Kava Kava: Friend or Foe?
I’ve become known as “that medication-free pharmacist.” Sort of an oxymoron, right? So, what about herbal, natural, homeopathic, or other nutritional supplements for stress? How does the medication-free pharmacist feel about those?
Although I’m a huge advocate of medication-free strategies, I’m not 100% anti-medication. Some medications have a very valuable role in this world. I view herbal, natural, homeopathic, and other nutritional supplements for stress in a similar fashion: there are times they may be appropriate.
One supplement I do NOT recommend is Kava Kava, sometimes known as just Kava. It’s not so much the efficacy profile of Kava Kava that I find problematic. It’s the safety profile. There has been too much controversial information emerge regarding Kava Kava causing severe liver damage. In fact, Britain and Germany have already banned the sale of Kava Kava containing products.
The bottom line is simple. Kava Kava may show some benefit in helping to relieve some of the common effects of being “stressed out”; however, it can also cause major liver problems. For me, taking Kava Kava for stress is not a gamble worth taking.
As such, I do NOT recommend the use of Kava Kava. Also, use caution when reading labels to make sure a manufacturer did not sneak Kava Kava into a product (particularly in combination products) without your knowledge.
Be well,
Chad Simpson
The opinions and information provided by Chad Simpson and/or The Chad Simpson Group are for informational and entertainment purposes only. These opinions and information are not intended to treat, diagnose, or render medical advice. They are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment from your physician or health care practitioner. Always check with your physician before starting any exercise or physical therapy program. Never start, stop, or make changes to your medication or health care regimen without first checking with your physician.