Overdose may impair vision, cause liver damage, or lead to spinal cord damage. Do not take with alcohol or barbiturates. Do not take if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. That s one of the real benefits of kava. It s relaxing but not depressing.
Most people feel more alert and have increased mental acuity.
Kava is good medicine any time there is anxiety from stress, mild depression, a phobia, premenstrual syndrome, or menopause. It also helps with insomnia when anxiety causes sleeplessness, says Dr. Catania. For Nerves and Brain Traditionally, only the main root of kava was used medicinally, but the lateral roots, sprouts, and peelings of the interior and exterior bark also contain active ingredients. What apparently brings on feelings of well-being is a group of chemicals known as kavalactones. They are especially abundant in the fat-soluble resin of the roots.