Research Set to Explore Kava and Talanoa as Innovative Treatment for PTSD

Recent developments in mental health treatment research are focusing on traditional Pacific practices, specifically the use of kava and talanoa sessions, to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinical trials are scheduled to commence, investigating how these culturally rooted interventions could serve as effective alternatives or complements to existing therapies, which often have limited success, with cognitive behavior therapy achieving about 53% effectiveness, and some medications carrying addictive risks.

Kava, a plant native to the Pacific Islands, is traditionally used in social and ceremonial contexts, involving the preparation of a root-based beverage as part of communal rituals. Talanoa, a Pacific tradition of open, respectful dialogue often conducted sitting on woven mats, emphasizes relational connection and storytelling. Researchers hypothesize that combining kava's active compounds with talanoa’s relational process could provide a holistic approach to healing trauma.

Preliminary accounts from individuals with PTSD, including a police officer from Fiji and others who have experienced trauma in military and police service, suggest that engaging in kava ceremonies alongside talanoa helps promote relaxation, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety symptoms. These anecdotal successes have inspired scientists at the University of Waikato to rigorously investigate the potential therapeutic benefits.

The upcoming trials will compare groups consuming standardized kava in pill form to those participating in traditional talanoa settings. The aim is to understand both the dose-response relationship and the cultural importance of relational connection facilitated by these practices. The researchers emphasize that while kava and talanoa are not posited as a definitive cure, their culturally grounded, group-based approach offers a novel pathway for trauma recovery.

This research underscores the significance of integrating indigenous knowledge and practices into modern medical frameworks, with potential benefits extending beyond Pacific communities to global audiences. The study also aims to clarify the active role of kava’s compounds and the importance of relational context in therapeutic outcomes.

For further details, the study titled "Innovating through tradition: kava-talanoa as a culturally aligned medico-behavioral therapeutic approach to amelioration of PTSD symptoms" is available in Frontiers in Psychology (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-kava-talanoa-treatment-ptsd.html