Kava: What Grand Rapids Residents Should Know

Kava is a substance made from the ground roots of the plant Piper methysticum, a member of the pepper family (the same family that includes black pepper). It is native to the South Pacific and is traditionally prepared as a drink, but in the United States it is also available as capsules, tablets, teas, and liquid extracts.

In Grand Rapids, MI, kava products can be found in some health food stores, specialty shops, and online. Because kava can affect the brain, liver, and other organs, it’s important for West Michigan residents to understand its risks, especially if they have existing health conditions or take medications.

How Kava Is Traditionally Used

In many South Pacific cultures, the kava root is:

  • Crushed, ground, or powdered
  • Soaked in water and strained
  • Consumed as a tea-like drink

This drink is often used socially and in traditional ceremonies to promote relaxation and a sense of well‑being.

In the U.S., including here in Grand Rapids, people may use kava for:

  • Stress and anxiety relief
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • General relaxation

However, these uses are not risk‑free, and kava is not approved by the FDA to treat any medical condition.

Kava Laws and Availability in the United States

Kava can be imported into the United States for commercial purposes, and adults can bring limited amounts into the country in their luggage. Regulations may change over time, so if you are importing kava or buying it online:

  • Check current U.S. federal guidelines
  • Review Michigan state regulations
  • Make sure products come from reputable suppliers

In the past, several countries—including many in Europe and the U.S.—restricted or temporarily banned kava products because of concern about liver toxicity. Some of these restrictions have since been eased, but the safety concerns remain.

How Kava Works: Kavalactones and Strength

The active chemicals in kava are called kavalactones. These compounds affect the central nervous system and can have sedative, muscle‑relaxing, and anti‑anxiety effects.

The strength and effects of kava can vary widely depending on:

  • Plant variety
  • Growing conditions (soil type, sun exposure, rainfall)
  • Part of the plant used (root vs. stems/leaves)
  • How the drink is prepared
  • How much powdered kava is used

Because of this variation, it can be difficult for Grand Rapids consumers to know exactly how strong any given kava product is.

Kava as a Central Nervous System Depressant

Kava is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows brain activity. Even though it does not contain alcohol, it can cause effects similar to being intoxicated.

Common short‑term effects can include:

  • Relaxed muscles
  • Sleepiness or drowsiness
  • Feelings of calm or well‑being
  • Mild numbness or tingling in the mouth and throat
  • Loss of appetite

With larger doses, effects may include:

  • Difficulty with balance and coordination (ataxia)
  • Slurred speech
  • Dilated pupils and reddened eyes
  • Nausea
  • Reduced muscle control

Because of these effects, kava can be dangerous in situations that require alertness and coordination—such as driving in winter weather on I‑196, US‑131, or M‑6 around Grand Rapids.

Who Should Avoid Kava

Kava is not safe for everyone. You should not take kava if you:

  • Have liver disease or abnormal liver tests
  • Have heart or lung conditions
  • Have kidney disease
  • Have a history of mental health disorders such as schizophrenia or severe depression
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Are under 18 years old
  • Are driving or operating heavy machinery (including snowblowers, power tools, or industrial equipment)
  • Drink large amounts of alcohol
  • Are taking prescription medications, over‑the‑counter medicines, or other herbal supplements that affect the brain or liver

There is limited information about how kava interacts with other medications. Because of this, healthcare providers in Grand Rapids generally recommend avoiding kava if you take:

  • Antidepressants or anti‑anxiety medications
  • Sleep aids or sedatives
  • Anti‑seizure medicines
  • Pain medications, especially opioids
  • Drugs that affect the liver (for example, some cholesterol, TB, or antifungal medications)

Always talk with a local healthcare provider—such as your Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health primary care doctor—before using kava.

Kava and Children

Children and teens should not take kava. Their brains and livers are still developing, and the safety of kava in younger people has not been established.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are concerned about a child or teen using kava or other substances, contact:

  • Your child’s pediatrician or family doctor
  • Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for local resources
  • School counselors or local behavioral health services

Long‑Term Health Risks of Kava

While occasional, low‑dose use may cause only mild, short‑term effects in some people, long‑term or heavy use of kava can lead to serious health problems. Reported long‑term effects include:

  • Liver damage, including liver failure
  • Kidney damage
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Visual changes, including sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Skin problems, such as a scaly, flaky rash (contact dermatitis)
  • Changes in blood cells, including white and red blood cells and platelets
  • Compromised immune function, making it harder to fight infections
  • Appetite loss, which can lead to malnutrition and weight loss
  • Loss of motivation, drive, and energy
  • Worsening of pre‑existing mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or severe mood disorders

These risks are especially concerning in Michigan, where long, dark winters and limited sunlight can already contribute to seasonal depression, fatigue, and lower vitamin D levels. Adding a sedating substance like kava can make these issues worse.

Kava, Dependence, and Withdrawal

Current evidence suggests that:

  • People who regularly drink large amounts of kava do not typically develop physical dependence in the same way they might with alcohol or opioids.
  • There does not appear to be a strong risk of withdrawal symptoms if someone suddenly stops using kava.

However, people can still develop psychological dependence, using kava as their main way to cope with stress, anxiety, or insomnia. In Grand Rapids, where work‑related stress and seasonal mood changes are common, this can lead to overuse.

If you feel you “need” kava to relax, sleep, or get through the day, it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional about safer, evidence‑based treatments.

Liver Safety Concerns and Past Restrictions

In 2003, many European countries banned or severely restricted products containing kava because of reports of severe liver toxicity, including cases of liver failure. In the United States, kava products were also temporarily withdrawn after at least one reported death from liver failure linked to kava use.

After further review, some standardized products (such as certain supplements and tea bags) became available again. However:

  • The FDA has not approved kava as a safe or effective treatment for any condition.
  • Safety concerns—especially about liver damage—remain significant.

If you choose to use kava in Grand Rapids, you should do so only under medical supervision and with regular monitoring for side effects.

Warning Signs: When to Seek Medical Help

If you are using kava and notice any of the following symptoms, stop taking it immediately and seek medical care right away:

  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
  • Dark brown or tea‑colored urine
  • Severe fatigue or extreme tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal (stomach) pain, especially on the right side
  • Fever or raised body temperature
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
  • Vision changes or increased sensitivity to light
  • New or worsening rash, especially a dry, scaly rash

These can be signs of liver injury, kidney damage, or other serious reactions.

Where to Seek Help in Grand Rapids

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and experience concerning symptoms while using kava:

  • Call your primary care provider (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or other local clinic)
  • Go to a nearby emergency department (e.g., Corewell Health – Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital) if symptoms are severe
  • Contact Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for guidance on substance safety and local resources

Kava for Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep: Talk to a Professional First

Some people use kava to help with:

  • Stress and tension
  • Anxiety symptoms
  • Trouble sleeping

While some small studies suggest kava may have mild anti‑anxiety effects, the risk of liver damage and drug interactions is a serious concern.

Before using kava for any health reason in Grand Rapids:

  1. Talk with your doctor or nurse practitioner

    • Review your medical history, medications, and supplements.
    • Discuss safer, evidence‑based options for anxiety or insomnia (such as therapy, approved medications, or lifestyle changes).

  2. Avoid self‑treating serious conditions

    • Do not use kava instead of prescribed medications for anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders.
    • Do not stop any prescribed medication without medical advice.

  3. Consider local mental health resources

    • Behavioral health services at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and other local systems
    • Counseling and therapy providers throughout Kent County
    • Support groups and community mental health organizations

Kava and Other Substances: Dangerous Combinations

Kava can be particularly dangerous when combined with:

  • Alcohol (increases sedation and liver stress)
  • Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan, Valium)
  • Sleep medications (e.g., zolpidem/Ambien)
  • Opioid pain medications
  • Other sedating herbs or supplements (e.g., valerian, melatonin, kratom)

Mixing kava with these substances increases the risk of:

  • Excessive drowsiness
  • Poor coordination and accidents (especially hazardous in icy Michigan winters)
  • Breathing problems
  • Severe liver injury

If you drink alcohol regularly or take any psychoactive medication, you should avoid kava unless your healthcare provider specifically approves and monitors it.

Local Support and Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s kava or substance use in the Grand Rapids area, consider:

  • Your primary care provider or local clinic

    • Spectrum Health / Corewell Health primary care
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids clinics
    • Metro Health and Mercy Health practices

  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health

    • Information on substance use, prevention, and local support services

  • Local behavioral health and addiction services

    • Outpatient counseling
    • Medication‑assisted treatment (if other substances are involved)
    • Support groups and community programs

If you need immediate help for a possible overdose, severe reaction, or suicidal thoughts, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Key Points for Grand Rapids Residents

  • Kava is a central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, and mood changes.
  • Long‑term or heavy use can lead to serious health problems, including liver and kidney damage, skin changes, and worsening mental health.
  • There is no strong evidence of physical withdrawal when stopping kava, but psychological dependence and overuse can still occur.
  • Children, teens, pregnant and breastfeeding people, and those with liver, heart, lung, or kidney disease should not use kava.
  • Do not mix kava with alcohol, sedatives, or other psychoactive substances.
  • If you notice symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, extreme fatigue, or abdominal pain while taking kava, seek medical care immediately.
  • Always consult a healthcare professional in Grand Rapids before using kava for stress, anxiety, or sleep issues, and explore safer, evidence‑based treatments available locally.