Kava Kava is the non-addictive, all-natural, mild herbal sedative that is used to relax the body. This unique herb from the tropics contains compounds known as kavalactones, which help ease tense muscles throughout the body, while leaving your mind calm, sharp and clear. Kava is fast becoming one of America's most popular herbal supplements, helping millions of people relax naturally.
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
History and Uses:
Kava Kava is a member of the pepper
family and grows as a bush in the South Pacific. Explorer Captain James Cook,
who gave this plant the name of "intoxicating pepper," was the first Westerner to discover
Kava Kava. Kava has been used for over three thousand years for its medicinal effects
as a sedative, muscle relaxant, diuretic and as a remedy for nervousness
and insomnia. The rhizome (root stock) is used medicinally. This
botanical marvel has been used in parts of the Pacific at traditional social
gatherings as a relaxant, and in cultural and religious ceremonies to achieve
a "higher level of consciousness."
The roots can be made into a mildly narcotic
beverage that is comparable to popular cocktails in our culture. Kava is used
ceremoniously in the South Pacific to celebrate beginnings and endings, such
as marriages, births and deaths. It is often used to honor a guest, to enhance
communication and even to help settle disputes and seal business
agreements. In Germany, Kava Kava is used as a nonprescription drug to reduce
anxiety. Kava was first mentioned in scientific records in 1886, and it is
gaining popularity in the United States for its relaxing effects. More recently, Kava
Kava has also gained popularity with the natives of Hawaii, Australia and
New Guinea, where it is used medicinally, as well as recreationally. Kava is also considered effective as a pain reliever and has been used instead of aspirin, acetaminophen
and ibuprofen. Recent clinical studies have shown that the herb Kava is a
non-addictive anti-anxiety medicine, and may be as effective as prescription
anxiety agents containing benzodiazepines such as Valium®. While benzodiazepines
tend to promote lethargy and mental impairment, Kava has been shown to improve
concentration, memory and reaction time for people suffering from anxiety.
In a 1996 randomized, placebo-controlled,
double-blind study, two groups of 29 patients with anxiety syndromes were
treated with 100 mgs. of Kava extract standardized to 70% kavalactones, three
times a day for four weeks. The symptoms of anxiety were significantly reduced
in patients taking Kava, as compared to those who were given a placebo, and no adverse reactions were
observed in the Kava group. In a 1997 multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled
study, a total of 101 outpatients were given one capsule of a Kava extract
containing 70 mgs. of kavalactones or placebo, three times daily. In this twenty-five-week
study, all the patients suffered from moderate to severe anxiety, including
agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia and social phobia.
The results showed that the short- and long-term effectiveness of Kava was
superior to that of placebo. After twenty-four weeks, over half of the Kava
group were rated as "very improved," whereby anxiety, fear, tension and insomnia
decreased steadily with treatment. Kava was well tolerated, and adverse reactions
were mild and rare. The researchers concluded that Kava was a treatment alternative
to both benzodiazepines and synthetic antidepressants for anxiety disorders, but please note important warnings below.
Ingredients: 100% Kava Kava Standardized Extract (30% Kavalactones) - Our products contain 100% pure plant-based/natural materials using no fillers, grains, yeast, sugars, binders, excipients, starches, or synthetic materials.
Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes, particularly in the evening. Do not exceed recommended dosage.
Contraindications:
Those who suffer with Parkinson's disease should avoid Kava Kava, as it may worsen muscular weakness. Pregnant or nursing women should not take this product. Kava Kava should not be taken on a daily basis for longer than three months, as long-term use may cause severe liver damage. Excess use may disturb vision, dilate pupils, affect walking or driving and cause stupor, and it should be used only occasionally to relieve periods of stress or sleeplessness. Taking Kava and medicines to treat mental illnesses may add to the side effects of these medicines such as involuntary movements of the arms, neck or face. Taking Kava may interfere with the actions of some medicines used to treat nausea and vomiting resulting in the return of symptoms otherwise controlled by medicines. Kava Kava should never be taken after consuming alcohol. Those who are taking pharmaceutical antidepressants, benzodiazepine tranquilizers or sleeping pills should avoid Kava. It may be best to avoid operating machinery when taking Kava, as it may cause drowsiness. Consult a physician before taking Kava Kava if you use oral contraceptives, anti-seizure medications, HIV drug prescriptions, anticoagulants or any prescriptions. Kava Kava should be avoided for two weeks prior to any elective surgery. Kava Kava is not recommended for people with severe anxiety disorders and/or severe depression. Chronic over-consumption may produce dry skin, labored breathing, alteration of red and white blood cell counts, and if any of these symptoms appear, its use should be discontinued immediately. The herb is not recommended for persons under eighteen years of age. Constant, long-term use has been associated with damage to the liver, skin, eyes and spinal cord. (Please consult FDA Public Health Advisory (March 25, 2002) for further information.)
Capsule Information:
Our Kava Kava supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs. |
