According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, kava is in the pepper family and is from the South Pacific. It affects the central nervous system by inducing sleep and regulating mood. Kava may cause side effects including liver damage or muscle spasms, but it may also be useful for relieving anxiety. You can find solid and liquid kava kava supplements either pure or with other active compounds. The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings regarding serious health risks associated with the use of kava. You should not take this or any supplement without first discussing it with a physician.
Capsules
Capsules can be convenient kava supplements. Herb-Pharm makes Pharma-Kava capsules for relaxation and stress reduction. These supplements are vegetarian, and the company states that the kava is free from chemicals. Each capsule has 200 milligrams of kava rhizome and root extract. This amount includes 60 milligrams of kavalactones, which are the herb's biologically active chemical compounds. Alcohol is the solvent for the extraction process, and the final product becomes alcohol-free after rinsing with water. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved these health claims about kava supplements, and taking kava kava supplements means accepting serious health risks. It may not be safe for pregnant women, children or people who are operating machinery.
Liquid
If you want to take kava kava but do not like swallowing pills, you can try a liquid supplement, such as Kava Kava Root Extra Strength from Gaia Herbs. The company claims that their extra-strength formula supports muscle and nerve relaxation while promoting emotional well-being. The instructions are to take ten drops three times a day as you need it for relaxation. Each ten-drop dose has 25 milligrams of kavalactones from whole plant kava kava extract. The company warns not to take this supplement for longer than a month and to avoid taking it with alcohol or medications. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated kava kava supplements for their health benefits, and the FDA warns that severe liver damage can result from taking them.
Menopause Support Capsule
Some menopausal women report symptoms of anxiety or emotional mood swings. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, some women use kava kava to relieve menopausal symptoms. Now Foods Menopause Support has 100 milligrams of kava kava in each three-capsule serving. To address changes in hormones with menopause, this dietary supplement has soy isoflavones, red clover and black cohosh. Other ingredients include ginger root powder, wild yam and red raspberry powder. However, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved kava or this supplement for treating menopausal symptoms, and you should be careful about taking dietary supplements without consulting your doctor.
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