Some Pacific cultures have consumed kava tea for more than 3,000 years, both as a refreshment and as an herbal remedy for many ailments. The people of Polynesia drink kava tea to ease anxiety and panic attacks, to detoxify their bodies, as a cure for insomnia, to relax sore muscles, boost urinary tract health, and even as a means to achieve a natural "high."

On the Other: There Are Potential Health Issues

Kava tea is made from kava kava, a plant indigenous to the South Pacific islands. In rare cases, kava kava has been linked to anesthesia of the mouth, muscle weakness, ataxia, sedation and skin rash. Less then one-half of 1 percent of drinkers experience allergic reactions--either itchy skin and a dry throat, or hives and finger swelling.

Bottom Line

Although the benefits of kava kava have not been verified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one possible serious side effect has been identified: liver injury. The agency warns consumers against anything containing kava kava, including popular dietary supplements. Health agencies in some European countries and Canada have taken steps ranging from warnings of possible side effects to pulling kava-containing substances from the marketplace. The FDA says liver problems from kava might be rare, but there are many safer teas available.

Source:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Herbal Supplements Guide

Crazy for Tea