Herbal Supplements? Q: My pharmacist recommended Kava Kava for me, what do you think?
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
Q:Q: My pharmacist recommended Kava Kava for me, what do you think?
A: I am so glad you asked! That tells me that you are willing to do a little research to be sure you stay safe and healthy.
While I use and benefit from certain over the counter herbs and supplements myself, I do so only with sound medical advice of both my physician, and a master herbalist who is extremely knowledgable about herbal preparations, brands...and me.
Here's why:
There are people who have used and love Kava Kava, and others who recently have some concerns about it. The same is true of St. John's Wort, echinacea, etc. There are serious Pros and Cons, depending upon who is taking it, what else they're taking or eating, why they are taking it, it's purity, dosage, etc. (e.g. People take echinacea thinking it's great for the Immune System. However if someone has any form of Auto-Immune activity going on, by boosting immune activity, they can actually boost their disease. The same is true in the case of a very rare cancer known as Multiple Myeloma. While many cancer survivors do great taking high doses of some vitamins as directed by their doctors, in the case of Myeloma those very same vitamins may actually serve as "fertilizer" for the cancer cells, increasing the proliferation of cancer.)
So you see, these over-the-counter preparations can be wonderful and do good in some cases, but exactly as with prescription medications, a high quality formula and skilled, professional medical advice are essential. The final decision should be made by a health care professional who knows your history, what else you are taking, your personal allergies or sensitivities, the reason you desire medications for anxiety or depression, and is well-aquainted with all the biochemical effects a supplement might have not just on "anyone" --but on you. (S)He also needs to monitor and make dosage adjustments as needed.
What I can do is refer you to a previous article I wrote about over-the-counter supplements that might be helpful too.
Please see:
http://www.relaxintuit.com/displaytips.asp?ID=157
http://www.relaxintuit.com/displaytips.asp?ID=158
http://www.relaxintuit.com/displaytips.asp?ID=153
I also did a very quick search on the www for you:
http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsID.142/news_detail.asp
"A couple of weeks ago, we alerted our readers to a recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association underlining the potential problems of unsupervised use of herbal and other dietary supplements. We noted that at least some of these products could potentially interact with prescription and other pharmaceuticals — with unforeseen adverse effects on consumers. In addition, the products themselves are not closely regulated in this country, and safe or effective dosages are not necessarily known."
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2001/kava.htm
U.S.: "Products containing herbal extracts of kava have been implicated in cases of serious liver toxicity in Germany and Switzerland. "
http://www.mca.gov.uk/whatsnew/pressreleases/kava.htm
UK: Medical Control Agency-UK, where Kava is widely used.
http://www.health.gov.au/tga/docs/html/kavapa.htm
AUSTRALIA: "The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) alerts health professionals to emerging concern about
medicines containing kava (also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum) following international reports linking use of medicines containing this substance with hepatotoxicity."
I love that we have so many integrative and effective alternatives to traditional Western medicine, but I have great concerns about how quick people are to take botanical medical preparations or nutritional supplements without full information and follow-up monitoring. Kava may be just the right thing for you......or may not be. Keep reading and talking with professionals who can help, and supervise whatever course you choose. If anxiety is the problem, why not also take a look around at some of my other stress-tips and see what else might help?
Thanks for your note--and for researching thoroughly to determine what's best for you!
Very best wishes,
Susie
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com