Kava Kava is it safe?

Question

Is Kava Kava safe to take? I bought kava kava and wondering if anyone has ever tried it for stress?

Answer 1

About 2 years ago, I went to my new doctor for a regular physical and he asked if I took any prescription meds (i don't). Then he asked what, if any, over-the-counter meds I use. I told him I had taken ecchinachea and golden seal for years, and had about a month earlier started taking kava kava. He stopped writing in my file, turned around, looked me square in the eye and told me to stop taking it. He said there has been many problems associated with it. He said the ecchinachea and golden seal were OK though (he's supportive of herbals) I didn't want to take his time by asking what kinds of problems, I just stopped taking it. But I will never forget the serious expression on his face when he told me to stop. He even mentioned it again about 6-7 minutes later as I was leaving and walking down the hall.

Answer 2

I would say Kava is great for anxiety. All these things about being bad for the liver? 90% if the food in the grocery store is bad for your liver, Kava is natural. Kava is a good thing to drink at night. In the morning a great way to reduce anxiety is to do some stretching and mindful breathing. However don't rely on Kava everyday, use it as more of a ritual.

Answer 3

Im Curious if kava kava is safe to drink while your on your period? I know some herbs can stop menstration, decrease flow, increase flow. I like to keep my flow for @ least 4 days and ive noticed some herbs effect it. I have a feeling Kava may decrease flow? Anybody know?

Answer 4

Kava, or kava kava, is a root found on South Pacific islands. Islanders have used kava as medicine and in ceremonies for centuries.
Kava has a calming effect, producing brain wave changes similar to changes that occur with calming medications such as diazepam (such as Valium). Kava also can prevent convulsions and relax muscles. Although kava is not addictive, its effect decreases with use.
Traditionally prepared as a tea, kava root is also available as a dietary supplement in powder and tincture forms.
When taken for anxiety or stress, kava does not interfere with mental sharpness. When taken for sleep problems, kava promotes deep sleep without affecting restful REM sleep.
Kava may be used instead of prescription antianxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants. Kava should never be taken with these prescription drugs. Avoid using alcohol when taking kava.

Answer 5

It's fine. There were some reports of possible problems awhile back related to liver, but it was in people using very large amounts for a long time and with alcohol and maybe other drugs. Also, they found that some sellers were selling the stems and leaves, which have bad compounds in them. Now, sellers know to only sell roots. Always go with a trusted seller. Don't waste your money with the little capsules, go with a big bag of powder and a filter bag. Good sources below

Answer 6

I'd say it is a gamble. Will your body respond negatively to it??? You don't know for sure.

I read an article about a woman who took some just ONCE, and it damaged her liver to the point she had to have a liver transplant.

Try something else for stress. There's plenty of other alternatives, such as B-complex.

Answer 7

I take Kava Kava on a regular basis...nightly...about 30 min utes prior to bedtime. I give it to my children ages 3 and 5,I open the capsule and sprinkle it on their yogart, applesauce or whatever right before their bath so that by bedtime they are realxed and easily fall asleep. It has no side effects that I know of.

Answer 8

Yes, I took it for a few years, for sleeping. It induces vivid dream recall, so don't be startled by this!

Answer 9

YES IT IS WONDERFUL, it serves more than one purpose to. it's good for stress, high blood pressure, weight loss, migraines, fatigue, insomnia and pain management.

Answer 10

I think it is safe. Valerian root is good for relaxation, too. Sometimes they put the two together.