Calm Down With Kava: What Clinicians Need to Know.

Kava, a rising herbal remedy, shows promise as a treatment for anxiety and insomnia, with 63% of users reporting improved relaxation and mood. Despite its increasing popularity in the U.S., where it is marketed as a safe dietary supplement, concerns about product quality and variability persist. Healthcare professionals must understand kava's potential effects and interactions due to inconsistent findings in studies. Familiarity with its pharmacology is essential for effectively managing kava use in patients seeking natural alternatives for psychological relief.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Kava is a neuroactive medicinal herb that can induce pharmacological effects when ingested. As an herbal remedy, kava exhibits sedative, anesthetic, euphoriant, and entheogenic effects. Kava is used as a relaxant, pain reliever, and remedy for anxiety and insomnia. In the United States, kava is marketed as a safe dietary supplement. Kava's popularity is on the rise due to heightened awareness and interest in natural plant-based health alternatives. Although meta-analyses and systematic reviews of kava use in treating anxiety are favorable, results remain inconsistent. Due to poor quality control, diversity of kava products, and lack of standardization, health care professionals, such as nurses, advanced practice nurses, physicians, physician assistants, and pharmacists, need to be familiar with the pharmacology, possible polydrug interactions, and management of kava use as a remedy for anxiety-related conditions. The purpose of the current article is to provide an overview of kava and its use as a remedy for psychological issues, such as anxiety and nervousness. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(12), 17-24.].