Kava-Kava  
(Piper methysticum)  

General Description:  Member of the black pepper family with more than 20 varieties identified.

Part Used:  Root

Uses: 

             muscle relaxant

              anxiety without effecting alertness

               fatigue

               anti-fungal activity

               insomnia

              improves memory

Action:  Active ingredients in roots are alph-pyrones, however their content varies from root to root.  The compounds found are not opiates and do not act on opiate receptors.

Dosage:  Daily dose - 60-120 mg kava pyrones

               Use standardized extracts in 30-50% concentration.

Precautions/Adverse Effects:  Can cause a scaly skin disorder resembling psoriasis, and sunlight may aggravate. 

      Can cause lack of coordination in skeletal muscles.  

Contraindications:    Do not use  during pregnancy or when lactating.  Safety is unknown for children.  Parkinson's disease.

Nursing Considerations:

     Kava potentates these drugs:  Alcohol, Tranquilizers, Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines.

     Kava potentates these herbs:  St. John's Wort, and Valerian 

          Taking concurrently with above may cause lethargy and disorientation. 

     Warn patients that when taking Kava, do not operate heavy machinery or drive  due to sedative effects.

     Due to over 70 varieties of this herb, some have stronger effects than others.

    Kava may be enhanced if taken with food.

            This herb is promoted in the US as alternative to Valium and Xanax