Indications

CNS
• over-excited states and mood disorders:
- anxiety
- insomnia
- depression
- epilepsy
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• neuralgia
- Bell's palsy
- sciatica
- neuropathies
• migraines

Urinary
• pain assocaited with the GU tract
• urinary tract infection (UTI)
• irritable bladder
• interstitial cystitis

Actions

• Nervine
• Sedative
• Anxiolytic
• Antispasmodic
• Muscle Relaxant
• Anodyne
• Analgesic (Urinary)
• Antitussive
• Anticonvulsant
• Sialogogue
• Diaphoretic

Constituents

• Kavalactones

Posology

• Liquid extract (1:2): 3-6 ml qd
• Standardized extract: 60-120 mg kavalactones qd

Safety

Caution: May induce hepatotoxicity in those with pre-existing liver disease or as a result of certain preparation techniques.

High doses: Kava dermopathy (dry scaling skin).

Pregnancy and lactation: Use with caution.

Interactions

-Sedatives • may potentiate other related drugs

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002