Kava: in a nonstop world, this root may help calm you, here's what you need to know.(CHECK OUT)(Usage Of Kava)

HERB: KAVA

AKA: Piper methysticum, ava or ava pepper, awa, intoxicating pepper, kew, kawa, rauschpfeffer, sakau, tonga, wurzelstock, yagona

PART USED: Rootstalk

WHAT IT DOES BEST: Relieves anxiety, stress and restlessness including the kind associated with menopause. Kava is also thought to have muscle-relaxing and anticonvulsive effects and is sometimes used to treat urinary tract infections, asthma and topical pain.

WHAT IS THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT? While this has not been firmly established, kavalactones--the active ingredient of kava kava--are thought to reduce anxiety by modifying the activity of a portion of the brain known as the limbic system.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: Kava produces an initial numbing sensation on contact with the mouth or skin. A small number of allergic skin reactions have been reported. Excessive use (over 300 mg per day) may impair ability to drive or operate heavy equipment.

Products containing kava have been associated with liver injuries--hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver failure. If you experience symptoms of liver disease while using this supplement, contact your physician. Symptoms include jaundice and brown urine as well as nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, unusual tiredness, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain and loss of appetite. People who have impaired liver function, who drink alcohol or who are on any medication should speak with their doctor or pharmacist before taking kava.