(WXYZ) — A trending herbal drug is raising safety concerns. A new report finds a surge in poison control center calls linked to kava, a substance often marketed for relaxation. It highlights serious cases, including hospitalizations and deaths.
I’m often asked about supplements by my patients, including kava. Kava contains compounds called kavalactones, which act as a sedative. That’s why some people use it to relax or ease anxiety. Here in the U.S., it’s sold in concentrated extracts and ready-to-drink beverages, often marketed as an alternative to alcohol. And while it may sound natural because it’s an herbal supplement, it can actually have serious effects on the body.
Now, this report found poison center calls related to kava jumped 383% between 2011 and 2025. A large number of the more recent calls involved young men aged 20 and over. Nearly 40% of the calls in 2024 and about a third of the calls in 2025 involved serious health issues.
On average, about 1 in 5 people with kava-related problems were hospitalized each year. Kava can cause liver toxicity, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea and drowsiness. In rare cases, there have even been deaths — eight were linked to kava over the study period.
In addition, the report found that many of the cases involved kava mixed with other substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines and kratom. These cases tended to be more dangerous. In fact, 30% of the calls involved kava and kratom, which can lead to seizures or tremors.
There are definitely people who should avoid kava — for example, if you have liver disease, kidney issues, depression, Parkinson’s disease or blood disorders.
Also, if you take medications — especially for anxiety — or drink alcohol, combining them with kava can increase sedation and serious side effects. It can even affect how your medications work.
Now, if you’re looking to manage stress or anxiety, talking to a health care provider is a great first step. They may recommend therapy, lifestyle changes or medications that are better studied. Also, simple strategies like mindfulness meditation, and regular exercise can also help.
Finally, kava products are not regulated in the US. Even though they’re often marketed as “safe,” the Food and Drug Administration warns that many formulations here have been linked to adverse health effects, especially in large amounts. It’s always best to discuss kava with your doctor before trying it.
