7 Dec 2016

Increasing interest in Kava for reducing anxiety

From , 4:03 pm on 7 December 2016

There's increasing interest in how effective the use of kava is for reducing anxiety.

A range of clinical studies on kava use have been conducted through a number of Australian universities.

The lead researcher, Jerome Sarris, says the studies to date have confirmed reduced levels for people with chronic anxiety conditions.

Dr Sarris spoke to Johnny Blades about the findings and ongoing trials.

An estimated 20-25,000 people drink kava throughout New Zealand on a Friday or Saturday night. Taken at Waikato University in Hamilton

An estimated 20-25,000 people drink kava throughout New Zealand on a Friday or Saturday night. Photo: RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox