• Kava Kava has been used in the past for treatment of anxiety and insomnia and other stress-related illnesses. However, there have been many warnings issued concerning the safety of this supplement's use. Liver damage has been reported in many people using kava, causing many countries to take it off the market.
  
  

Anxiety

• Kava Kava has been used in a number of clinical studies over the years to treat symptoms of anxiety. One example is a study completed by Ernst E.Pittler MH of the University of Exeter the showed the use of Kava is effective in a short period of time to treat anxiety. However, the studies have decreased over time because there have been reports of liver toxicity.
  
  

Insomnia

• The studies of Kava Kava and its results on insomnia have been mixed. Whether there is improved sleep quality and quicker sleep has been inconclusive. A study completed by BP Jacobs et al of the Department of Medicine, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California-San Francisco showed that subjects treated with Kava were no more likely to fall asleep faster than those who received the placebo pill. While some people do use the herb to treat sleeplessness, it is not considered the best choice because of concerns about its safety in the body.
  
  

Precautions

• There should be major precautions taken when using Kava Kava due to the concern of liver damage. There have been multiple cases of liver damage in patients using it, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Although it is not clear whether the Kava Kava caused the damage alone or whether it was caused by the herb taken in combination with other herbs or drugs. Some countries have even taken it off the market. The FDA issued a consumer advisory in 2002 regarding a rare but potential risk of liver failure.