Posted by nolvas on January 11, 2007, at 2:29:38
In reply to Re: KAVA KAVA + Perscription Medications, posted by Meri-Tuuli on January 11, 2007, at 2:11:23
I agree with meri-tuuli you should exercise caution. However there is no evidence at all that Kava causes liver toxicity. The safest thing to do is look how Kava has been used traditionally...
Kava has been used safely for thousands of years, if you use Kava in the traditional manner then there is no reason to not believe it is safe. No one knows fully the interactions between Kava and other meds and the implications of mixing Kava with other meds. One thing I will tell you is that mixing Kava with alcohol is a big no no.
I live in the UK and I buy Kava from www.realkava.com. It is potent stuff and definitely has an effect, it will actually numb your mouth and lips as you drink it. You must blend it for a minute and also for better results mix it with a small amount of Lecithin.
Is it equivalent to the anxiolytic effects of Alcohol or Benzodiazepine drugs? Well no it isn't in my experience. I don't take any meds for my panic disorder, I do take Kava occasionally, if I found capsules that were as potent as taking the prepared root powder then I would probably use it more often.
Kava is good for relaxing you a little but in my experience it doesn't combat panic disorder that effectively. A small amount of L-Taurine can sometimes help more, although it's hit and miss.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is much more toxic to your liver than Kava, it's not banned anywhere in the world as far as I know. I believe Kava was banned on the strength of around 18 people in the world dying from liver toxicity. Look at how many people die from liver failure due to Paracetamol poisoning every year. Drug companies are a multi billion industry, they are more powerful than oil companies, if something upsets them they can get it banned easily. They are out for self preservation. Look at Depakote for example >
http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/dep1125.htm
Known in some cases to cause liver and pancreas damage, hmm not banned though is it.
poster:nolvas
thread:721172
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20061218/msgs/721269.html