Kava: Dangers, Risks and Things to Watch Out For

The kava plant is indigenous to the South Pacific. For centuries, its roots have been used in traditional medicine. In recent years, Westerners have become increasingly interested in kava as well. However, this herb has a mixed reputation. Some people love it. Others despise it. Why is this? Does kava have any benefits – or any potential risks? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about this herb.

What is Kava?

Kava is a plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is indigenous to Pacific Islands, but has spread to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant. In recent years, kava has become increasingly popular in Western countries.

Kava is consumed as a beverage or taken as a supplement. It is known for its calming effects and is frequently consumed by people who want to relax.

The Kava Plant

Kava belongs to the pepper family ( Piperaceae). The plant is an ornamental shrub that can grow to between two and six feet in height. It has large, spade-shaped leaves and clusters of small, green flowers. The fruits are purple and oval-shaped.

The root of the kava plant is where the active ingredients are found. It is a rhizome, and can be harvested and ground into a powder. The oldest reference to kava in Western literature dates back to the 1500s. It was written about in the travels of British explorer, Captain George Powell.

What Does Kava Do?

Kava is known for having sedative and anti-anxiety effects. It is also known to have some painkilling properties. This makes it useful for people who suffer from chronic pain.

Kava is sometimes prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia. It can also be used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings.

Side Effects of Kava

The most common side effects of kava are:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea

However, these side effects are uncommon and mild. Many users report that kava tastes bitter. This is normal and should go away after a few weeks of use.

Is Kava Addictive?

Some research suggests that kava is addictive. This means that it can trigger the same chemicals in the brain that drugs like cocaine and heroin do. It is important to note that this research is still in its very early stages.

Is Kava Legal?

In the United States, kava is legal as a dietary supplement. It is not, however, legal for consumption in food. This is because it contains konjac gel, a substance that is used as an industrial cleanser.

Is Kava Safe?

As with any herb, it’s important to consider the safety of kava before using it. While it typically causes very mild side effects, it’s important to follow any recommendations your doctor has for you.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid consuming kava. Doing so can cause irritability in infants and children, as well as decreased lactation in nursing mothers. People with diabetes or high blood pressure should also consider carefully whether kava is right for them.

Kava and Mental Health

People with anxiety disorders seem to benefit the most from kava. It has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood in patients who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is also used to treat panic attacks.

People with PTSD also seem to benefit from kava. It has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of the condition, including increased heart rate, muscle tension, and trouble sleeping.

Kava and Addiction

It is important to note that kava has been used for centuries as an aid for anxiety and stress. This means that it is most likely to be used as an addiction treatment.

Many people report that they do not get addicted to kava. While it is unclear whether or not kava is addictive, many experts warn against getting addicted to “natural” substances, as they are not necessarily any safer than their synthetic counterparts.

Kava and Violence

Kava does not appear to cause increased violence or aggression. In fact, it appears to reduce these behaviors. This could be because kava promotes feelings of relaxation and well-being.

However, it is important to note that most studies on the effects of kava have used synthetic kava in controlled laboratory conditions. It is possible that kava affects people differently when they consume it in a natural setting.

Kava and Dependency

Kava does not appear to cause dependence. It is possible that people who become dependent on other drugs may turn to kava as a less harmful substitute.

However, it is important to note that most studies on kava have used synthetic kava in controlled laboratory conditions. It is possible that kava affects people differently when they consume it in a natural setting.

Summing up

Kava is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is known for having sedative and anti-anxiety effects.

The most common side effects of kava are: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea. These side effects are uncommon and mild. It is important to consider the safety of kava before consuming it. While it typically causes very mild side effects, it’s important to follow any recommendations your doctor has for you.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid consuming kava. Doing so can cause irritability in infants and children, as well as decreased lactation in nursing mothers. People with diabetes or high blood pressure should also consider carefully whether kava is right for them.

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