Depression symptoms range from mild to severe and are characterized by experiencing hopelessness, irritability and difficulty sleeping. Severe depression can impact your thoughts, feelings and ability to perform regular daily tasks. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America notes that depression occurs in up to 17 percent of the U.S. population at any given time, and half of individuals with depression are also diagnosed with a co-occurring anxiety disorder. The primary intervention for treating depression and anxiety is medically based. However, the herb kava kava has been found useful in treating the restlessness, sleep disturbance and pain associated with co-occurring depression and anxiety symptoms. Before using kava kava, consult your physician.
Step 1
Talk to your physician. Kava kava can interact with several types of medications, including anti-anxiety agents, anticonvulsants and diuretics. Additionally, this herb reportedly leads to liver damage when used for extended periods of time. Discuss and explore the option of using alternative medicine rather than conventional prescription medications in treating your depression symptoms. Remain under close physician supervision for the duration of taking kava kava.
Step 2
Take a standard tablet or capsule daily. Kava kava comes in different forms; however, the standardized tablet or capsule dosage ranges from 150 to 300 mg, taken up to three times a day. Read the labeling to ensure the supplement contains 30 to 70 percent of kavalactones, which is the activating compound that helps reduce symptoms. Using kava kava for longer than six months can lead to health risks. Consult your physician before taking kava kava supplements to determine the risks and best dose for your symptoms.
Step 3
Use a small dose for sleep. Take kava kava on an as-needed basis to help you sleep, as an alternative to daily use. Kava kava can help induce sleep and improve the quality of sleep when taken intermittently. Take a small dose before bedtime to produce a calming effect. Consult your physician to increase the dose if the lowest standard dose does not help with sleep.
Step 4
Boil the root to make a tea beverage. Take kava kava as a tea as an alternative to pills or capsules. Obtain the rhizome, or root stock, from a natural foods store. Boil the herb down in water for five to seven minutes. Pour a cup of kava kava tea and drink up to three times a day to reduce symptoms of restlessness and mild body pains associated with depression. Consult your physician before taking kava kava tea.
Tips and Warnings
- The root stock of the kava kava plant is the medicinal agent used in alternative treatments.
- Due to the potential for causing liver damage, the dose for kava kava in treating symptoms is best determined by your physician. If you have liver problems, do not take kava kava supplements. Do not drink alcohol while taking kava kava. High doses of kava kava can cause skin problems, movement disorders and rashes.
