Kava is a tall shrub in the pepper family that grows in the South Pacific islands. It has been used there for thousands of years as a folk remedy and as a social and ceremonial beverage. The part of the plant used medicinally is the root. Although the root was traditionally chewed or made into a beverage, kava is now available in capsule, tablet, beverage, tea, and liquid extract forms. Kava Kava Uses... - Anxiety.
- Reducing withdrawal symptoms in people who need to stop taking anti-anxiety and sleep medicines called benzodiazepines.
- Anxiety in women going through menopause.
How does Kava work?
Kava affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. The kava-lactones in kava are believed to be responsible for its effects.
The US FDA advises that a potential risk of rare, but severe, liver injury may be associated with kava-containing dietary supplements. Ask a healthcare professional if you have or have had liver problems, frequently use alcoholic beverages or take any medication. Stop use and see a doctor if you develop symptims that may signal liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of theskin or whites of they eyes) and brown urine. Other nonspecific symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, unusual tiredness, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
Not for use by persons under 18 or by pregnant or lactating women. Not for use with alcoholic beverages. Excessive use, or use with products that cause drowsiness, may impair your ability ot operate a vehicle or heavy equipment.
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