[HolisticGal]

I've always felt a noticeable improvement in mood and reduction in anxiety with Kava capsules. However, it's very slight and I am thinking of switching to preparing the tea form to have a stronger effect and really help with insomnia.

I've thrown out the Xanax, Tegretol, Cymbalta, Lexapro, and Buspar, so I need to find something to aid in sleep, anxiety, chronic pain, mood etc.

Any experiences with Kava and getting around the bitter taste of the tea? Kava really seems to be a remedy for so many ailments without fogging up my mind the way prescription drugs do.

[BadWolf]

I like kava too.

[Angelique67]

I use kava but it's very hard on the liver. Try not to use much or try not to use it with alcohol (later that day) or acetominaphen. And good luck, but going cold turkey is not advisable!

[HolisticGal]

But isn't Kava only hard on the liver if it's from the stems etc? Mine are sourced from underground roots, which have been ingested for thousands of years in much higher quantities then we would probably take.

But yeah, I agree alcohol and kava are not good mixes regardless.

Also, I think it's important to ask what purpose we are using Kava for. For me, it replaces ibuprofen, benadryl (for sleep) and now Buspar (anxiety med). I'm sure NSAIDs are toxic on some organs (heart, kidneys).

[Angelique67]

Yes, you're right. I just read that ibuprofen can make old lungs look new in mice so I'm continuing to take it... Hoping it will have a good effect on my copd.

[HolisticGal]

That's interesting about ibuprofen - it's truly an effective anti-inflammatory. I have some chronic pains that my doc wants me to use over all the rest of the name brand stuff out there, so go figure.

[essequam]

I've used Kava tea (just the Yogi kind) for many years and love it, but that's of course mixed with many other flavors. How bitter is pure kava tea? Is it easily found in stores ?

[HolisticGal]

I found root powder online. I know the capsules are available at natural food stores. There are different versions of root powder - some less bitter for the non-natives (like me!). The color I think is lighter. It can also be blended into a smoothie... there's really a lot of options. Just turn off the heat before boiling point to preserve the kavalactones.

The tea bag kind you used is pretty weak so I'd double up the bags in each cup.

Be careful with that stuff. Alcohol will always do some damage to the liver. Some liver cells will die off from a drinking session, but each time it will be very few and it takes many years, decades even for one to have problems. However, with Kava it is a different situation. It may do nothing bad to the liver even in high doses. However, if you have certain genetics, the damage that could take decades to occur from alcohol could happen basically overnight requiring a trip to the ER and possibly even causing you to need a liver transplant. Kratom is similar but the damage occurs to the gastrointestinal tract rather than the liver.

[HolisticGal]

Steve, that sounds scary!! I only use it sparingly now. But that totally makes sense because certain people may not be able to tolerate Kava due to their particular genetic makeup. Thanks for sharing!

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Banned in UK due to liver damage concerns: Kava kava import ban | food.gov.uk

[ChangingMyMind]

I used Kava tea for the first time the day before yesterday and was pretty relaxed only after one cup and 1 tea bag. That was all I used then yesterday I decided to have three cups, one tea bag each cup but spaced out throughout the day. I was extemely relaxed but by the end of the day my right foot, and both hands began to go to sleep (slightly numb) this lasted a few hours.. very annoying. I won't be drinking it anymore. Some people like the numb feeling I guess but for me... No thanks! I'd rather be anxious.

[Angelique67]

I think the tea works better than the capsules I have. Now I'm afraid to use them anymore.

[HolisticGal]

I agree Angelique - I really don't feel anything from the capsules.
Changing - I think the numbness is because you have the real stuff there but yeah, either stop or cut it way down. It's probably the muscle relaxant effect which if you have say, sciatica pain, might be a plus.

I'm on the fence about the dangers of Kava because then what's the alternative if we don't use Kava? Benzos? Buspar? ADs?

[ChangingMyMind]

Well I'm not sure now if it's the kava or if it's my anxiety or the chamomile or all of the above because I didn't take any Kava today and the numbness showed up tonight even worse... A bit up my foot and other places including my hands and lips. Not fun

[HolisticGal]

Oh noooo! I know that scary feeling like omg is this gonna be permanent? But don't worry, I bet it's the anxiety and if it is the Kava, it will clear out of your system soon.

[ChangingMyMind]

Thanks... I figure it is my anxiety as always. Just gotta ride it out and not let the anxiety cause more anxiety.

[HolisticGal]

Did the numbness subside? I'm presuming you have never had this numbing feeling before? I have sciatica so I know how annoying and disturbing it is to have a limb be numb constantly.

After taking Buspar for a bit, my eyelid began rapidly pulsating. It was really the worst thing I've experienced and my anxiety went through the roof. Anyway, 12 hours later, it had slowed and then by 24 hours, it had completely stopped. Hope that helps a little.

[ChangingMyMind]

It's still there a little bit this morning as well... I hope it goes away completely soon and doesn't flare up later tonight like the last few days.

[HolisticGal]

Wow OK fyi I just bought lemon balm tea as an alternate to Kava. WOWZERS!! I used 2 tea bags instead of 1 tea bag and I noticed feeling significantly sedated within 30 minutes. Tastes a lot better then Kava and is considered very safe.

Meanwhile, I also bought good quality Kava root tincture for panic attack moments...

P.S. I can't take Melatonin because I find it gives me headaches when I wake up after a week or so.

[Dan208]

I've thought about trying Kava. I almost bought some of the tea bags at a local health food store, but my indecisiveness took over and I worried that they wouldn't be strong enough and it would be a waste of money. I might buy some next time and experiment with the number of bags per cup.

[ChangingMyMind]

Good to know. Thanks for the info I may try lemon balm tea