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KAVA
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Whether you say it once, or say it twice, Kava Kava makes you happy happy! - too bad |
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KAVA |
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| The underground stem & roots are used for Kava. |
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| Kava, otherwise known as piper methysticum, is a member of the pepper family and is native to Polynesia, from which it spread to many western Pacific islands. Traditionally the rhizomes were chewed or ground into a pulp and mixed with water/liquid to create a thick mash that slightly numbed the mouth and induced feelings of well-being, calm and contentment. |
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'Kava ceremonies' were even held for visiting royalty or special guests. It was James Cook who first introduced the herb to Europe. A little over 20 years ago, Kava became very popular in the West and became a go-to herb for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Still today, it is considered an extremely effective alternative to anti-depressants and sleep aids, often associated with undesirable side effects. Kava's active compounds are known collectively as kavalactones. Research has demonstrated the ability of kavalactones to bind to a number of receptors in the brain, including dopamine receptors. This explains the herb's calming, muscle relaxing and mild analgesic-like effects.
Safety Issues
Unfortunately, there has been much debate about the SAFETY issues surrounding Kava, so much so that it is no longer available in Canada and many European countries and warnings have been issued to consumers and physicians by regulatory bodies like the United States Food and Drug Administration. There are some reports suggesting that the use of Kava is associated with with liver damage, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. These reports, primarily out of Europe are of varying quality and the are typically associated with a higher than recommended dosage of the herb. However, they have been enough to get the attention of masses and the popularity of Kava has, over the last 20 years, really diminished.
Can I still use it?
Kava is still available in the States. Sadly, there is very little information in terms of efficacious and safe dosage. It is not recommended that you use Kava while taking other medications and is best to consult a healthcare practitioner before use. They can recommend the right dosage for you, as well, some healthcare practitioners may implement a cycling program in which kava is taken 10-12 days per month, as opposed to everyday, thereby minimizing potential liver toxicity effects. |
KAVA – QUICK
FACTS
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PARTS USED |
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Rhizome (underground stem) and roots |
INDICATIONS
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Anxiety, insomnia, depression, high stress |
OPTIMUM DOSAGE
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Speak with your healthcare practitioner to find the dosage appropriate for you |
WORKS WELL WITH |
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Passionflower, Valerian, Chamomile, Scutellaria, 5 HTP, L-theanine |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION click for products |
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Not available in Canada and some European countries due to reports of liver toxicity and damage, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver failure. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition 2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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