People mainly take Kava Kava for anxiety, sleep. Based on 23 first-hand reports and 6 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #446 of 1,974 overall.
Of reports that state an outcome, 59% are positive.
Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.
3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.
Conclusion: Kava Kava appears to be a short-term treatment for anxiety, but not a replacement for prolonged anti-anxiety use. Although not witnessed in this review, liver toxicity is especially possible if taken longer than 8 weeks.
PubMed 30396607 ↗Conclusion: Evidence about efficacy/safety of most CAM methods in GAD is limited. Apparent efficacy of certain herbal preparations and body-based therapies requires further confirmation.
PubMed 29508154 ↗Conclusion: Azapirones appeared to be useful in the treatment of GAD, particularly for those participants who had not been on a benzodiazepine. Azapirones may not be superior to benzodiazepines and do not appear as acceptable as benzodiazepines. Side effects appeared mild and non serious in the azapirone treated group. Longer term studies are needed to show that azapirones are effective in treating GAD, which is a chronic long-term illness.
PubMed 16856115 ↗Conclusion: It is concluded that WS1490, and possibly other kava extracts, are effective. Therefore they remain alternatives to benzodiazepines, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants in the treatment of non-psychotic anxiety disorders.
PubMed 15934028 ↗As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.
How often each side effect came up across all reports.
Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.
“Phenibut, GABA, Valerian, Kava Kava, melatonin, B Vitamin complex, and mineral supplement. All in varying combinations and dosages.”
“potentially Kava Kava but it can have some effect on liver enzymes”
“I’ve had success with Kava Kava.”
“Kava Kava is a great GABA agonist that won't cause rebound insomnia/anxiety and doesn't really develop too much tolerance.”
“I'd recommend Kava kava as another mildly sedating natural alternative”
User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate