Kava benefits and side effects
Kava is a plant from the South Pacific.
Kava is a plant that has been used by Pacific Islanders for centuries. It is part of their culture and ritual. It is important to understand Kava benefits and side effects.
The root of the plant is traditionally used to make beverages that have a mild to moderate sedative effect. It is also said to elicit feelings of euphoria. In traditional cultures, kava is consumed in the same way that alcoholic beverages are here—during ceremonies or celebrations.
Kava benefits and side effects - Treating anxiety and insomnia.
The current body of evidence suggests that kava may aid in the treatment of anxiety, although there remains contention as to how effective a drug it really is.
In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney, a group of participants was given either placebo or kava extract for one month. At the end of the study period, those who had taken the kava extract reported fewer symptoms of anxiety than those who had taken the placebo.
While there have been several studies on the use of kava for insomnia, most of the research is limited to animal studies. One type of kavalactone, called kavian, has been suggested as the agent responsible for its sedative effects. However, the effectiveness of this drug was undermined by the subjective nature of “quality of sleep” questionnaire. Based on study measures, even people provided a placebo had significant improvements in sleep quality.
Kava benefits and side effects - Potential side effects of kava
Temporary skin problems — such as scaly, bumpy, itchy, or red skin.
Skin condition caused from drinking kava is called Kava dermopathy. In Fiji, kava dermopathy is known as kanikani, while in Australia it is also known as crocodile skin.It is characterized by scaly, red patches on the palms, soles, and other parts of the body. It is most common among those who consume kava daily over extended periods of time.
The disease affects people of all ages and all genders, but there may be a genetic component to its development. The cause of the condition is unknown; however, it has been linked to contact with raw kava rootstock that contains psoralens and furanocoumarins.
Liver damage.
in March 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to consumers and health professionals about the risk of liver damage associated with kava use.Case reports have linked kava with liver toxicity, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death.
Many of these cases were linked to pre-existing liver disease, excessive kava doses, and heavy alcohol use. It is not proven without doubt that the liver toxicity in these cases were the result of consuming kavalactones.
To date, only Canada, Switzerland, Poland, and Germany have restricted or banned the consumption of kava. In the USA, kava is classified as a dietary supplement. This means it maybe purchased for personal use.
Dosage
There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of kava. Kava is sold in Australia in capsule, soft gel caps, aqueous extract, and powder forms.
Most capsule formulations are offered in doses ranging from fifty milligrams to one hundred milligrams. Most expert recommend that you take no more than 250 milligrams per day and limit your use to no more than three months.
Summary
Kava may be helpful for anxiety, but it is important to use it with caution due to its link to liver damage. Using kava whilst also using alcohol is to be avoided at all times as this is believed to exacerbate pre-existing liver conditions. Moreover if you are using prescription drugs, speak to your doctor to see if using kava in conjunction with them could cause health issues.
When reviewing kava benefits and side effects, it is worth noting that kava has been drink for thousands of years in the Pacific countries without any indication of extensive liver damage in these regions. Responsible consumption within the confines of you pre-existing health conditions means kava can be used as an excellent social tonic and potentially assist with anxiety and insomnia.