Calming kava drinks come with a caution

Kava, aroot prized for its sedative and anaestheticproperties, is now beings served at a trendy Vancouver restaurant but B.C.'stop doctor is warning people be cautious when consuming.

"It would be wise not to combine (kava)with anti-histamines or anti depressants," said Dr. Perry Kendall, B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer.

ZendConscious Loungein Yaletownserves drinks featuring aKava extract which according to its website can help people feel calm, focused and relaxed.

Zend owner Steve Curtis also advises cautionwhen it comes to consuming kava.

"We don't recommend driving on it, or consuming alcohol or consuming other medications, just from a safety perspective," he told CBC. "But this herb has a very long history of use, safe, in indigenous populations."

Curtis said the first place people normally notice the sedating effectof kava is in their mouth.

"You notice an effect, probably in about 20 minutes or so. Your mouth goes a little bit numb and then you feel it relaxing."

At one time kava was completely banned in Canada and Health Canada has issued a number of consumer advisories around various kavanatural health products.

Thekavaplant comes from theislands of the South Pacific wherekavadrinks have historically beenconsumed socially and for ceremonial purposes.

Prolonged kavause has been used associated with a risk of liver damage.