Kava kava side effects has recently received much attention from many people who are divided whether it is safe or not because it is a mild narcotic. The final conclusion was  that kava kava has no effects when taken in moderate doses although its abuse can lead to health problems. Kava extracts are used as an herbal product for anxiety, tension, stress and insomnia. It is also used to make dietary supplement and is a trendy drink with calming effects. It is highly beneficial to our bodies, however, kava kava side effects  should not be ignored.

A list of kava kava side effects

A major new review of scientific knowledge on kava has left an unsolved mystery as to why island people can drink it safely while people of the west like in the USA and Europe sometimes experience toxic effects. One of the most severe kava kava side effects is liver damage,  other symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain and elevated liver enzymes has also been noticed in some individuals. Kava  kava drink is known to cause allergic reactions like hives, itchiness and scaly skin rash called kava dermopathy. Usage in heavy doses can also cause throat and mouth swelling and difficulty in breathing.

Other kava kava side effects  include hypertension, reduced protein levels, muscle weakness, visual impairment, blood cell abnormalities and mild dizziness, fatigue and nausea. Kava kava should not be used with alcohol or with any prescription drugs used for anxiety or depression. Reports show that it may cause unpleasant side effects when taken with medications used to treat Schizophrenia. 2.3% of patients who had an open trial were isolated with kava kava side effects that included gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches and restlessness.

How Much Kava Kava Is Safe?

The amount of  kava taken depends on the purpose for using it and the individual sensitivity to its side effects. Death has not yet been reported in any medical literature from use of kava extracts. The review of scientific research done on kava kava side effects show that toxicity found no consensus . It was concluded that the root problems were from  the preparation of kava, the generic differences among individuals and the particular species of kava used. For more info on recommended kava kava dosage check this article.

Who Should NOT Take Kava Kava

Kava should not be taken by pregnant women, children, nursing women and people with liver, kidney and Parkinson’s disease.Kava may lower the blood pressure and interfere with blood clotting. It should not be used by people with bleeding disorders.  It is a diuretic therefore it may have an addictive effect if taken with drugs and some herbs. It is advisable to avoid possible kava kava side effects by taking it in low doses and build up while watching for any reactions. Kava kava in moderate doses presents no side effects , however, if any reactions are noted a doctor should be consulted.

What Else Should You Keep In Mind In Order To Avoid Possible Side Effects?

When purchasing  your kava supplement make sure that it is manufactured by a recommendable facility to avoid substandard products. Kava kava is considered to be a dietary supplement therefore manufactures do not have to guarantee it and explain its actual ingredients. Nonetheless, its better to be sure to avoid potential kava kava side effects.