Kava

High-Protein Diet Slideshow

What does Kava do?

Kava is a medicinal herb that has become popular to use for relief of nervous anxiety, stress, restlessness, and insomnia. It is considered by some to be a possible alternative to synthetic anxiolytics, tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines it has been utilized traditionally in Hawaii as a treatment for asthma. Studies conducted on its efficacy in this area are showing promising results. It can be taken as a capsule, pill, tincture or tea.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take Kava?

They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions, as Kava usage may be contraindicated: If you suffer from depression (may be contraindicated for endogenous depression, may increase the risk of suicide). If you are taking barbiturates. If you are taking any psychopharmacological substances. If you plan to take this herb for longer than three months.

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Kava?

They should be consulted first if you are: Pregnant or trying to get pregnant (contraindicated if pregnant - may cause loss of uterine tone.) Breast-feeding (contraindicated) If you plan to administer this herb to a child

How should I take this herb?

Take Kava capsules or tablets by mouth. Swallow the capsules with a large drink of water. For the best bioavailability and if you have a sensitive stomach, it is often recommended that you take Kava as a tea or decoction. You can take Kava with or without food.

What should the dosage be?

Lengths of administration are usually based on the severity of the symptoms and the type of problem. If cranberry is administered medicinally is usually recommended to consult your health care physician first. 60-120mg Kava pyrones or equivalent preparation/ daily Decoction: 2-4grms / 3x daily Notes : Should not be taken for longer than three months without consulting your health care physician. Caution: Do not overdose with this Herb! If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What medicines may interact with Kava?

Alprazolam or other bensodiazepine drugs (one serious case reported when Kava was taken in conjunction with Alprazolam) Barbiturates Psychopharmacological medicines CNS depressants (may enhance effects) Substances that act on the nervous system (may potentiate effectiveness)

What side effects may I notice from taking Kava?

Side effects from correctly administered Kava usage are thought to be rare. If you experience any of these side effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. Scaly yellowing of the skin (suggestive of ichthyosis and brought on by excessive or extended continuous use -this condition is reversable if usage is stopped) Y ellowing of the nails and hair (excessive or extended continuous use - this condition is reversible if usage is stopped) Eye irritation (excessive or extended continuous use) Tiredness and a tendency to sleep (excessive use) Impairment of motor reflexes, equilibrium, and judgment Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (stop usage and report it to your health care professional if they are continuing or bothersome): Rash Gastrointestinal problems Pupil dilation Tiredness in the morning (at the beginning of therapy - if tiredness continuous longer than 2 weeks, reduce dosage or stop usage)

What do I need to watch out for with Kava?

Drinking alcohol may be contraindicated. (as it is with most psychopharmacological substances) Caution: As Kava usage may impair motor reflexes and judgment.- Do not operate heavy machinery or drive. Read labels carefully before purchasing . There have been reported cases of herbal products being sold that did not contain active ingredients (the herbs active constituents) needed to be of any therapeutic value. Buying a standardized product when purchasing tinctures, capsule, or tablets may reduce the possibility of this occurrence. Look also for products that are clearly labeled with the ingredients contained and amounts.

Where can I keep my herbal product?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). dried herb, tinctures or infusions should be stored in airtight, dry, and light resistant containers. If there is an expiration date listed on the herbal product, throw away the unused portion after the expiration date. Raw herbs, tinctures, ointments, etc all have varying life spans. Generally, an herbal product will have the longest life span when it has been extracted in alcohol.

Can you tell me a little more about Kava?

Kava is a psychoactive herb with a long history of use by Pacific Islanders as a traditional ceremonial drink. It is made from the rhizome of the pepper plant, Piper methysticum. It can be found growing in Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Kava is classified as a depressant and can produce a state of tranquil intoxication in which thoughts and memory remain clear. In traditional medicine it has been used as a relaxant, sedative, as a treatment of asthma, and for some skin disorders. It is said that other areas in which it has been used is in the treatment of gonorrhea, vaginitis, leucorrhoea, nocturnal incontinence and other ailments of the genitourinary tract. However, these applications have not been clinically verified. Kava is thought to have a broad pharmacological activity. It is a dioecious bush that grows approximately two feet high. The leaves are large, acuminate and deeply cordate. The rhizome is dark with a whitish interior. The male plant produces flowers that are numerous, small and in very short spike like inflorescences. The rhizome is pungent, slightly bitter, and has a numbing effect. On February 22, 1998, the FDA announced that it had identified 16 dietary supplements as risky, Kava was listed with a warning that it "can potentiate the effects of alcohol and certain psychological drugs."

What are the actions that have been associated with the herb?

Generally, Kava is thought to act as sedative, anti-convulsive, antispasmodic, and central muscular relaxant. Kava pyrones are thought to be the main active constituent responsible for these actions. Kava also has anti-septic properties. Traditionally, it has been used as a stimulant, tonic, diuretic, diaphoretic, and aphrodisiac.

Copyright 1999 RxList