If you are like many Americans, you may suffer from stress-related anxiety every once in a while or to some degree every day. If your stress or anxiety begins to interfere with work or activities, you may want to try natural treatments before surrendering to harsh medications. Kava is a natural herb used to help you feel relaxed and alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety. However, just because treatments are natural doesn't mean they are completely safe; and in kava's case, the risks may outweigh the benefits. Always consult your doctor before using any herbal product.
Benefits of Kava
Kava, which comes from the pepper plant Piper methysticum, has been used for many years by ancient Pacific Islanders as a celebratory drink because it has effects similar to alcohol. It tends to have physical and psychological calming effects without making you feel sedated. It is said to help produce feelings of well-being, lifted mood and contentment as well as relaxation. Kava is used to help reduce symptoms associated with insomnia, anxiety, depression and premenstrual syndrome. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that a study found kava enhanced mood and cognitive function, which is significant because medications used to treat anxiety generally decrease cognitive function.
FDA Warnings
Another similarity between kava and alcohol is that both are significantly hard on your liver. In March 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a consumer advisory on the use of kava because of the potential risk of liver failure. The FDA received a report of a young woman who had a liver transplant associated with the use of kava, as well as many reports of liver-related injuries. Liver damage associated with kava has been reported in Europe, although it is unclear if the damage was from kava alone or kava combined with other drugs. Talk with your doctor before you use kava; if you are advised to take kava, have its use closely monitored by your health-care practitioner.
Other Potential Side Effects
You may experience other side effects from kava, including dizziness, allergic skin reactions, restlessness, upset stomach, drowsiness and tremors. Take time off when using kava, for example, three months on and one month off to avoid side effects such as dry, flaking and yellowing of your skin along with hair loss and drastic reduction of appetite. Kava may also interact with other medications, particularly medicines that affect the liver. Refrain from mixing kava with other substances that are hard on the liver such as alcohol and caffeine.
Alternatives
Certain alternative herbal options used to reduce stress and treat symptoms of anxiety and depression have fewer risks and side effects than kava. Valerian root has effects similar to those of kava, such as relaxation and mood enhancement, without the serious potential side effects on your liver. The B vitamins are also suggested to improve depression and anxiety because they help your body produce certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin, that directly affect your mood. Other alternative treatments similar to kava include dandelion root, SAMe and St. John's wort. But do not use any of these alternative products without talking to your doctor.
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