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History of Kava
The Uses of Kava
Adverse Effects
Contraindications
Scientific Kava
References

 

 


By Jeff Hnath, MD

Welcome to the Kava page.  In this page, we will attempt answer all your questions about kava.

What is Kava? Kava (Piper methysticum, also known as kava kava) is a plant that grows in the South Pacific.  It is also known as kava-kava, kawa, awa, and yangona.

What does this stuff look like?  Kava in the wild is a small bush like plant that has broad heart shaped leaves.  The roots and rhyzomes of the plant are used to obtain the kava extract.

Can I buy a Kava plant at the store?  No.  Kava is sold in most health food stores.  The forms it comes in are tablets, capsules, extract, or a drink.

Is this stuff like candy?  No. Kava is a natural product, but that does not make is entirely safe.  It should be treated like a type of medication.  There are contraindications and side effects.

Click on the links to the left to learn more about kava.

 

News about Kava Kava

Kava Linked to Liver Toxicity

Herbal gram toxicity warnings on Kav

MedWatch - Kava Dear Doc Letter from FDA

WebMD-Lycos - Article - Should You Quit Taking Kava?