Kava kava (Piper methystine) is from the ground root of the kava kava plant that is native to Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. There, South Pacific Islanders enjoy kava kava as a drink. The active ingredients are kavalactones, which have been be used for treating anxiety or insomnia. Kava kava is available in capsules, extracts or in powdered drink form.
Instructions
1. Consult with an integrative physician with training in nutritional therapy to determine if kava kava is appropriate for you.
2. Be an informed consumer and read the link below provided by the National Center for Alternative Complementary Medicine for tips on consume any herbal or plant supplement. Do not make the mistake of thinking herbal or plant supplements are “weaker” or “less potent” than pharmaceutical drugs.
3. Read all the medical cautions below before consuming kava kava. If you are interested in taking kava kava as a sleep aid, note that it is not meant for daily use. If you have any liver disorders, do not consume kava kava. Consider alternatives such as 5HTP, tryptophan, Valerian, hops or passionflower.
4. Read the labels closely to determine how much of the kava kava kavalactones you are ingesting. Do not exceed the recommended usage amounts on the label of the products.
Tags: kava kava, herbal plant