This psychoactive member of the pepper family has been
used historically in the South Pacific Islands as a ceremonial
and recreational tranquilizing beverage.15,16 It is an approved
medication in Germany for “states of nervous anxiety, tension,
and agitation” in doses of 60-120 mg of kavalactones for
up to 3 months duration.17 Rather than implying any danger
in continued use, the 3-month limit is more likely a suggestion
that one should explore other causes for the anxiety,
including those amenable to psychotherapy and stress-reduction
techniques.
Kava is increasingly popular in the United States for shortterm
relief from anxiety and stress. This includes successful
use for such stressors as fear of flying and performance anxiety.
In one example, a 28-year-old screenwriter reports that
he took kava (2 60 mg caps) successfully to overcome
presentation “nerves,” with no impairment in his ability to
concentrate and perform.18 The muscle-relaxing effects make
it particularly useful in treating headaches, backaches, and
other tension-related pain.