What is Kava Kava?

Kava Kava is an herb that many use as a natural way to reduce anxiety. The root of the Kava Kava plant is what is used in capsules, tinctures, and powders. Kava kava has a sedating effect and can provide temporary relief from anxiety. Kava kava can help people fall asleep, fight fatigue, treat asthma, a numbing agent, urinary tract infections, and menopausal symptoms. Although Kava kava can be useful for reducing anxiety it is important to know the side effects of its use in any form.

Side effects include:

Liver failure

Hepatitis

Dystonia

Scaly or yellow skin

Drowsiness

Kava is derived from a plant called Piper methysticum, which is found in coutries around the Pacific Ocean. Kava is a very potent herb, 'methysticum' actually means intoxication in the Greek. Depending on where you find Kava it may go by different names. For instance in Hawaii it's called ava, in Fiji it's called Samoa, and in Pohnpei its called sakau.

The most common way for people to take kava kava is in drink form. But, it can also be found in chewing gum, or smoothies or simply chewed up. Kava kava has some psychoactive properties, but it is said to not have unwanted side effects such as loss of alertness or addictive properties. In some circles kava kava is referred to as the herbal alternative to Prozac. Some countries in the UK and the rest of Europe, have banned the use of the herb in any form.

Kava kava can be purchased form alternative health stores or internet sites. If you chose to purchase Kava kava online you will want to make sure you are buying from a repitable seller. With such a potent herb as kava kava it is important to consult with your doctor before you introduce this herb into your system. There have been some side effects associated with the use of kava kava such as skin damage, and irritation.

Kava kava can have a negative interactions when taken with other antidepressant medications for anxiety, depression, or mood disorders.

As with this and any other herb you will want to do your research on the herb and pros and cons of taking it. Beware that websites that sell the herb are more than likely to have a biased review of the product, so don't we swayed by fancy advertising. Get the facts and be informed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have issued a warning that kava supplements has been linked to severe liver damage.

Source: US Food and Drug Administration/ www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm085482.htm

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