4 Benefits of Herbal Kava Kava and the Dangers of Possible Side Effects

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Medical Video: Kavasseur - Side Effects of Kava

Kava kava (also known as kava) is one type of herbal medicine that is quite well known. Plants originating from islands in the South Pacific are rooted and then dried and destroyed. After being crushed, the powder can be mixed with water or tea to drink.

However, the side effects and dangers of this herb have also been widely known to the public. So, is cava kava beneficial for health or even harmful? Here's the answer.

Benefits of cava kava

Since time immemorial, I have already been used by people in Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and other South Pacific countries. Here it is a variety of uses and benefits.

1. Pain reliever

This herb is known to help relieve muscle pain or cramps. Because the cavalactone compounds contained in the roots of this plant are able to relax stiff muscles or cramps.

2. Reducing anxiety

According to various studies, one of them in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, these herbs can reduce anxiety, make you feel calmer, and improve your mood (mood).

Even a study in the journal Psychopharmacology shows that this plant can help control various symptoms of anxiety or anxiety generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

3. Insomnia medication

Kava kava is believed to be able to overcome insomnia or insomnia because of its calming effect on the mind. Eating these herbs will make you more calm and relaxed so it is easier to fall asleep. Especially if you have trouble sleeping because of stress or anxiety.

4. Prevent cancer

In addition to relieving pain and calming the mind, kava is believed to be able to prevent cancer growth in the body. This is because the content called flavokavain is thought to stop the process of forming cancer cells.

However, further research is still needed to ensure the effect of these herbs in fighting cancer.

Side effects of kava kava

Although Kava Kava seems to offer good benefits to the body, these herbs often invite controversy. These are the two main risks of kava consumption.

1. Can cause liver damage

In the early 2000s, a study from Europe emerged that revealed that this unique herb might cause side effects, namely liver damage to death. Because, kava is thought to be able to kill cells in the liver.

But according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007, only the types of herbal kava that have been mixed with chemicals called ethanol and acetone can cause liver damage. So until now there has been no certainty from experts whether kava kava itself is harmful to the liver.

2. Contains psychotropic substances

In Indonesia alone there is no legal basis for regulating kava kava. The reason, research around its effects on the brain is still very limited. But experts have seen the potential content of psychotropic substances that can have psychoactive effects on these plants.

Even though it can't cause addiction, usually the kava effect will fade if you often consume it. You have to consume more to get a pretty strong effect. This is why these herbs are susceptible to abuse.

So, is it safe to consume kava kava?

Because medically there are no conclusions about the benefits, side effects, and safe dosages of these types of herbs, experts do not recommend their consumption, especially for long-term use. Even more dangerous if you are not sure about the safety of the product you are buying. It could be that the ingredients have been mixed with dangerous chemicals or the product turns out to be fake.

If you do have an anxiety disorder, depression, insomnia, or chronic pain disorders, it's better to consult a doctor directly. Compared to herbal remedies that are not yet certain of its side effects, treatment or therapy from doctors has been clinically tested and proven safe.

4 Benefits of Herbal Kava Kava and the Dangers of Possible Side Effects
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