Medical Disclaimer

FDA status

Kava is classified as a dietary supplement under DSHEA (1994). The FDA issued a consumer advisory in 2002 about potential liver injury from certain kava products; subsequent WHO review linked most cases to solvent-extracted and tudei-cultivar products. See our safety guide for context.

Legal status

Kava is federally legal in all 50 US states. No state bans kava. See our legality page.

Known risks

• Hepatic stress with heavy daily use, especially with alcohol or acetaminophen
• Kava dermopathy with chronic heavy use (reversible)
• Motor impairment — do not drive after drinking
• Tudei cultivar avoidance — buy only noble cultivars
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding contraindications

Emergency resources

Editorial review

All clinical content is reviewed by Dr. Irvine Russell, M.D., affiliated with UC Irvine. Medical review does not equal medical advice — see review process.

Use at your own risk

You assume full responsibility for decisions made based on information from this site.