When it comes to supplements, the potential benefits and risks are in a tug-of-war relationship. While having an extra health boost is beneficial, taking it in the form of a pill or powder— especially in high doses— is neither necessary nor risk-free (read more).
Especially now that we are becoming more concerned about our health, the same goes for how we choose our supplements.
As we may know, the central part of nutrient content in supplements is synthesized chemically to mimic the natural nutrients present in foods. In light of this, we’d like to switch to a healthier alternative: taking a plant-based supplement.
Kava, like cannabis, was once a highly controversial herb. It was once used as a ceremonial tea and is now used as a supplement and a recreational drink. However, it has a reputation for being a highly addictive and harmful illegal alcoholic beverage.
Hence, it’s normal to second-guess if it’s a good supplement or not. So let’s learn about what’s true and what’s not.
What Is Kava?
Kava, also known as ava or kava kava, is a herb that comes from the piper methysticum plant’s crushed roots grown in the Pacific Islands, which is part of the pepper family, giving its users a mild sedative effect.
In the United States, the kava root is now sold as a dietary supplement. In Western countries, kava has remained a popular recreational drink, mainly consumed as an alcohol substitute. In fact, many people love kava for the same reason people love alcohol.
Ava promotes relaxation while giving sedative and muscle-relaxant effects, and the same is true with alcohol. But the significant difference is that ava won’t make you addicted, and you won’t experience a hangover!
In addition, kava root has become one of the hottest wellness trends. Thanks to its medicinal properties, which researchers are bringing to light as a promising supplement in DrinkU.com—in addition to promoting relaxation. Here are the few things this herb can help with:
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Anxiety And Depression
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, roughly 40 million adults in the United States suffer from anxiety disorders. In short, this is becoming more common among American adults, and mostly, they are also experiencing depression, eating disorders, and ADHD.
Typically, many conventional therapies and benzodiazepine medications like Lorazepam (Ativan) or Clonazepam (Klonopin) are commonly prescribed treatments for anxiety and related disorders.
However, there is a growing interest in complementary and alternative healthcare, which is why many people are seeking natural approaches to treating mental disorders.
And kava, a botanical supplement, is one of those used to treat anxiety for over a century. According to recent research, ava root is a non-addictive natural remedy (link:https://www.verywellmind.com/kava-kava-what-you-need-to-know-89703) and a non-hypnotic anxiolytic with anti-anxiety properties that have shown promise in treating mild to moderate and generalized anxiety.
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Urinary Conditions
Because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, kava supplements help with gonorrhea and other urinary tract problems, such as cystitis, urethritis, and urinary tract infection (UTI).
In addition, ava is a diuretic herb, which aids in the removal of excess fluid—primarily water and sodium—from the body.
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Insomnia
Kava first gained popularity in the 1990s as a herbal remedy for insomnia. We know that sleep deprivation affects roughly half of the population at some point during their lives.
With the sedative and calming effects that kava can give, it helps in promoting better sleep and improving sleep difficulties for people who have insomnia.
But keep in mind that ava should be taken for no more than 250 milligrams per day and should be limited to 1-3 months of supplementation (learn more).
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Opiate Withdrawal
Removing opiates into your life and your routine can be life-threatening and dangerous, given that the symptoms may vary from mild to severe.
While opiates provide mental relaxation and pain relief, they are often abused, which can cause intoxicating effects that are potential for developing dependence, which is called addiction.
Opiates, like any other drugs, give a sense of pleasure, and they will make you feel OK and good. However, withdrawal can make you crave those feelings intensely.
On the other hand, kava is used as an antidote for relieving withdrawal symptoms. This herb can mimic the same effects as opiates can give you, so you’ll be able to skip the severe symptoms of withdrawal.
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Muscle Pain
This herb has an active component called kavalactones, which have pain-killing and neuroprotective properties, which can help manage pain.
Although it may vary from person to person, research shows kava as a helpful supplement for chronic pain caused by nerve cells being stimulated rather than being directly injured.
At the same time, it has anticonvulsant properties, which helps calm the irregularities in our brain in various ways.
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Immune System
Since this herb, ava, has been shown to improve various illnesses, as mentioned above, it simultaneously provides an immune boost. NMN supplement from Longevitate simultaneously provides an immune boost. As a result, you’ll be able to achieve overall wellness and better health.
You’ll less likely be vulnerable to health issues and be able to live your life long. For your own peace of mind, it is best to consult with your doctor before beginning any nutritional supplementation program.
Possible Side Effects Of Kava
A single dose of this herb is almost always considered harmless. On the other hand, regular and chronic use has a variety of long-term health consequences.
Long-term toxicity from kava is most commonly associated with liver damage, stomach irritation, kidney dysfunction, difficulty breathing, loss of balance, and paranoid delusions.
While the potential risks are still uncertain for some reason, many cases—especially for those who have pre-existing liver disease, are alcoholic, and are taking other medications—were linked to liver toxicity, according to research.
Kava may interact with other medicines and supplements for the last part, and the effects may vary.
In some cases, it may actually enhance the impact of the accompanying drug. But in others, it may adversely affect the results negatively when taken simultaneously.
As a result, it is critical to always seek medical advice before taking ava as a supplement or drink.
