Kava Kava

[Tim]

Gel Caps



Tincture




Subject of Interest: Kava Kava

Compounds of Interest: Kavalactones

Medium: I have tried both the tincture and gel caps

Brand/Source: Gaia Herbs sold at my local Whole Foods Grocery Store

Dose/Amount: Unknown

Report:

Kava Kava has become more and more popular in the last few years as it has reached the west through various retailers. Of course I had to give Kava a try and see what it was all about. I visited my local Whole Foods Grocery store and bought the gel caps as well as the extra strength tincture.

Both the caps and the tincture were effective but I would recommend the caps over the tincture because it bypasses the strong taste that kava has. Effects were felt at about 2-3 caps or 1 full eye dropper of tincture. The effects were pretty mild but definitely had sedative like qualities. I would compare kava to a mild benzodiazepine (probably weaker than valium at my given dose). Kava also did not seem to last as long as most benzodiazepines do and the effects seemed to wear off after an hour or so. Many people have a strong affinity for benzos, however I am not one of them so Kava seemed to offer very little for me, although it was effective in its own right. It also should be noted that Kava is a topical anesthetic (turned my mouth numb), so another reason the caps are a better choice.

I did Kava about a year ago so my report is merely what I remember of the experience and maybe I will try it again sometime.

[alexjoan]

I did get relief from drinking Kava, but the side effects of constant sinus problems and eye warering made it impossible to use very frequently. Also very costly.

[Tim]

I did get relief from drinking Kava, but the side effects of constant sinus problems and eye warering made it impossible to use very frequently. Also very costly.

The tincture as shown was around $35.00, so yes it was pricey. I think it is effective but I wouldn't advocate using it for anything other than acute symptoms of anxiety. Maybe before a presentation or speech it would be useful.

Also there is no reason to believe that a healthy individual would benefit from Kava. The anti-anxiety effects were comparable to alcohol but less potent.