about Kava

晓渔

Kava

Latin name

Piper methysticum



Other name
Kava-kava


Popular uses

Kava is used to treat anxiety. It's also used to relieve insomnia and nervousness.



What the research shows

Studies support kava's therapeutic benefit. Kava's active ingredients — kava lactones — act as a sedative and muscle relaxant.



Possible side effects

Gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach upset; allergic skin reaction; with high doses or long-term use, yellow discoloration of the skin, hair and nails; pupil dilation and difficulty focusing; loss of balance.



Cautions

In late 2001, following reports from Europe of liver problems in several people who used kava, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration started investigating the safety of kava. Until more is known, don't start taking kava or products that contain kava. If you already use it, contact your doctor for advice and ask if you need liver function tests to check for unexpected liver problems. Don't take kava if you have a history of liver problems, if you're depressed or if you take antidepressants or prescription sedatives.

Symptoms of serious liver disease include:

Yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes (jaundice), and
Brown urine
Other symptoms include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Light-colored stools
Unusual tiredness
Weakness, stomach or abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Report any possible side effects to the Food and Drug Association MedWatch program by calling 800-332-0188.


MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting System



Other known cautions:

Kava is a depressant. If you have depression it may increase your risk of suicide.

Because kava acts as a sedative, operating machinery or driving a vehicle may be dangerous.

Don't mix kava with alcohol, sedatives or sleeping pills. These can heighten kava's sedative effect.

Because Kava might potentially interact with anesthesia, some physicians recommend discontinuing this herb 24 hours prior to surgery. Check with your physician and follow his or her recommendations.



Available forms
Extract, crushed root.


Typical dosage

Sixty to 120 milligrams orally daily of kava's active ingredient (check the label). The potency of commercial products varies. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Take before bedtime so it won't affect your normal daily activities.

长风

在治疗信息版,我对KAVA有详细的中文介绍!

绿草

Don't take kava if you have a history of liver problems, if you're depressed or if you take antidepressants or prescription sedatives.
Kava is a depressant. If you have depression it may increase your risk of suicide.
从这两句话看kava好像不适合抑郁症。