Do you also use Kava Kava? Be sure to know about these serious issues!

With today's busy lives, things like stress and anxiety have become common for many people. So, in times like these, some people are tempted to use various herbal medicines, thinking that they are natural. One of these things that people use after hearing about it from the internet and friends is 'Kava'. You may have heard about it too. But what is it really? Is it safe to use? Let's find out more about it today.

What is this 'Kava Kava'?

'Kava kava' or 'kava' as we call it is a herbal medicine made from the roots of a plant that grows in the islands of the Pacific Ocean, especially in countries like Fiji and Tonga. The botanical name of this plant is `(Piper methysticum)`. The meaning of this name is something like "intoxicating pepper".

The people who live on these islands have used this 'kava' for hundreds of years in their ceremonies, social gatherings, and traditional medicine. They dry the roots of this plant, grind them into a powder, mix them with water, and drink them as a drink.

What does 'kava' do to the body and what do people use it for?

Simply put, kava contains a group of chemical compounds called ``kavapyrones''. These act on our brains in a similar way to alcohol. This means that when you use them, you feel calm, relaxed, and happy. It is also believed that this plant has the ability to reduce pain, prevent conditions like seizures , and relax muscles.

Today, it can be purchased as an herbal supplement in the form of capsules, tablets, and tinctures.

People usually use these for things like:

• Anxiety: Especially for things like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
• Stress: Reduce the stress of everyday life.
• Trouble sleeping: For those who have sleep problems.
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Manage the physical and mental symptoms that occur before menstruation.

Here's the most important thing: Is 'Kava' really safe?

This is where we all need to be very careful. Although 'kava' is a natural herb, it cannot be said to be 100% safe.

The main and most serious risk is liver damage . A small number of people who used kava have reported severe liver damage. In 2002, the FDA in the United States even issued a warning about this.

Kava can cause the following conditions:

• Cirrhosis : This means that the liver becomes hardened, scarred, and gradually fails.
• Hepatitis: An inflammatory condition of the liver.
• Liver failure: This can be so severe that some patients have had to have liver transplants, and some have died.

It is not clear whether the damage was caused by the kava itself or by other medications they were taking, but many people's conditions improved after stopping kava. Because of this risk, kava has been banned in several countries, including France and Canada.

Other side effects of 'kava'

In addition to liver problems, several other side effects can occur.

Think twice before using 'Kava'

If you're considering using kava, the first thing you should do is talk to your doctor about it. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking, as kava can interact negatively with some medications.

• Medicines used for HIV/AIDS (`Antiretroviral medicines`)
• Medications such as `Benzodiazepines` and `barbiturates`, which are used for anxiety and sleep
• Medications for Parkinson's disease

These people shouldn't use 'Kava'!

If you have any of these conditions, you should avoid using 'kava' altogether:

• If you have liver disease.
• If you are a pregnant mother or a nursing mother.
• If you have depression or bipolar disorder.

What are the symptoms that require immediate medical attention?

If you are a kava user and experience any of the following symptoms of liver damage, stop taking kava immediately and see your doctor. These are not signs to play around with.

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