Experts debate health and safety aspects of kava

NEW ZEALAND – The debate over whether kava is a killer or a cure was raised at the Pasifika Medical Association conference in Auckland this week.

The traditional Pacific root drink, which acts as a sedative, is often used as a replacement for alcohol in the Pacific and amongst the many Pacific islanders living in New Zealand communities.

Entrenched in many Pacific cultures, the problem is not so much the drink but how much is consumed.

It’s estimated more than 20,000 people drink kava in New Zealand on a Friday or Saturday night, many of them driving afterwards.

The usual roadside breath-alcohol test is ineffective.

“The abuse, the use of more than 100 grams of kava, is actually shown in my study to affect neuropsychological testing. Your reactions would be slow. I wouldn’t recommend you driving on State Highway One,” said Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, a Fijian consultant surgeon.

The Health Research Council has funded a Waikato University study looking at the effects of kava on driving and the results of this are due out next year.

But it’s an ongoing study in Fiji which has grabbed attention at the Pasifika medical conference.

“Back in 2013, we had 200 cases of liver abscesses. We probably have one of the world’s highest rate of liver abscess,” Dr Waqainabete said.

While it’s early days, the initial results are startling.

“Most of them are young males, most of them indigenous Fijians, most of them drank kava,” Dr Waqainabete said.

But kava supporters say there are health benefits if taken in the right way.

Koloa Hau of Kava Haus Ltd sells kava products, including to athletes.

“What kava does, it relaxes the muscles, allows the blood to flow much freely which assists in age and recovery. So the next day they’re able to get back up and run around again with less pain,” he said.

He says kava is also taken to help with stress and anxiety levels.

But supporters and critics alike have the same message about kava - moderation is the key. - TVNZ