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| Kava Kava is a best-seller based on its proven ability to relieve stress, anxiety and tension. Based on these reports, the UK has banned sales of kava products and German authorities have notified manufacturers of kava products that their licenses to market the herb could be withdrawn. Closer examination of the scant details available on the 30 European cases reveals that the vast majority - 21 cases in all - involved the concurrent use of hepatotoxic drugs and/or alcohol. Function; Reasons For Use Although we don't know exactly how kava functions in the body, its method of action seems to involve brain receptors for a substance known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This would make it similar to benzodiazepine drugs like Valium and Xanax. GABA is believed to play a role in anxiety that is somewhat similar to serotonin's rôle in depression, although there are many gaps in our knowledge. The kavalactone components of kava probably account for its reported effects on sleep. A sedative and analgesic, kava helps induce sleep in low doses but in high doses it may cause stupor. Researchers have identified six major kavalactones (a class of lactones) and another dozen minor ones. Like Valium and Xanax, they may influence GABA, the neurotransmitter that acts as a brake on the central nervous system. Kava's relaxant properties are related to the lipid-like compounds known as lactones or pyrones. Kava root is used to calm body and mind and thwart insomnia. The best study was a 6-month, double-blind trial that tested kava's effectiveness in 100 individuals with various forms of anxiety. How fast does kava really work? We will need additional research to know for sure, but you should probably give it a couple of months before deciding whether it works for you. Be patient, because the benefits may take a while to develop. Even transient side-effects, such as mild nausea, are rare. Eliminating or cutting back on kava consumption reverses these conditions. Taking it in a strong tea causes numbness of the tongue. |
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