By AUDRA BRADFORD
Cabin Columnist

Many people take herbal supplements and believe they are safe simply because they are available on store shelves. There are many supplements that could lead to complications for your health, yet they are still available. One of the more common supplements that has received a FDA warning is kava kava.

Kava kava is a root that is native to the islands of the South Pacific. The root has long been used in ceremonies and tribal rituals. It is chewed or brewed into a beverage. When it is not used for ceremonial rituals, kava is used for the psychiatric treatment of anxiety and insomnia.

Kava is a depressant of the central nervous system, much like alcohol. When taken in large quantities, kava produces euphoria very similar to alcohol intoxication. It is used to reduce anxiety, relieve stress, calm an irritable bladder, provide mild pain relief and as a sleep aid. The general dosage for kava kava is 100 to 200 milligrams of extract taken two to three times a day. This supplement usually takes six to eight weeks for a maximum effect.

Kava can enhance the effects of many drugs such as alcohol, anti-depressants, antihistamines, barbiturates, narcotics and sedatives. Kava can also interact with other supplements such as chamomile, Panax ginseng, St. John's Wort, valerian and many more.

Recent studies have shown a similar effect for kava, buspirone (anti-anxiety), and opipramol (anti-depressant). After 129 patients received one of the medications daily for eight weeks the subjects were checked for withdrawal or relapse. In 127 patients no differences could be made between the groups. About 75 percent responded with reduced anxiety and about 60 percent had full remission.

Kava extract has been shown to cause a profound decrease in locomotor activity, as well as causing a tremors, sedation, eye spasms and elevated liver enzymes. Kava is known to cause liver failure in some people. It can also lead to some incidences of hepatitis.

People who could take kava kava include those who have consulted their doctor and need psychiatric treatment of anxiety and insomnia, people who have tried conventional treatments with no success or who want to explore alternative therapy, people who will not drive or operate heavy machinery and people with no history of liver disease.

Herbal supplement labels cannot state anything about treating specific medical conditions, because herbal supplements are not subject to clinical trials or to the same manufacturing standards as prescription or traditional over-the-counter drugs. Do not self-diagnose. Always consult your physician before taking herbal supplements.

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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Audra Bradford holds a bachelor of science degree in graphic arts and nutrition/dietetics from the University of Central Arkansas where she is completing a dietetic internship. She received her master's degree in dietetics in May at UCA.)

 

More Stories from Audra Bradford:     · Food for Thought: Take care when taking herbal supplements - 06/15/04