Using Kava

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What is Kava and is it Safe to Use?

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Many people wonder if Kava is safe to use. Herbalism and natural remedies are gaining in popularity and becoming more and more mainstream. Kava, or kava kava, is one such herbal supplement that has been used for centuries as a ceremonial drink. For those looking into alternative remedies and herbal supplements, they may have come across the plant. When trying any new supplement, it’s important to understand its side effects, effectiveness, and risk factors first.

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What is Kava?

Kava is a drink that’s been used for hundreds of years in the South Pacific as a ceremonial beverage for relaxation. Made from the plant Piper methysticum of the nightshade family, the name “kava kava” comes from the Polynesian word, “awa,” meaning “bitter.”

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In Polynesia, kava is a popular social drink today, and it can be compared to how alcohol is used in the U.S. and other Western societies. In the South Pacific, people have been making and drinking this supplement in religious and social ceremonies as a way to relax. But the drink has recently gotten some attention for claims of it being able to reduce stress or help people relax. Unfortunately, the plant is known to have a few unpleasant side effects, and it does come with several safety concerns.

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Why Do People Use Kava?

This plant is toxic to the liver, and there have been reports of deaths. In Europe and Canada, authorities have banned people from selling the plant to consumers. Although this has harmed the market for the plant in the South Pacific islands, this plant is still legal to sell and purchase in the U.S. But just because it’s legal, doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Traditionally, the plant was used as a social lubricant and to promote relaxation. But people also consume this plant to reduce stress and anxiety. The plant is also used to treat sleep issues and nighttime wakefulness. Less commonly, kava is used to treat ADHD and withdrawal symptoms in benzodiazepine addiction. Other less common uses for the plant include:

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  • Epilepsy
  • Psychosis
  • Migraines
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Respiratory infections
  • Muscle pain
  • Cancer prevention
  • UTIs
  • Increase libido

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Mostly, the plant is taken orally, but people also apply the plant directly to the skin to treat skin diseases, heal cuts, and ease muscle pain. Sometimes, the plant is made into a mouthwash and used to soothe ulcers and toothaches.

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How Effective is Kava as a Treatment Method?

Manufacturers will take the root of the Piper methysticum plant and grind the roots into a thick paste. Fortunately, this is done by hand nowadays. But for centuries, people would chew up the roots and spit them out to create a paste-like consistency. Once the paste is formed, water is added to the mixture. Then it is strained and processed into a beverage for consumption.

The active ingredients in kava are kavalactones. A dried root of the Piper methysticum plant is comprised of anywhere from 3% to 20% kavalactones. Research on kava and its active ingredients has found that kavalactones can have the following impacts on the body:

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  • Lowers anxiety
  • Reduces pain
  • Protects neurons
  • Lowers the risk of cancer in mice

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Scientists have uncovered that the plant may impact the brain’s neurotransmitters, specifically the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA is thought to reduce neuronal activity in the brain. A majority of the research performed on the plant has centered around the supplement’s effects on anxiety.

A staggering 18% of all people in the U.S. will struggle with an anxiety disorder in a given year. As one of the most common mental health conditions, there are many treatment options available for anxiety sufferers. Mostly, people use a combination of talk therapy and medications to lessen symptoms.

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But medications often come with a range of side effects, and talk therapy can be cost-prohibitive for many patients. It’s no wonder that people would be looking for alternative remedies like kava to find relief. A study on kava and anxiety was conducted in 1997. Compared to the placebo, people who took kava for anxiety reported a reduction in symptoms, with minimal side effects. However, some studies have uncovered certain risks with kava that may make it unsuitable as a long-term treatment option for chronic issues like anxiety.

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What are the Adverse Effects and Long-Term Risks of Kava?

Studies have found that kava may be safe for short term use when taken as an oral supplement. But in the early 2000s, many cases were reported regarding kava use and liver toxicity. At the time, the FDA warned people about the risk of using kava and possible liver damage. Because of these cases, the EU and Canada soon banned kava. Germany later lifted the ban on kava because the evidence was later revealed that stated the reports of liver damage and kava were overblown.

Since then, other evidence has come out suggesting that kava can still impact the liver, especially when taken with other drugs and alcohol. The liver enzymes that are used to break down alcohol and pharmaceuticals are also used to break down kava. It is believed that kava consumption can essentially “hoard” these enzymes and prevent the liver from processing other substances. This can lead to liver toxicity.

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Is CBD a Viable Alternative to Kava?

Both CBD and kava are considered supplements and are not regulated by the FDA. While kava is deemed to be safe for short-term use and in low doses, adulterated kava is still dangerous. For consumers, it’s critical that they thoroughly research a kava manufacturer and a CBD manufacturer before they purchase and use the product.

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Products should be thoroughly tested through an unbiased third party, and shoppers should have access to the product’s ingredients and lab reports. While CBD has not been found to cause liver damage, evidence on CBD’s effectiveness as a treatment option for anxiety or other disorders is still inconclusive.

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At Hugs CBD, all our CBD products are tested through an independent lab. We publish our products’ lab tests right on our website for a transparent and honest buying process for our shoppers. If your doctor has cleared you for CBD, shop online with HUGs today. We’ll deliver our high-quality CBD products straight to your door.

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Last updated October 8 2019

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