Kava Kava Extract

Species Name: Piper methysticum

Also Known As: Awa; Ava; Piper methysticum; Yagona

The Kava plant is a tall shrub found growing on many islands in the Pacific Ocean. The branches of this shrub are thick with large, green, heart-shaped leaves. There are long, thin flowers at the junction of the branch and stem.

A centuries old Pacific Island ceremonial drink is made from the roots of the Kava plant. It has a similar effect to alcohol. Ground into a pulp, the roots are then mixed with cold water to form a thick, pasty substance. The drink is offered to visiting dignitaries and guests.

What is Kava Kava Extract? The extract is taken from the root of the Kava Kava plant. The roots of this plant come in hairy bundles.

Home Remedies Using Kava Kava Extract:

Benefits of Kava Kava Extract:

Kava Kava extract is used to treat anxiety. There have been studies to suggest that Kava changes brain wave activity in a way similar to valium.

One research study showed that, "When compared to benzodiazepines (prescription anti-anxiety drugs), a 1993 study "seems to confirm the claim that kava, as opposed to benzodiazepines, does not sedate" and, rather than "impairing mental sharpness, it actually improves it."

Kava Kava extract may decrease the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and enhance sleep quality.

Side Effects of Kava Kava Extract:

Kava Kava extract has been linked to severe liver problems and toxicity including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure leading even to death. Only take this supplement with your doctor’s supervision.

Symptoms of liver damage include jaundice or yellow skin, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and joint pain. People with liver damage should not take kava.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take kava.

It is important that if you are going to have surgery you tell your surgeon that you’ve taken Kava Kava in the past. Do not take kava if you are going to have surgery. Kava can prolong the anesthesia effects. Do not drink alcohol and take kava.

Additional side effects that have been associated with kava include allergic skin reactions, dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, stomach upset, and tremors. It is important to note that a long-term, high dose use can cause flaky, dry, and yellowish discoloration of the skin, hair loss (alopecia), partial loss of hearing, and loss of appetite.

Because of its alcohol-like effect, kava should not be taken before operating a car or other machinery.