Some studies in complementary therapies have shown that kava can reduce symptoms of stress and mild anxiety, enhance mood and improve sleep in the short-term. More studies are needed for kava’s effect on severe anxiety. It is not currently recommended as a medicine or treatment for anxiety disorders.

Kava tablets or capsules made with kava extract may be sold over the counter as treatment for anxiety, insomnia or stress.

Kava was banned in Australia in 2007 due to concerns over misuse and health problems in First Nations communities. However, many Pacific Islanders who settled in Australia have continued drinking kava or using kava extracts.

In recognition of kava’s cultural significance for Pacific Islander communities, the Australian Government launched the Kava Pilot Program in 2019 to increase accessibility of kava into Australia. This program was rolled out in two phases: Phase 1 was implemented in December 2019 and doubled the amount of kava that can be imported by passengers from two kilograms to four kilograms. Phase 2 was implemented in 2021 and allowed the commercial importation of kava into Australia as food.

On its own and in moderation, kava’s side effects are usually mild and include cramping and nausea.

If a large amount is taken the following effects may also be experienced:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Loss of muscle control
• Mild fever
• Liver problems
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Dry, itchy, and scaly skin
• Pupil dilation and red eyes.

There is evidence to suggest that in some reported cases, the effects of kava were severe enough to require liver transplants. People are advised to avoid kava if they:

• Plan to drive or use machinery
• Plan to drink alcohol
• Are caring for children, pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have liver disease.

Kava has the potential to interact with several drugs and medications. Risk of harm and unpredictable effects increase when kava is mixed with other drugs like alcohol, benzodiazepines, GHB, opioids or hepatic route drugs.

Kava can cause serious side effects like liver damage when mixed with alcohol and other drugs. Kava has also been shown to cause liver damage when taken in an alcoholic or acetonic extract. Water-based extracts of kava (as a drink or tablet) should not be consumed with alcohol, especially if there is a history of liver damage or disease.

Kava dependence is unlikely; however, ongoing and frequent use can cause harm when mixed with other drugs.

If you think you may be experiencing some of the symptoms described above as a result of too much kava or feeling unwell after drinking kava, contact your GP immediately.

Although kava is more accessible due to the pilot program, there is limited evidence to determine use. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS), fewer than one in 100 people (0.8% of the population) aged 14 and over had consumed kava in Australia in the previous 12 months in 2022-2023.

The NDSHS also showed that people in their 30s (1.2%) and 40s (1.3%) were the most likely to have consumed kava in Australia in the previous 12 months. People born in New Zealand and Oceania (excluding Australia) were 6.6 times as likely as people born in Australia to have consumed kava in Australia in the past 12 months.

Results from a separate evaluation report showed that 74% (out of 236 participants) of Pacific Islander community survey participants in Australia had used kava within the last 12 months.

The Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) is an Australian monitoring system run by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) at UNSW Sydney that identifies emerging trends of local and national concern in illicit drug markets.

The Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) is an Australian monitoring system run by NDARC that identifies emerging trends of local and national interest in ecstasy and related drug use, markets and harms.

The Pocket Guide to Drugs and Health is a publication authored by experts from NDARC that provides information for health professionals on the impact of drug use.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare collects information on alcohol and tobacco consumption, and illicit drug use among the general population in Australia.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is Australia’s national statistical agency, providing official statistics on a range of economic, social, population and environmental matters of importance to Australia.

Alcohol and Drug Foundation (2024). Kava. Retrieved from: adf.org.au/drug-facts/kava/

Alcohol and Drug Foundation (2022). New kava regulations in Australia. Retrieved from: adf.org.au/insights/kava-whats-new/

Asare-Doku, W., Settumba Stolk, S., Peacock, A., et. al (2023). Monitoring and evaluation of the kava pilot program. National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024) Kava in the NDSHS. AIHW, Australian Government. Retrieved from: aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/kava-ndshs

Department of Health and Aged Care (2023.) Kava Pilot (phases 1 and 2). Office of Drug Control, Australian Government. Retrieved from: odc.gov.au/about-us/reviews-and-reforms/kava-pilot-phases-1-and-2

Lee K, Freeburn N, Ella S, et al (2012). Handbook for Services Aboriginal Alcohol and Drug Work.