For the last few years, I have been taking the medicinal herb kava (sometimes called kava-kava) as a treatment for my anxiety disorder. This powerful medicinal herb has been repeatedly found to combat anxiety symptoms as effectively as some of the world’s best-known pharmaceutical drugs, often with fewer side effects. However, one major concern affects the many people who use kava: is it safe to use with alcohol?
Even as a kava user, I do enjoy an occasional beer or glass of wine, but I do so while remaining mindful of the effects that the combination might have on my health. To date, I haven’t had any negative side effects associated with light alcohol use in conjunction with kava use. However, it is prudent for kava users to either avoid or strictly limit alcohol intake. Here are some reasons why.
Possible Increased Drowsiness
Like many, if not most, drugs used to treat anxiety, kava causes some degree of drowsiness. When combined with alcohol, which also slows the central nervous system, these effects can be significant. I suggest combining alcohol with kava only if an unexpected episode of drowsiness will not be a problem. For example, you might choose to have a glass of wine after dinner while taking kava, with the understanding that you may find yourself drawn to your bed within a few minutes.
Slower Reflexes
Kava can intensify the reflex-slowing effects of alcohol. You shouldn’t be driving after drinking anyway, but this is especially true if you use kava or any other treatment for anxiety. When I’m not using kava, I might drive an hour or two after finishing one drink, but I don’t regard this as a responsible choice when the two products are combined. My advice: don’t drink at all — not even one drink — if you take kava and you will need to drive.
The compounds in kava can dramatically increase the effects of alcohol, so you may find yourself feeling very inebriated much sooner than when you drink without kava. When combined with kava, a drink or two might make you feel as intoxicated as five or six. If you choose to drink while using kava, understand that your tolerance for alcohol will be much lower than before.
Kava has been linked to rare, but serious, cases of liver damage. Although it is a very rare problem, people who are susceptible to liver disease are strongly advised to avoid the product. Alcohol, especially in large amounts, can also damage the liver, so there is some concern that it could intensify this effect. If you have a history of alcoholism or intend to have more than a few drinks per month, kava may not be the best choice for you. However, I have combined the two in small to moderate quantities for some time, and lab work shows that my liver in in ideal condition.
We ultimately don’t know exactly how safe or unsafe it is to combine kava with alcohol, so most practitioners advise erring on the side of caution and avoiding the combination. However, if you do choose to drink while taking the herb, be sure to limit your intake, watch for unusual symptoms, and check with your doctor about any troubling side effects you may experience.
The National Library of Medicine offers more information about kava’s side effects and interactions.
