Does Kava Kava Increase Liver Functions?
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Name not given
Posted on: December 5, 2000

I am 29 years old. I’ve been taking Kava kava for about 4 months. I’ve been taking Naturesunshine brand, I believe it’s about 400mg 30% Kavalactones. I have also been taking Pharmasure brand which is about 55% Kavalactones. I just applied for some life insurance, and they have rated my policy because of elevated liver functions. I got a policy last year and my liver functions were fine. I haven’t seen anything that says Kava is bad for the liver, but I wondered if you could advise me.

Kava kava is not known to cause liver problems.

It is recommended that Kava Kava be taken for no longer than 3 months. The recommended dosage is 750 mg per day of 30% kavalactones.

Herbs and diet can help to return your liver functions back to normal.

In the diet, maximize a whole grains, and fresh fruit and vegetables. Green vegetables, such as broccoli and cooked spinach, chard or kale, are especially recommended. The diet should be free of chemical additives, which increase the burden on the liver. Avoid coffee, alcohol and sugar.

Milk Thistle has proven in many human studies to improve liver function. Ask at a health food store for a good brand of tincture or capsule, and follow the directions on the bottle.

Back to Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses | Q & A Index

Copyright © 1997-2024 Otto Richter and Sons Limited. All rights reserved.