Is daily usage ok?

[pitshack]

Hey guys. First I'd just like to say hello because I'm new to this forum. I'm also new to kava and I have a few questions that I was hoping someone could give me some input on. I have been using kava (instant kava varieties) for about 6 weeks on a daily basis to help with almost crippling anxiety that developed a couple of months ago. I was wondering if this is safe for my liver seeing that I take a few medications for depression.


I also seem to have developed a tolerance. I have read here about reverse tolerance but I haven't wxperienced that yet, is that something that usually develops?


You guys have a great forum. I love how passionate you all are about  kava.

 

[KavaKrunked]

Are you kidding? Daily usage is recommended! Welcome to the Kava Lounge!


The main problem you could potentially run into is kava induced dermopathy. Simply put, it is characterized by extremely dry skin that can crack and peel and in extreme cases be very painful. This has happened to me on a couple of occasions. The best bet is to make sure you over-hydrate and drink more water during the day than you think you need. Also, be sure to take a good multivitamin daily. When dermopathy gets a little out of hand for me, I take a week or so off from drinking kava and it generally clears up. For more on this topic, use the search feature on the forum - there is plenty of discussion about it.


As far as your liver is concerned, just be sure to buy high-quality root. The vendors with sub-forums here are all very reputable, with perhaps the exception of Kona Kava. Stay away from Kona; not because it is dangerous, but because it sucks. Flavokavain B, found in the kava plants' stems and leaves, is the compound you want to avoid. Reputable sellers ensure that their kava only contains the proper root material and not the leaves and stems.


I take an AD and have not experienced any issues, if anything they potentiate each other in my case. Stay away from alcohol while drinking quality kava and your liver should be just fine. You should especially avoid kava alcohol extracts. To check for interactions with your medications, go to this website: http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html


What kava have you been drinking so far, if I may ask?


Again, welcome! Read, post, stick around. This is a great forum.

 

[pitshack]

Thanks for the quick and awesome reply! I can't believe I forgot to check drugs.com duh. As far as for what I've tried: A few years ago I tried kona and your right, they suck. I also tried go-kava's instant and was not very impressed. I tried N@H's shaman instant, it was pretty good, but a little pricey. I just got some VKS instant kava, I've only tried it twice and it seems to be quite good. Unfortunately it took forever to get here, also they never sent any emails about the status of my order until I hassled them, so I don't thinl I'll be ordering from them. I have also tried real kava's instant. It's pretty damn good and the price is reasonable, I'd say sofar this is my favorite. Last but not least, I tried gaia herbs Kava capsules and was really impressed with how good they were for a capsule product.


I do take a multivitamin along with several other vitamins and supplements. I weight train so I try to keep my diet and vitamin intake at a good level. I don't drink so there is no problem there.


I just wish I would start to notice this reverse tolerance thing. I've been using kava daily for about six weeks and have definetly noticed a tolerance developing. I had a medication adjustment a few months ago with disastrous effects. I am almost crushed by anxiety at times and the kava really seems to help so I'm hoping the tolerance will level off. I stopped taking it for a few days and the anxiety crept right back.


Anyways, thank you for the kind introduction and quick response, I'm going to have a cup of kava right now!

 

[kl.gdm]

My limited experince with instant kava, not very srong. A very mild effect. I suppose you would have to take a very high dosage. Also noticed effects are short lived.

 

[mos3z]

i used the gaia pills too


pitshack ive been drinking daily for almost a year straight now

just make sure you hydrate

 

[kavadude]

As far as instants you might want to try BKH instant green (which is good, as good as Shaman IMO) and N@H Fire Island (which I have not tried but i recently looked up the price of instants and it was the cheapest and well reviewed)

 

[krunkedout]

As far as instants you might want to try BKH instant green (which is good, as good as Shaman IMO) and N@H Fire Island (which I have not tried but i recently looked up the price of instants and it was the cheapest and well reviewed)

fo sho. Can't go wrong with green

 

[pitshack]

Yeah, I've read on this forum about BKH's instant green. Also read here that they just got it back in stock. Me thinks I'll be ordering from them today. Thanks for the tip about tongan pride Deleted User. I've been thinking about traditional prep but it just seems like a lot of work, thats just me being lazy though. I'm going to read a little bit about blender prep, that might be a nice transition towards traditional prep.


Thanks for all the responses everyone, very cool of you!

 

[KavaKrunked]

Strangely, I have never gotten results with blender prep that compared to the strength of traditional prep.

 

[kl.midas]

I'm finding I have to use it every day just to keep my tolerance down. If I go just one day without I find I don't get nearly as strong an effect as I do by using it consecutive days, and it gets even worse if I go several days without. Any else like that?

 

[Buddhacide]

Regarding daily usage: I find kava unique in the sense that my body just tells me if I've been using too much and I stop. I find it one of the least addictive substances, relative to the pleasure of doing it.