Kava is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body. Kava is made from the root or stump of the kava (Piper methysticum) shrub.1

Kava comes in different forms including:

Kava kava, kawa, waka, lewena, yaqona, grog (Fiji), sakau (Pohnpei), ‘awa (Hawaii), ‘ava (Samoa) and wati (New Guinea).2

Traditionally, Pacific Islanders crushed, chewed and ground the root and stump of the shrub, then soaked it in cold water to produce a drink for ceremonies and cultural practices. These rituals were said to strengthen ties among groups, reaffirm status and help people communicate with spirits.1

Many Pacific Islanders who have settled in Australia have continued drinking kava or using kava extracts.3

Kava was introduced to the communities in the north of Australia in the 1980s as a substitute for alcohol, to reduce alcohol-related harms in the community. The kava drink is often used for sedative, hypnotic and muscle-relaxant effects, in much the same way that alcohol is used.11

Kava extract is used in some herbal preparations. They are sold as over-the-counter tablets and preparations to be used in the treatment of insomnia, stress and anxiety.4

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. Even medications can produce unwanted side effects. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

Kava affects everyone differently, based on:

The following effects may be experienced:

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

Regular use of large amounts of kava may eventually cause:

Manufactured products such as herbal remedies that contain kava extract have been linked to irreversible liver damage. Kava has been shown to cause liver damage when taken in an alcoholic or acetonic extract. For this reason 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.5,6

Drugs that affect a person’s mental state (psychoactive drugs) can also have varied effects depending on a person’s mood (often called the ‘set’) or the environment they are in (the ‘setting’):

Kava changes the way that the liver processes some types of medications and drugs, therefore you should consult with your healthcare provider before taking kava.5

The import, advertising and sale of kava in Australia are strictly controlled.

Passengers coming into Australia, who are over the age of 18 years, are allowed to bring 4kg of kava without a license or permit, provided it is in their accompanied baggage.8

The importation of kava, for food use, is prohibited unless the importer holds a permit issued by the office of Drug Control. A number of regulations must be followed to comply with Imported Food Control Act 1992.8

A permit is required for each shipment. If kava is imported without a permit, it can be seized by Australian Border Force.

Media outlets have reported that a permit has been granted to sell kava drink in selected supermarkets as part of the Australian Government’s Kava pilot.9

The importation of kava for medical and/or scientific purposes is prohibited unless the importer holds a licence and permit issued by the Office of Drug Control.8

There is no evidence that people who regularly use kava become dependent on the drug, so if you stop taking it, you are unlikely to experience withdrawal symptoms. However, if you have health problems seek medical advice.5

If your use of Kava is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, you should seek help and support.

Call our DrugInfo line on 1300 85 85 84 for confidential and non-judgmental information and advice.

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feeling happy, feeling relaxed, feeling sleepy, numb mouth and throat, reduced appetite

awa, grog, kava kava, kawa, lewena, sakau, waka, wati, yaqona

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