Kava kava comes from the root of the Piper methysticum plant. South Pacific cultures have enjoyed it as a calming drink for centuries. Today, people take it as tea, tincture, or extract capsules, typically in the evening to help unwind and relieve occasional stress or anxiety.
Kava kava has been linked to serious liver injury. Do not use it if you have liver disease, take medications that affect the liver, or drink alcohol. Avoid combining it with other sedatives.