Kava+Kava

[[image:Kava_Kava.jpg width="344" height="311" align="right"]]Dosage
less than 300mg/day

Therapeutic Indications

 * Kava has been used as a ceremonial beverage in the South Pacific for centuries.
 * Kava has also been used to help people fall asleep and fight fatigue, as well as to treat asthma and urinary tract infections.
 * Topically (on the skin), kava has been used as a numbing agent.
 * Today, kava is used primarily for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and menopausal symptoms.

The active ingredients in kava kava are called kavalactones and are found in the root of the plant. Kavalactones cause reactions in the brain similar to pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for depression and anxiety. Research has shown that kavalactones have a calming, sedative effect that relaxes muscles, relieves spasms, and prevents convulsions. Kavalactones also have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties that may bring relief to sore throats, sore gums, canker sores, and toothaches.

Kava kava is a strong diuretic that is reportedly beneficial in the treatment of gout, rheumatism, and arthritis. The effect of the herb relieves pain and helps remove waste products from the afflicted joint. Antispasmodic properties have shown to help ease menstrual cramps by relaxing the muscles of the uterus. Kava kava's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents may help relieve an irritable bladder, urinary tract infections, and inflammation of the prostate gland.

Precautions
Kava kava is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or women who are trying to conceive. Kava kava should not be used for longer than three months and should not be taken in conjunction with other sedatives, tranquilizers, or barbituates. Excessive consumption may impair the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.

Side effects
Mild side effects may include a numbing of the mouth, unpleasant taste, nausea, headache, drowsiness, and dizziness. Excessive consumption over a period of several weeks or months has been reported to cause a temporary yellowing of the skin, hair and nails; red eyes; gastrointestinal complaints; loss of appetite; vision and breathing problems; and dry and peeling skin. These side effects were relieved upon discontinuation of use.