Respiratory: Upper respiratory tract infection, common cold, asthma

Genitourinary: UTI, menstrual cramps; might increase libido, menopause (including hot flashes), PMS

Musculoskeletal: Muscle pain, joint pain, muscle relaxer

 

Neurologic: Might help with epilepsy/anticonvulsant, migraines, headaches, chronic fatigue

Skin: Enhances wound healing, topical anesthetic

Mental Health: Anxiety, stress, insomnia, restlessness, ADHD, psychosis, depression, mild euphoria

Cancer: Possibly used for cancer prevention

Infectious Disease: Venereal disease, tuberculosis

Other: Kava may help withdrawal from benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan), and alcohol withdrawal (but if you are drinking, it very occasionally makes the effects of alcohol worse)

                                                   *   *   *

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, apathy (high doses), weight loss (long-term use), stomach problems, rhabdomyolysis, tremors, increased heart rate, tremors, urinary retention, blood in urine, vision disturbance, skin changes, liver disease, extrapyramidal symptoms, EKG changes (many of the serious problems occur with long-term and/or high-dose use), Parkinsonism

CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Avoid alcohol, don’t take it when operating machinery, have liver disease, Parkinson’s, or before surgery 

FORMS: Drink mix, capsules, paste, tincture, gum, root, extract

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

No recommendations available at this time

DOSAGES: As directed

Reported doses - Reported doses - May NOT be supported by evidence as reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• Anxiety: 150-400 mg daily

• Insomnia: 200 mg at bedtime

• Menopause: 100-200 mg by mouth daily

• Stress: 100 mg by mouth once

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com, German Commission e or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.