PRIMARY USES:

Anxiety, Relaxation (alleviate stress or pain), Depression, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Syndrome). Insomnia, Withdrawal from alcohol or marijuana

PROPERTIES:

Anxiolytic

Parasympathomimetic (decreases adrenaline)

Sedative (Central Nervous System)

Muscle Relaxing Antispasmodic

Mood Enhancing

Anti-Depressant

INDICATIONS:

Kava is a wonderful anti-depressant that elevates moods and sensory perception, diminishes pain and decreases adrenaline. It is a emotional limbic brain tonic (it rejuvenates those under great emotional distress). As an anxiolytic, it is an analogue to anxiety drugs like Valium, Zanax, Librium, Halcyon, Klonopin and Dalmane yet Kava seems to enhance cognitive function and socialization. Many use Kava to wean from these medications when under a doctor’s supervision. Kava is not addictive, is without side effects outside of idiosyncratic events, sedates, is a muscle relaxant, is analgesic (reduces pain), promotes sleep beyond REM, is anti-convulsant, a cerebral circulatory stimulant and is tonic to the stress axis (pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenals). It can be helpful for those who are feeling flat and depressed as it helps sensitive sensorial perception and it is a very subtle way that enhances enjoyment through the senses. Again, this is not a drug like event, but a subtle event where one begins to feel better after a bit of time like an antidepressant can life a fog.

Kava is well studied around the world as it has been recognized as a very useful herb for decades. Studies have shown its mechanisms of action to include decreasing levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, activation of mesolimbic dopaminergic neuron causing relaxation and euphoria, binds to GABA receptors in some regions of the brain, relaxes muscles through direct action on muscle contractibility, inhibits nonadrenalin (nonepinephrin) uptake, contributing to psychotropic properties and shows similarity to mood stabilizers.

Kava is simply the best anti-anxiety herb and is great in emotional stress and upheaval. It calms when one is in the middle of intense personal trauma (i.e. recovery therapy, relationship turmoil, personal loss and the like). While relaxing, it does not dull the senses but rather tends to focus the mind and sensory capacity.

Kava is also used to help induce a deep restful sleep if used 30 minutes before bedtime. For those who sleep lightly, Kava helps bring one beyond the light sleep and beyond the active REM stage of dream stages that can be over active and stressful. Kava does not usually make one sleepy if used in the daytime.

Kava also is a great muscle relaxer that does not sedate the mind. It helps body pain that is acute or chronic, so it is for trauma and massage therapy or Chiropractic manipulations that are painful. Dancers find Kava wonderfully relaxing when dancing.

Kava can simply be used for the enjoyment that it brings. It is an excellent and healthier replacement for those who like to drink alcohol to relax and unwind. For those who use marijuana and want to replace it with a healthy alternative, Kava can be a successful alternative.

Kava may also be useful to decrease hyperactivity in a child or adult.

The liquid cap is a significantly stronger version as each cap is equal to approximately 3 ml of the liquid or 4 powder veggie caps.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS AND CAUTIONS:

Pregnancy; Nursing

The FDA put out the following notice, which is now placed on the bottles to avoid litigation from certain lawyers. An independent toxicologist, Dr. Waller, reviewed the most well known European Kava cases that suggested hepato-toxicity and the adverse events that occurred. He concluded that there is no clear evidence that the liver damage reported in the US and Europe was caused by the consumption of Kava. Nonetheless, to avoid liability, the following warning came from the FDA: US FDA advises that a potential risk of rare, but severe, liver injury may be associated with kava-containing dietary supplements. Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have or have had liver problems, frequently use alcoholic beverages, or are taking any medication. Stop use and see a doctor if you develop symptoms that may signal liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and brown urine. Other nonspecific symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, unexplained tiredness, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Not for use by persons under 18 years of age, or by regnant or breastfeeding women. Not for use with alcoholic beverages. Excessive use, or use with products that case drowsiness, may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or heavy equipment.

Kava may potentiate alcohol, barbiturates, and substances affecting mental activity and the central nervous system and drugs that promote relaxation. This indicates that Kava may be used concurrently to help diminish doses and eventually help one to get off more toxic medication. This must be done only under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.

COMPLIMENTARY FORMULAS & SINGLE HERBS:

Anxiet-Ease (Kava formula for anxiety and stress)

Relax (Valerian and Hops sedative)

Valerian Root (to sedate)

St Johns Wort (for depression)

TASTE:

Bitter, numbing, aromatic, warming. No taste with the caps.

Liquid formula may contain small amounts of herbal precipitate (small particles) due to strength of preparation.