Kava Safety

[Dakotadan]

I just recently bought a bottle of Kava Kava root extract by natural Balance. I've heard some of the more elaborate stories of how Kava Kava can damage one's liver and lead to serious health problems which to me seems unlikely as this is just a plant root and not chemically enhanced or altered in a laboratory. Can any one please provide some information or details about what they have heard or know about Kava Kava health effects? I suffer from severe Anxiety and Kava Kava seems to be a Godsend but I want to make sure I am safe in my medication.

Thank You!

 

[DirTJerz]

Welcome! I don't know much about extracts, but I'd say they're more of an unknown than pure root powder. With extracts, I would have concerns about what type of solvents are used and what parts of the plants, much less whether it's noble or tudei kava.

Most people here use kava regularly and feel that it is safe, even used daily. I would also say that most here use it to help with some sort of anxiety, and find it very effective. But I would recommend you get some ground powder from a reputable vendor listed here on the site, so you can use it the traditional way. I recommend Gourmet Hawaiian Kava as a great place to start!

 

[HeadHodge]

It is quite likely that any extract you buy was made from tudei kava. In addition, solvent extracts contain basically all elements in kava, including ones you don't want to drink.

Traditionally prepared kava, made from water and root, is the only kava with a longstanding record of safe consumption.

Are you sure about that? i.e. Paradise Extracts?? I'm pretty sure I remember Adil saying "not so".

 

[DirTJerz]

Yeah, Dan, get some root powder asap if you want to make sure you do it the safe way. At first, I tried pills and the thought of brewing my own grog seemed like a wild idea - because I was in the mindset of looking for a supplement/drug. But now, taking a kava pill seems like the crazy idea, because I think of kava as more of a drink and a ritual than a pharmaceutical (though of course its effectiveness comes from its chemical composition). But trust us (Deleted User for sure), ground root is the safest and most effective way to go.

HeadHodge - it's good to know you're around to keep Deleted User honest, just in case he's ever wrong one of these days