Kava is an extract from the Piper methysticum plant, a tropical evergreen shrub with heart-shaped leaves from the South Pacific region. It’s also referred to as kava, Ava, 'awa root, and the kawa. There are many other names for kava, but these are most known, especially at kava bars. Before trying the root extract, learning the kava tea side effects will benefit your health and well-being and possibly prevent an addiction.
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Kava Root Benefits
Kava is generally consumed as a tea; however, capsule and powder forms are accessible. Although addiction to the substance can lead to sickness and adverse side effects, if a person drinks kava to improve specific health issues, and in moderation, then benefits are available to the body. Here are some kava root benefits and side effects:
- Relieves headaches
- Supports weight loss
- Dissolves kidney stones
- Improves sleep patterns
- Reduces stress or anxiety
- Cures sore gums and throat
- Helps individuals quit smoking
Ultimately, kava tea side effects can lead to pleasant outcomes and restore the body and mind from physical issues. Kava lowers aggression relieves sore muscles, and much more. To think kava has negative impacts on the body may seem surprising since it’s a natural substance, but unfortunately, addiction leads to concerning side effects, especially on the brain.
What Is a Kava Bar?
A kava bar is an establishment that provides a relaxing space for people to gather around and drink kava. One of the country’s first kava bars was opened in Boca Raton, Florida. The substance has been approved by officials, stating it is safe to consume. Kava bars are growing in popularity, and locations are spreading across America.
Kava Effects on the Brain & Body
Kava affects the central nervous system, including the spinal cord and brain. Kavalactones are the active ingredients in the substance and are passed through the bloodstream. Many people use kava tea to act as a natural alternative to benzodiazepines to avoid Xanax addiction and other prescription drug addictions. Yet the increase in dopamine and relaxation cause people to form an addiction to kava.
Kava is metabolized by a cluster of liver enzymes responsible for breaking down other substances. It’s not recommended to mix kava with other drugs since it will be dominant in the body, and the enzymes will have difficulty breaking down the other chemicals, causing liver damage. Likewise, a person should avoid alcohol if frequently consuming kava since the liver will feel the negative effects twice as quickly.
Kava Tea Side Effects
Although there are plenty of benefits, the side effects of kava may make a person think twice about drinking the substance. If you are wondering how long kava effects last, the effects typically last one to three hours. Kava is a powerful herb, and only drinking it in small doses is highly recommended.
Here are some adverse side effects of kava:
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Blurry vision
- Enlarged liver
- Facial puffiness
- Less protein in the blood
- Lower blood plasma levels
Kava overdose side effects can include more severe symptoms like scaly and cold skin, low lymphocyte levels, shortness of breath, and a slow pulse. If experiencing any of these symptoms after ingesting kawa, a person should seek immediate care. Professionals can provide a medically monitored detox and other forms of treatment to safely help a person through addiction and help them to avoid overdose.
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Overcome Negative Kava Tea Side Effects at Banyan Detox Stuart
If you or a loved one desire to recover and return to living a productive life, then the medical staff at Banyan Treatment Center Stuart can help. We offer unique therapies and programs like art therapy and solution-focused brief therapy. Avoid overdose or long-term health issues by receiving professional care.
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Please do hesitate to contact our Stuart rehab center at 888-280-4763 and ask about our residential drug treatment, and get started right away!
Related Readings:
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (n.d.). Kava: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH.
- PMC (PubMed Central). (n.d.). Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges.
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2003). Kava extract versus placebo for treating anxiety. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003383.pub3
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology. (2017). Interaction of Plant Extracts with Central Nervous System Receptors. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.022
- MDPI. (2023). Hawaiian Plants with Beneficial Effects on Sleep, Anxiety, and Mood ....
- Food and Chemical Toxicology. (2007). Immunohistochemical analysis of expressions of hepatic cytochrome P450s in F344 rats fed kava extract. DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2007.04.012
- FDA. (2020). Scientific Memorandum: Kava (8/11/2020).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2025). Increase in Poison Center Reports Linked to Kratom-Containing Products and Kava Resurgence — National Poison Data System, 2000–2025.
