In an effort to enhance sleep patterns and reduce stress and anxiety, some people will employ kava, a well-known herbal remedy. The effects boast calming yet euphoric, almost reminiscent of alcohol, with the substance carrying a long-standing history with traditional medicine and alternative therapies.

People choose to blend the herb with boiling water for tea in many cases, but there are also kava tablets. The “NIH” or “National Institute For Health” warns of the possibility for severe damage to the liver with use, although it notes to reduce anxiety with mild effects.

what is kava?

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recommends caution, but it is a legal herb for use in the United States, with researchers backing the herb’s use hoping to find ways to do so in a safer capacity. The plant is native to the Pacific Ocean islands, native to the “Piper methysticum” plant. The native peoples would use the drink created for cultural ceremonies to induce altered consciousness.

What Is Kava

Consuming kava notes offering the user a relaxing, almost euphoric effect in the same context as alcohol. In scientific terms, these types of substances are “anxiolytic,” as is alcohol. Because of these effects, some people choose to use kava in a recreational capacity plus as a remedy since it decreases stress, reduces anxiety, and promotes sleep. Look here for factors to consider before buying kava.

  • Anxiolytic properties: The primary purpose of kava is to help decrease instances of stress and decrease anxiousness. Studies indicate kava has properties with the potential to help with symptoms of anxiety disorders.

The recommendation is that the herb has usage on a short-term basis due to the possibility of liver damage. Scientists feel more studies are necessary to assess the effectiveness and the safety before use is the recommendation for therapeutic purposes.

  • Promoting Sleep: Kava properties meant to promote sleep are due to the anxiolytic effects. Because of its potential as an alternate remedy for symptoms associated with sleep disorders, the product is in demand for those purposes. The results, however, as to its effectiveness in this capacity are not conclusive.

Again, the suggestion is for precautions since research suggests that kava has the potential for liver damage with the possibility for “hepatotoxic” or “damaging liver cells.”

Because of that, there have been restrictions, even bans placed on kava in certain areas. It is legal within the United States because of the possibilities it presents as a treatment. Still, the FDA distinctly warns consumers of kava-based items, reputation for bringing liver damage. The damage, including that known for hepatitis or liver failure, is especially severe. Symptoms associated with these damages include:

  • Nausea
  • Jaundice (eye or skin yellowing)
  • Fatigue
  • Rash
  • Enzyme abnormalities
  • Fever

If symptoms become evident, the herb-based product needs to stop immediately with the doctor’s intervention right away. Scientists are unsure how or why the herb affects the liver, making it challenging to develop safer methods of use or determining if kava will be a safe option for human use.

Until these determinations come into fruition, the recommendations are that people continue to use precautions when employing the products into their routine. Elevated doses for extended periods has the probability of developing:

  • Heart issues
  • Yellowed skin
  • Scaly, dry skin
  • Eye issues

How To Use Kava Root

How To Use Kava Root

As a rule, people produce a paste with kava root, blending it with water or boiling it with tea. You can also find it in some stores pre-made into tea. It is possible to find the drug in a liquid form like in a calming shot, or you can blend it with juices or other drinks.

There are also powders, tablets, and capsules on the market, with the suggestion to indulge in no more than 250 mg in a given day and avoid using any form with alcohol. The potential for increased risks for severe liver damages is more significant when consuming alcohol while indulging in kava. These two elements interact with each other.

The herb interacts with many drugs also like benzodiazepines plus psychotropics. It is always of the utmost importance before you begin taking any substance that you consult with your primary physician first. The medical provider has your personal profile and can determine what is safe for you and what is not.

Avoiding a session with your physician before you engage in any type of remedy, drug, supplement, medication, the herb is doing a great disservice to yourself and your body. Your doctor can help you find the right products for you and guide you to an adequate dosage. These professionals are on your side in helping to keep you safe and at an optimum level of wellness.

kava benefits

Final Thought

Kava boasts an herbal remedy that most people use in an attempt to relieve anxious episodes, decrease stress, and promote overall healthy sleep patterns. While these are extraordinary benefits for many people who endure insufferable levels of symptoms associated with these conditions, the downside is the severe liver damage that can result. Go to https://www.verywellmind.com/kava-kava-what-you-need-to-know-897031/ to learn the health benefits.

It’s very prominent in the researchers’ studies, very cautioned against, recommended are exceptions to pay attention to with the FDA, very spoken out against. That means only one thing, it’s serious, and it happens.

If it were slight or rare or periodic or merely a possibility, there wouldn’t be such a fuss. Still, it is highlighted predominantly in every study, research, FDA report, and internet article. That means it happens enough that it’s not necessarily an infrequent occurrence.

All drugs, remedies, herbs, supplements, treatments come with possible side effects that everyone needs to consider before deciding to indulge.

With kava, you need to take a long period to consider the effects that this herb can potentially have on your liver before you decide if it’s worth the benefits.

Scientists find it necessary as a remedy, but they also see it as exceptionally harmful to the liver, trying to find ways to make it safe for people to take. It’s your responsibility where you place it in your health regimen.