Kava kava is now well-known for its strongly relaxing effect. It can be helpful in painful conditions, especially where there is much muscle tension. Kava kavais also a urinary disinfectant and relaxant, making it ideal in 'irritable bladder'.Avoid in pregnancy. Do not take for longer than 4 weeks and do not take over the recommended dosage. In high, sustained doses, kava can occassionally cause a skin rash which will go on stopping the herb.