Kava kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant native to the South Pacific. Kava has been used as a ceremonial drink in the Pacific Islands for hundreds of years. It has been reported to have an effect similar to an alcoholic drink. Not only is it a pleasant drink that can be a safe alternative to alcohol, but Kava Kava has been prescribed as an effective folk remedy for anxiety, insomnia and back pain. The roots are chewed or ground into a pulp and added to cold water. The resulting thick brew, which has been compared to the social equivalent of wine in France, is offered to guests and dignitaries visiting the Pacific Islands.
Unlike alcohol, kava does not produce or stimulate aggression. It does not condemn the user to a dreaded hangover, unlike alcohol. Alcohol literally kills hundreds of thousands of people a year, and Kava, when properly harvested, has never actually hurt anyone. Kava has even been known to help reduce alcohol consumption!
Many people find other uses for kava, including many medicinal ones. It's interesting to note that kava has been shown to help ease anxiety, depression as well as producing a restful sleep. It is used by athletes, businessmen and diplomats to help “take the edge off” and focus concentration. Widely prescribed throughout Oceania and Europe to treat hyperactivity in children, it has also been used to aid children who have difficulty sleeping on occasion.
The main active ingredients in kava root are called kavalactones (kavapyrones). These chemicals (including kawain, dihydrokawain, and methysticum) have been extensively studied in laboratory and animal studies. They have been found to reduce convulsions, promote sleep, and relax muscles in animals. They also have pain relieving properties, which may explain why chewing kava root tends to cause a temporary numbness and tingling sensation on the tongue.
Much disinformation has been spread concerning kava and liver toxicity. The truth of the matter is that as the popularity of Kava grew in the early 2000's, unscrupulous manufacturers used the potentially poisonous tops and leaves of kava plants in their kava supplements, thus setting off a chain reaction of rumor and speculation worldwide. Unfortunately, unjustified bans on kava subsequently spread across the world.
The best way to make sure you get safe and effective kava is to know where your kava comes from. Do your research. Support the small farmer. Make sure your kava is organically grown and that any supplemental kava used in your products contain only the kava root. Do not believe misleading studies that have been refuted. All in all, kava is a proven relaxant with thousands of years of history and safety in use behind it.
Kava is best known for its
relaxing qualities and is said to elevate mood, well being, and
contentment, and produce a feeling of relaxation. Several studies
have found that kava may be useful in the treatment of anxiety,
stress, and restlessness, and treat sleep problems (insomnia), and
related nervous disorders. It is also used for attention
deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, psychosis,
depression, migraines and other headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome
(CFS), common cold and other respiratory tract infections,
tuberculosis, muscle pain, and cancer prevention.
Some people
use kava for urinary tract infections (UTIs), pain and swelling of
the uterus, venereal disease and menstrual discomfort.
Kava is
applied to the skin for skin diseases including leprosy, to promote
wound healing, and as a painkiller. It is also used as a mouthwash
for canker sores and toothaches.
Kava relaxes muscles; calms nerves; creates a general feeling of well-being; induces a feeling of peace, relaxation and contentment; enhances mental alertness and concentration; and reduces inhibitions and makes people more sociable.
Evidence suggests kava may be helpful for the following health problems:
Anxiety. A number of clinical studies -- though not all -- have found kava to be effective in treating symptoms associated with anxiety. In a review of 7 scientific studies, researchers concluded that a standardized kava extract was significantly more effective than placebo in treating anxiety. Another study found that kava substantially improved symptoms after only 1 week of treatment. Other studies show that kava may be as effective as some prescription antianxiety medications. In fact, according to one study, kava and diazepam (Valium) cause similar changes in brain wave activity, suggesting that they may work in the same ways to calm the mind. A 2004 study found that 300 mg of kava may improve mood and cognitive performance. That is significant because some prescription drugs used to treat anxiety, such as benzodiazepines (like Valium and alprazolam or Xanax), tend to decrease cognitive function.
Trouble sleeping (insomnia). Preliminary evidence suggests that kava may help improve sleep quality and decrease the amount of time needed to fall asleep. However, more studies would be needed to say for sure.
Reducing withdrawal symptoms in people who need to stop taking anti-anxiety and sleep medicines called benzodiazepines. Slowly increasing the dose of kava while decreasing the dose of benzodiazepines over the course of a week seems to work for some people.
Anxiety in women going through menopause. Improvement can occur after only one week of treatment.
Cancer prevention. There is some evidence that taking kava might help to prevent cancer.
Social anxiety. Taking kava might help people relax during stressful social situations.
Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for...
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Epilepsy.
Psychosis.
Depression.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Headaches.
Colds.
Respiratory tract infections.
Tuberculosis.
Achy joints (rheumatism).
Chronic bladder infections.
Sexually transmitted diseases.
Menstrual problems.
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate kava for these uses.
How it all happened:
In the early 2000's, demand for Kava rose dramatically as it began to make its way into the mainstream. For many years, it was also being prescribed in parts of Europe to treat anxiety as well; something that the pharmaceutical companies were surely taking notice of. Shortly thereafter, reports of liver damage by a handful of people in Europe began to emerge. Unfortunately, doctors were quick to blame Kava, and soon, entire countries were banning this historically safe and effective herbal supplement. Three of those countries included the United States, Canada, and Germany. Others quickly followed suit and the legal status of kava was suddenly in serious jeopardy.
But, the health
industry fought back with a vengeance. Leading that fight was the
International Kava Executive Council (bet you didn't even know they
existed). Even though they were outgunned by governments,
pharmaceutical companies and the media, the herbal industry was able
to provide more than enough evidence that the ban was unquestionably
unjustified. Furthermore, the IKEC showed that the conclusions that
were reached should never have been reached in the first place, as it
became clear that Kava was nothing more than a convenient scapegoat
for the reported liver damage. As the evidence was being submitted,
ongoing research was also being conducted by a number of independent
laboratories and universities behind the scenes, partly because a
worldwide ban on kava kava could be devastating for several economies
throughout Oceania.
Fortunately, within a small span of time, several key pieces of evidence emerged. Perhaps the most notable one came from from the University of Hawaii, as reported by the Honolulu Advertiser in early 2003. It turns out that there's a poison in the leaves and peelings (bark) of Kava called pipermethystine. And, not surprisingly, this poison could potentially lead to liver damage.
So, what's the connection?
It turns out that once the demand for Kava skyrocketed, there wasn't enough Kava root to fill the demand. Suppliers then knowingly or unknowingly bought the leaves and peelings of Kava plants (the parts that are always thrown away as waste material) from unscrupulous growers. Up until that event, the only parts of the Kava plant that were traditionally used throughout it's 3,000 year history were the roots; never the peelings or the leaves. On a related note: further research revealed that the handful of people who suffered liver damage also consumed alcohol on a regular basis, restoring Kava's place in the herbal medicine chest as a safe, effective, and pleasant herbal supplement.
Or so it seemed. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. Countries started to lift their bans on Kava in 2003-onward, but kava was now synonymous with "but it causes liver damage." Nothing could be further from the truth, but the media had accomplished its task, and restoring Kava's reputation has been an uphill battle ever since.
So, where do we stand with the "kava legal status" question? Happily for many, the United States lifted its ban completely, Canada lifted its ban on Kava if it's imported by individuals for personal consumption, and even Germany, where much of the original controversy arose, lifted its ban on Kava in 2007. Except for a handful of countries such as Norway, Australia, and Sweden, Kava is indeed legal throughout the world once again! The Canadian Health Ministry even gave permission to export Kava to Canada, provided it was only to private individuals.
Now that's an exciting victory for Kava!
Kava Kava can now once again be enjoyed legally by almost anyone in the world, and consumers can take comfort in the fact that in over 3,000 years of use and many billions of kava drinks consumed, there hasn't been a single reported incident of kava liver damage from any products made solely from the roots of the plant. Always check your local laws to be certain of the legal status of Kava, but as of this writing, feel free to enjoy the many benefits of this ancient plant.
In some parts of the world, whole kava roots are chewed for their medicinal value. Kava comes in dried extracts, tablets, capsules, or liquid drops. You can also make a tea by simmering the roots of the plant in water.
Children -- Kava usage is generally not recommended for Children in the United States. This is mostly due to overhyped concern that kava may cause liver damage.
Adults -- Health guidelines for adults in the United States are as follows: Given reports of potential liver damage, it is now impossible to say what dose of kava may be safe for adults. That is why it is important to take kava only under a doctor's supervision.
In many parts of the world (not the United States), kava is used to help reduce excitability in children, often as an alternative to Prozac. In Hawaii, restless and feverish children are given kava root (pre-chewed by their mothers), twice a day to calm and soothe them in their state of duress. All across the South Pacific, kava is used as a calmative for children and adults. It has been shown to not only calm them, but also to help them better cope with the stresses and pressures of the world around them. Reportedly, some articles we have read propose that the consumption of Prozac may have possible links to increased suicide, but there has never been a single incident like that reported throughout the long history of kava.
Kava root has been used safely for over 3,000 years by the entire population of Oceania without any significant reported side-effects or dangers, even with heavy use and daily use.
Kava potentiates alcohol, which means that alcohol and kava can cause unexpected effects, so one must be careful if the decision to combine alcohol and kava is made. Kava can often make one alcoholic drink feel like three, so it's important to keep this vividly in mind. If you are currently using anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants, you should consult a physician who is expert in the use of kava before trying it on your own.
And this brings up a key point: We are not doctors and cannot under any circumstance, offer any advice on the dangers of kava, especially in relation to its effect on the body. For example, we have never found any evidence of harm resulting from kava use during pregnancy and lactation, but we are also not qualified to speak on such topics. As a rule, pregnant and lactating women should avoid using kava simply to err on the safe side.
And this is one example that can be applied to any questions regarding the dangers of kava. We'd love to answer, but we simply can't.
Something we did find extremely interesting, though, if if used in great excess (we're talking about consuming 8 ounces or more of kava every day for many weeks), it can cause what is known as kava-induced dermopathy. This is a patchy scaling of the skin. We've personally seen this on some extremely heavy daily kava drinkers, but the condition appears to be harmless, and it goes away when kava use is suspended.
Finally, if you are going to use kava in large quantities, I recommend that you do not operate a car or heavy machinery at the same time. In June of 2000, a man was arrested on Highway 101 in San Mateo County, California after consuming heavy amounts of kava. He was acquitted because jurors were not familiar with kava, but he was driving erratically enough for a police officer to notice. In other words; always drink kava responsibly, treat it with the respect, and absolutely positively know your own limits.
Here are some kava kava reviews taken from a famous Internet website which further highlights some of the health benefits of using Kava:
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38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5 out of 5 stars Excellent source for Kava, August 9, 2009
By
D. Hammond (Los Angeles, CA USA)
Being new to Kava, I have recently tried a few different methods like using an instant drink mix, or extracting the kava myself using traditional methods, all of which I found to be a hassle and a little pricey. I had avoided extract capsules at first because of reports of companies using non-root materials in their capsules (which cause liver damage) and of using extraction methods that negate the effects. This brand had received good reviews however, and they only use kava root, so I took a chance, and I have to say that I am pleased. The effect is very relaxing, promotes good mood, and relieves anxiety. If taken before bed, it is a very mild sleep aid. Each capsule contains 75mg of kavalactones, so the dosage (3 capsules) is slightly less than what is found in a bowl of kava. But, as kava beverages are notoriously bad tasting, these capsules have easily become my favorite source for kava. I definitely recommend this product as healthier alternative to some of the more popular stress-relieving products in our culture.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5 out of 5 stars Relaxed Alertness, March 21, 2010
By
Heather A. Schaming "hschaming" (Gainesville, VA)
To the point, this stuff works at relaxing the muscles and the mind. I've tried a couple of other Kava brands, but this one worked the best. I see no reason to switch at this point. Where I used to rely on alcohol, a nice glass of wine or two to relax at night, I didn't enjoy drinking it. This allows me to destress and calm my mind, as well as my body after a long, difficult day of teaching and meetings. Some people may experience headaches, but I don't. Unlike alcohol which affects brain function, Kava allows me to do simply relax and remain alert. I highly recommend this product for anyone who is seeking relaxation and a calming of the mind, without hangovers or side effects. However, everyone may be affected differently by using this product.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5 out of 5 stars Nice mellow buzz, February 28, 2010
By
Relentlessly Geeky (Northern Illinois)
To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this product, but decided to give it a try anyway. Wow, was I pleasantly surprised! About 1/2 hour after popping a few capsules, a gentle happy calm descends over you. Lasts longer than alcohol, and no [side effects]. Feels similar to xanax. Check with your doc first if you have any health issues or take any meds on a regular basis (goes without saying for any supplement) but once you get the thumbs up, kick back and enjoy! I would not recommend driving a car for a few hours after taking this.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5 out of 5 stars Great for mild anxiety and alcohol substitute, December 27, 2010
By
joiedevivre
I am baffled by the recent negative reviews. I ordered [Kava Kava Pills] back in September, and have had the same positive results as some of the less recent reviews. I initially bought this to use in a college course in which participation and oral presentations are required, and this kava kava worked wonders. It worked so well that I take it in other instances when I am feeling a lot of anxiety or stress, and it really does feel like having a couple glasses of wine (as another reviewer stated). I have taken it recently on occasion to substitute for alcohol, like at family holiday [gatherings], which can sometimes be overwhelming.
I think the key is to not take it everyday. I would rather use it just when I really feel the need for it, than everyday and build resistance to it. During classes, I would take it 2-3 times a week, with good results. Then, I took a break from using it for a couple weeks. I also think each capsule that you take throughout the day has a building effect. Sometimes I will take 2, and then take 1-2 more in the next 30 minutes. Or take 1 and then take another the next hour. The first couple of times I tried it, it didn't seem to have an effect (I think I kept trying 1 at a time and just 1 per day), so after it didn't work a couple times, I took 3 at the same time, and felt a definite difference (to the point that I where I was worried about driving! I was so relaxed and taking in the scenery that I wasn't focusing on driving much. but it was just a 10 minute drive to class :)
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The following reviews are taken from WebMD's medical homepage User Reviews & Ratings Section:
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Reason for taking: Anxiety
5/22/2011 9:37:03 PM
Reviewer: 55-64 on Treatment for less than 1 month (Consumer)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 4
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 4
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 4
Comment:
liver damage occurs ONLY when the stuff is made fro the leaves and stems, it does NOT happen when you consume the roots. Please look up the reports and people in the Islands in SP for Millenia and do not all drop dead from liver damage.
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Reason for taking: General Health & Wellness
10/26/2011 9:36:04 AM
Reviewer: unclemike, 55-64 Male on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Consumer)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
I do wish that health and medical "authorities" would update their information on this herb. The liver problems were a result of alcohol abuse as well as ONE company that used the whole plant (which is toxic) rather than the roots (which are not). The FDA has refused to update this information because they are becoming less and less effective in screening hazardous materials in allowing dangerous drugs on the market, and spreading vicious remarks about natural supplements (that are never updated), in favor of the falsified, misleading studies from pharmaceutical companies. Kava has been used for centuries without side effects, yet over 100,000 die every YEAR from FDA "approved" drugs-even when taken as directed. Read up on the side-effects of Adavan, for instance. From a Certified Health Educator with emphasis in nutrition and herbalism, it's your choice (thankfully), at least for the time being.
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Reason for taking: Insomnia
8/15/2011 11:15:06 PM
Reviewer: RAPDO, 45-54 Male on Treatment for 10 years or more (Caregiver)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 4
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 4
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 4
Comment:
You need to get your facts straight before writing a medical article. The "liver damage" that you refer to was caused not by Kava root ,so well tolerated for thousands of years throughout the Pacific basin. There was a single episode of Kava contaminated by an unscrupulous grower with the vine itself. It was the added vine (not the usual root) that caused the short episode of hepatic toxicity. Since then, the growers from Hawaii to Fiji have done a superb job of policing themselves. I have used Kava for multiple patients needing a "natural" treatment for anxiety, insomnia and muscle spasm without any untoward effects.
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Reason for taking: Anxiety
8/15/2011 6:55:22 PM
Reviewer: 19-24 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 4
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 4
Comment:
Currently taking Kava Kava Plus (with St Johns Wort) for anxiety and depression. Effects are short-lived (five hours or so) but the tincture definitely makes a difference in my mental and physical well-being. I go from being tense and sick-feeling to relaxed and almost completely normal.
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Reason for taking: Anxiety
11/21/2010 12:20:13 AM
Reviewer: 25-34 Female on Treatment for 6 months to less than 1 year (Consumer)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
I use this to calm myself....I have had a very rare cancer in the past and only have one adrenal gland. This helps my stress level and I've taken the pills as well as drink the tea. Not together. I believe this works quite well!!
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