmness.
In fact, the World Health Organization’s Codex Alimentarius concludes as follows:
“Kava has had at least a 1500-year history of relatively safe use, with liver side effects never having arisen in the ethnopharmacological data. Clinical trials of kava have not revealed hepatotoxicity as a problem. This has been confirmed by further studies evaluating the toxicology of kava drink. Based on available scientific information, it can be inferred that kava as a traditional beverage is safe for human consumption.”
Here’s What Kava is NOT
Kava is NOT Addictive
Kava differs from addictive substances like alcohol, kratom, and nicotine because it has a reverse tolerance effect. This means that users may feel kava’s effects more with less consumption over time. It’s crucial to use kava responsibly to maintain a healthy relationship with it.
Kava does NOT cause a high
Unlike marijuana or alcohol, kava does not impact mental clarity, so it does not produce a “high”. Instead, kava induces feelings of emotional well-being, calm, and even euphoria.
Kava is NOT a drug
Kava is a legal, non-regulated substance in the United States, not a drug, and is classified as an herbal supplement.
Kava is NOT Addictive
Kava differs from addictive substances like alcohol, kratom, and nicotine because it has a reverse tolerance effect. This means that users may feel kava’s effects more with less consumption over time. It’s crucial to use kava responsibly to maintain a healthy relationship with it.
Kava does NOT cause a high
Unlike marijuana or alcohol, kava does not impact mental clarity, so it does not produce a “high”. Instead, kava induces feelings of emotional well-being, calm, and even euphoria.
Kava is NOT a drug
Kava is a legal, non-regulated substance in the United States, not a drug, and is classified as an herbal supplement.
Kava Safety Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- ONLY drink Noble kava – Noble kava and Tudei kava are two main varieties of kava, with the main difference being in their chemical composition. Noble kava is known for its milder, more pleasant effects and safety profile. It’s the ONLY kind of kava we sell at Kalm with Kava, as it contains lower levels of harmful compounds called flavokavains and is generally well-tolerated. In contrast, Tudei kava is considered less desirable due to its higher levels of these harmful compounds, which can lead to negative side effects and are potentially hazardous to health. We recommend only drinking Noble kava for a safer, more enjoyable kava experience. Learn more about Noble vs Tudei kava.
- ONLY purchase kava from a trusted vendor – Because Tudei kava can cause such negative side effects, it’s crucial to only purchase your kava from trusted vendors known for testing their kava to ensure no adulteration of their product with Tudei kava varieties. When you buy from Kalm with Kava, you are buying superior 100% Noble kava that has been quality tested from a trusted, knowledgeable, and responsible kava vendor.
- Drink kava on an empty stomach – Kava is ALWAYS most effective on an empty or near-empty stomach. Many people will not feel the effects of kava if consumed close after a large meal. It’s recommended to drink kava 3-4 hours after eating. A small amount of people will feel slight nausea when drinking kava on a totally empty stomach and prefer to eat a piece of fruit or a small snack before or after their first shell to eliminate this.
- Stop drinking kava if you start to feel nauseous – If you start to feel dizzy or nauseous when drinking kava, it’s likely kava’s way of telling you that you’ve had enough to drink for the night!
- Follow dosage recommendations – When it comes to kava dosages, a general best practice is to follow the recommended serving size for the kava product you purchase. Learn more about factors that impact kava dosage.
Don’ts
- Do not drink or mix kava and alcohol together.
- Do not drink kava if you are taking any other substances or products that depress mental function or if you are taking antipsychotic or anti-anxiety drugs.
- Do not drink kava and drive. Learn more about kava and driving.
- Do not consume kava when pregnant.
- Do not drink kava if you have or have had previous problems with your liver. Visit our article on updated insights on the kava and liver damage myth.
- We would also recommend that those suffering from Parkinson’s disease avoid the consumption of kava, especially if they have mobility problems. As a natural muscle relaxer, kava can make your limbs feel heavy, making movement feel more problematic.
Kava Safety Disclaimer: Please note that this post is not meant to be a comprehensive review of the total safety of kava. Research is increasing every day on how kava affects individuals. Human physiology varies greatly. If you are concerned about introducing kava to your lifestyle, as with any new herbal supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your primary physician.
Above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information and our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before starting a dietary supplement, it’s always wise to check with a medical doctor. It is especially important for people who are the following: pregnant or breastfeeding, chronically ill, elderly, under 18, or taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines. None of the information is intended to be an enticement to purchase and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Herbal products contain phytochemicals that are not ordinarily found in typical food sources and may produce physiologic effects. Indiscriminate use of any herbal product is not recommended except under the direction of trained health care professionals. In addition, there may be drug interactions that may produce reactions or interfere with the efficacy of prescription medication.
Relax Your Mind & Body Naturally
Now that you’ve graduated from Kalm University, why not try some for yourself?