Q & A
Q: What does it do?
A: This natural herbal drink relaxes muscles, calms nerves, and creates a general feeling of well-being. It also induces a feeling of peace and contentment while enhancing mental alertness and concentration.
Q: Can I take it anytime of the day?
A: In the South Pacific drinking kava is mostly used for ceremonial recreational and social purposes. Kava is consumed at the end of the workday, and the ritual of kava preparation and drinking affords both a social time and an opportunity for individual meditation. In our hectic modern society "kava time" is anytime. The lack of mental slowing allows kava to be used during the day especially when we find ourselves anxious or in stressful situations like going on a date, visiting the dentist, giving a presentation, boarding a plane, etc. For the most part kava is best consumed after work, the overall effect is delightful relaxation with complete mental alertness.
Q: Does kava have side effects?
A: Kava produces no side effects when taken in moderate does, its abuse can lead to health problems. Heavy use of kava is associated with kava dermopathy, scaly eruption of the skin which is reversible by discontinuing its use. South Pacific Islanders have consumed kava for hundreds of years. Side effects have developed in only high-dosage users.
Q: How much can I drink? Can I overdose on it?
A: The most significant anti-anxiety studies show that an effective daily does of kava is 3-8 cups of kava. The amount of kava to take depends on your purpose for using it and your individual sensitivity to the effects of kavalactones. Death or severe illness from exclusive use of kava has not been reported in any medical literature.
Q: Is it addictive?
A: Kava has not been shown to be physically addictive. No withdrawal symptoms have been associated with the abrupt cessation of kava use.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Whenever you first try a new medicine, herb, or supplement, it is always best to start with low dosages and build up. Kava, if used appropriately, can reduce the stress in our lives. It can also be used to decrease or prevent the amount of stress or anxiety we anticipate to be exposed to. Studies show the occasional use of kava presents no health problems. Years of use in Germany have produced no reports of troublesome drug interactions as well.