Table of contents:
- Benefits of kava kava
- 1. Pain reliever
- 2. Reduce anxiety
- 3. Insomnia medication
- 4. Prevent cancer
- Kava kava side effects
- 1. May cause liver damage
- 2. Contains psychotropic substances
- So, is it safe to consume kava kava?
Kava kava (also known as kava) is a type of herbal medicine that is well known for its properties. This plant, which originates from islands in the South Pacific, is rooted then dried and crushed. Once crushed, the powder can be mixed with water or tea to drink.
However, the side effects and dangers of this herb are well known to the public. So, is kava kava beneficial for health or is it actually dangerous? Here's the answer.
Benefits of kava kava
Since time immemorial, kava kava has 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. The reason is, the cavalactone compounds contained in the roots of this plant are able to relax stiff or crampy muscles.
2. Reduce anxiety
According to various studies, one of which is in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, this herb 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 disorders generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
3. Insomnia medication
Kava kava is believed to be able to treat insomnia or insomnia because of its calming effect on the mind. Taking this herb will make you calmer and more relaxed, making it easier to fall asleep. Especially if you have trouble sleeping because of stress or anxiety.
4. Prevent cancer
Apart from relieving pain and calming the mind, kava is believed to be able to prevent cancer growth in the body. This is due to a content called flavocavain which is thought to stop the process of cancer cell formation.
However, further research is still needed to confirm the effect of this herbal plant in fighting cancer.
Kava kava side effects
Although kava kava appears to offer beneficial benefits to the body, this herb is often controversial. These are the two main risks of consuming kava.
1. May 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 and death. The reason is, kava is thought to kill cells in the liver.
However, according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007, only the type of kava herb that has been mixed with chemicals called ethanol and acetone can cause liver damage. So until now there is no certainty from the experts whether kava kava itself is harmful to the liver.
2. Contains psychotropic substances
In Indonesia, there is no legal basis for regulating kava kava. The reason is, research about its effects on the brain is still very limited. However, experts have seen the potential for psychotropic substances that could have psychoactive effects on this plant.
Although it can't be addictive, usually the effects of kava will fade if you consume it frequently. So you have to consume more to get a strong enough effect. This is why this herb is prone to abuse.
So, is it safe to consume kava kava?
Because medically there is no unanimous conclusion about the benefits, side effects, and safe dosage of this type of herb, experts do not recommend its consumption, especially for long-term use. It is 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 a fake.
If you do have an anxiety disorder, depression, insomnia, or chronic pain disorder, it's better to consult directly with your doctor. Compared to herbal remedies for which side effects are not certain, medication or therapy from doctors has been clinically tested and proven to be safe.
