Traditionally used to help relieve temporary nervous tension

Supports relaxation and a calmer state during periods of temporary stress

Supports muscle relaxation where physical tension forms part of the presentation

May support evening wind-down where nervous tension makes settling difficult

Provides a standardised liquid format for individualised practitioner prescribing

Kava should not be presented as treating generalised anxiety disorder, depression, panic disorder or chronic insomnia. Australian advertising compliance action has specifically identified claims that Kava treats general anxiety disorder as impermissible.

Practitioner-guided relaxation and temporary nervous-tension support

Adults prescribed Kava as part of an individualised nervous-system plan

Professional herbal compounds supporting calm and muscle relaxation

Adults experiencing temporary stress-related physical tension

Practitioner-selected evening formulations where alertness requirements have been considered

Customers requiring a standardised alcohol-free liquid extract rather than tablets or capsules

People whose liver health, alcohol intake, medicines and driving requirements have been professionally reviewed

This product is not intended for unsupervised treatment of an anxiety disorder, depression, persistent insomnia, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease or another diagnosed medical or mental-health condition.

Common name: Kava

Alternative names: Kava Kava, Awa

Botanical name: Piper methysticum

Plant part used: Root

Plant family: Piperaceae

Extract ratio: 1:1

Standardised constituents: 10 mg/mL of kavalactones

Ethanol content: 0% v/v

Format: Standardised single-herb practitioner liquid extract

Bottle size: 500 mL

Kava has longstanding social, ceremonial and traditional use across Pacific Island cultures. This concentrated medicinal extract should still be used according to its own label and practitioner directions rather than treated as interchangeable with a traditionally prepared water-based Kava drink.

Kava (Piper methysticum) root 1:1 liquid extract.

Standardised to contain 10 mg/mL of kavalactones.

Contains ethanol 0% v/v.

Adults: Take 42–84 mL per week, or as directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner.

This is a weekly dosage range and must not be interpreted as 42–84 mL per day.

Use only the amount and duration selected by your practitioner.

Confirm the dosage against the current Australian product label before use.

Shake well before use.

Measure the prescribed amount carefully.

The prescribed amount may be diluted in a small quantity of water immediately before taking.

Follow your practitioner’s recommended timing, particularly where Kava has been selected for evening relaxation.

Do not exceed the recommended or professionally prescribed amount.

Do not take an additional amount because stress, muscular tension or sleeplessness remains present.

Do not combine Kava with alcohol.

Do not drive, operate machinery or perform hazardous work if you feel sleepy, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated or less alert. Kava has dose-dependent depressant effects on the central nervous system and may impair coordination and driving ability.

No added gluten or dairy.

Vegan-friendly.

Do not use if you have a known allergy or sensitivity to Kava or another ingredient in the preparation.

Stop use and seek urgent medical assistance if facial swelling, throat tightness, breathing difficulty, widespread hives or another serious allergic reaction develops.

Always check the current label where allergies or dietary sensitivities are present.

For practitioner dispensing and professionally guided use.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Do not use if you currently have liver disease, previous liver damage, abnormal liver-function results or a history of unexplained liver problems.

Kava-containing medicines have been associated with rare but potentially serious liver injury. The TGA advises people with factors that increase their risk of liver damage to avoid Kava-containing medicines.

Stop taking Kava immediately and seek medical advice for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, persistent itching, unusual fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or upper abdominal pain.

Do not dismiss these symptoms as a detox reaction.

Do not drink alcohol while using Kava. Alcohol and Kava can both cause drowsiness, affect coordination and increase the risk of harmful or unpredictable effects.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take prescription or non-prescription medicines.

Professional review is particularly important with sleeping tablets, benzodiazepines, opioid pain medicines, sedating antihistamines, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, anaesthetic medicines or other central nervous system depressants.

Combining Kava with central nervous system depressants may increase sedation, muscle weakness, impaired reflexes and reduced coordination.

Consult your treating doctor before use if you have Parkinson’s disease or take levodopa or another medicine used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms. The current product page advises caution because Kava may have dopamine-antagonist activity.

Older adults may be more sensitive to drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, impaired balance or medicine interactions and require individual assessment.

Do not use during pregnancy.

Do not use while breastfeeding.

Kava is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and some evidence indicates that Kava constituents may pass into breast milk.

Do not give this practitioner extract to a child or adolescent unless specifically prescribed with an age-appropriate dosage.

Do not use for prolonged periods. The treatment duration should be determined and reviewed by the prescribing practitioner rather than continued indefinitely.

Possible adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, reduced coordination, muscle weakness, fatigue and numbness around the mouth or throat. Regular or excessive use may also be associated with dry skin and other adverse effects.

Do not use Kava as a substitute for prescribed mental-health treatment, sleep medicine, counselling or medical assessment.

Persistent anxiety, panic attacks, severe low mood, major changes in behaviour or sleep problems affecting daily function require professional care.

Discontinue use at least seven days before general anaesthesia, surgery or an invasive procedure unless otherwise directed by your treating healthcare professional.

Tell your doctor, surgeon and anaesthetist that you use Kava.

Keep out of reach of children.

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Follow any additional storage directions printed on the current Australian product label.