Side Effects of Kava Kava

Kava Kava Basics

Kava is derived from the plant Piper methysticum which is indigenous to many countries in the Pacific Ocean. The plant is extremely potent and the word ‘methysticum’ means intoxication in Greek. Both the derivative and the plant are called kava, however in some countries it goes by alternative names, for instance awa in Hawaii, ava in Samoa, yaqona in Fiji and sakau in Pohnpei.

How is Kava Kava Taken?

The traditional way of taking kava kava is as a drink. However many new ways have been explored such as chewing gum, smoothies or simply chewed.

Kava kava has psychoactive properties and when taken it is said to have soporific and narcotic effects. It is often taken as a mild tranquilizer, relieving stress and anxiety. One of the benefits is said to be the fact that it does not cause unwanted side effects such as a loss of alertness or that it is addictive. It is sometimes marketed as an herbal alternative to Prozac. Although kava kava is sold as a ‘legal high’, many countries, including the UK and the rest of Europe, have banned its use and it is illegal to take it in these countries in any form.

Buying Kava Kava

Kava kava is freely available from a number of internet sites. These include kava kava websites that specialize only in kava kava and related products, or from more general herb or alternative health stores who sell organic or affordable herbs. As with the purchase of any drug online, natural or chemical, it is important to be sure that you are confident about what you are buying and the reputation of the seller. These points are vitally important with herbs that have psychoactive properties as too strong a dose could have side effects.

Learning More About the Side Effects of Kava Kava

With such a potent herb as kava kava, and given the controversy that surrounds it, it is important to learn more about the side effects of the drug so users can make a well informed decision. Side effects can include skin damage as well as skin complaints; therefore it is extremely important to explore the subject more before taking kava kava.

There are many excellent websites that give more information about the side effects of kava kava. It should be noted that many websites come from a particular view point, for instance it is rare that a site that sells kava kava will discuss in great length any harmful side effects.

It is also important when researching kava kava and its side effects to check the source of any claims by the retailer.

• Vanderbilt.edu – an informative article giving lots of information about kava kava, including links to surveys and research done on the subject.
• Personal Health Zone – a bullet point list containing information about side effects with sources.
• Inteli Health – useful site giving information with details of studies carried out about kava kava usage and its side effects.
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine – information about kava kava and its use.
• UK Government – information about the kava kava ban in the UK and the rest of Europe.

Kava kava is an interesting herb that garners a whole spectrum of opinion. Supporters welcome the herb as being a great natural support for our bodies, while concerned parties see kava kava as being a drug with worrying side effects. Which ever side of the fence you sit on, it is important to learn more about kava kava.