Kava: nature’s answer to stress, anxiety and insomnia

This publication is one of the latest contributions to the growing body of scientific and ethnographic knowledge on kava. The Oceanic kava plant (Piper methysticum Forst.) and the preparations derived from its rhizome are becoming increasingly popular as a phytomedicinal alternative in the treatment of anxiety. This easy-to-read account of kava, is an ideal introduction into its fascinating and colourful history, its traditional use and the modern research that has been conducted on this plant. Structured in three main sections, the authors deliver not only the facts associated with kava and the circumstances of its social and medicinal use, but also try to communicate the sense of fascination and adventure that surrounds this Pacific plant since its discovery.

In the first section the authors elaborate on clinical aspects of anxiety, distinguish it from stress and depression and describe the psychiatric classification of anxiety disorders including its current treatment options. The reader learns that at present benzodiazepines, burdened with potential adverse drug reactions, are used most commonly for anxiety, and that these drugs are prescribed most often by family practitioners. The limited resources of overburdened doctors may mean that drug therapy will remain the primary intervention for anxiety disorders.

The potential of kava extract as an alternative, plant-based treatment option is described in the second section. Focusing on the clinical use of kava and its safety aspects, this section gives a botanical description of the plant and offers some insight in the history of its discovery. Georg Forster, a botanist on the second voyage of Captain James Cook in the Pacific, completed the formal taxonomic description of kava and gave the plant the Linnean binominal Piper methysticum, ‘intoxicating pepper’. The effects of the plant extract are described as mind soothing and relaxing without causing sedation, rather creating a relaxed alertness.

In the third section, the book concludes with economical and regulatory aspects of herbal medicines in general and kava in particular.

In summary, this account of kava is a good introduction to its history, effects and clinical use. However, one feature which may cause some disappointment in those who favour the evidence-based approach, is the many anecdotal reports scattered throughout the text. Despite this, the book is well referenced (including a paper published only in May 1998) giving reliable, up-to-data information on this plant and its medicinal properties.