Kava root where to buy

So, why were so many falling ill from kava in the West? Well, quantity and concentration may be part of the answer. The traditional way to prepare kava uses the whole dried root and water. However, in the s, kava preparation became a lot more technical. Supplements and medical products were often made by extracting kava compounds, which removes them from the root and enables consumers to take very concentrated doses of kavalactones.

In a report , the World Health Organization WHO summarized over two decades of research on the health effects of kava. The WHO found that kava extracts and medical products are correlated with greater health risks than traditionally prepared kava, based on the available evidence at the time.

The report states:. The WHO states that dosages of g kava powder per week are more likely to contribute to side effects, like potential liver damage, even when kava is prepared the traditional way. Now, reports like the aforementioned report from the WHO have confirmed that kava appears safe to consume in low to moderate doses.

In the United States, kava capsules can be found on pharmacy shelves and in natural health boutiques. However, medical researchers suggest that a daily dosage of kavalactones should not exceed milligrams , and only for acute or intermittent use. Apart from capsules, tinctures are another common way to consume kava. Yet, like capsules, tinctures are not without controversy.

A tincture is made using alcohol as a solvent. But, the verdict is still out on whether or not these concentrated tinctures are more likely to cause side effects.

Regarding dosage, the general recommendation from medical professionals is the same for tinctures as for capsules: A daily dosage of kavalactones should not exceed milligrams for acute or intermittent use. Kava root is a frequent ingredient in herbal teas, usually accompanied by other flavorful and potentially synergistic herbs.

Kava tea blends purchased at the grocery are quite different from traditional kava—these blends typically contain small amounts of kava, often not enough to produce the mouth-numbing effects of traditionally prepared kava. By , nearly every country in Europe, North America, and Australia had lifted their bans on kava possession and traditional use. Although, medical products made with kava are still either banned or heavily regulated in several countries.

The United States is not one of them. Kava products can be sold online and in stores in the U. Buying kava in Canada, however, might be a smidge more difficult.

Kava products made from whole kava root can be sold in Canada. Although, Health Canada still regulates five kava compounds that may be linked to liver damage when extracted and used in medical products. There are no restrictions for buying kava in the United States. Kava lattes can be purchased in swanky coffee shops.

Kava capsules at big retail chains like Wal-Mart and Target. Kava tea blends right alongside the Earl Grey. But, the majority of these products are quite different from the traditional kava preparations. A natural food or health store may be more likely places to buy ground noble kava root in person.

Ground kava root powder can be mixed into water or other water-based drinks, as a more traditional preparation. Calling ahead to ask about available kava products may be a wise idea.

In the United States, kava supplements and extracts are often easier to find than ground kava root, despite the fact that the former may be more likely to produce side effects. If you have a knack for research, one of the better places to buy kava root is online—so long as you purchase from a reputable vendor. Kava products that are made using the leaves and stems of kava plants may be more likely to cause liver damage.

Products made from two-day or wild kava may also be more problematic; researchers are still a little unsure about its safety. In the United States, you can buy kava tea blends in major supermarkets and natural food stores. But, those hoping to try more authentic kava preparations may have better luck online.

Kava tea is easy to make at home using noble kava root; simply purchase it from a reputable vendor, fill your own tea bag, and steep it with water in the comfort of your own home. However, our kava kava comes from the Pacific Island of Vanuatu. Kavalactones is the active ingredient that gives Kava Kava its sedative, euphoric properties. The roots are generally harvested at 4 years as higher concentrations of kavalactones emerge as the plant ages.

Many use kava kava as an alternative to drinking alcohol and smoking. Drinking kava kava can be a social ritual and lowers anxiety. Your email address will not be published. Kava Kava Root Powder quantity. Vanuatuan kava kava root powder, Borugu variety. Caffeine free. Food and Drug Administration FDA warned consumers and health professionals about the risk of liver damage associated with kava use. Many of these cases were linked to pre-existing liver disease, excessive kava doses, and heavy alcohol use.

It is still unclear whether the liver toxicity was the result of kavalactones, contaminants found in low-quality extracts, or the organic solvents such as acetone or ethanol used to make kava extracts and supplements. Even though the WHO suggests that water-based kava beverages are "safer," the agency concedes that moderate to heavy consumption can significantly raise liver enzymes.

The WHO also warned that toxicity appears linked to the quality of the raw kava root, contamination of the root during storage, and the use of other herbal drugs with kava. In the aftermath of the warning, several countries have restricted the sale of kava within their borders. To date, only Germany, Canada, Poland, and Switzerland has banned the use of kava in any form. In the United States, kava is classified as a dietary supplement and can be legally purchased for personal use.

Call your doctor if you experience signs of liver toxicity, including persistent fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or the yellowing of the skin or eyes jaundice.

If you intend to use kava for recreational or medicinal purpose, there are several things you should consider beforehand:. Due to the lack of safety research, kava should never be used in children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers.

Some studies have suggested that kava can be readily transmitted in breastmilk. Kava can interact with a number of drugs and supplements.

In some cases, it may enhance the effects of the accompanying drug. In others, it may reduce the effectiveness of the accompanying by competing for the same liver enzymes, called CYP, used to metabolize kava. Speak with your doctor if you are using or intend to use kava with any of the following medications:. There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of kava. Kava is generally sold in the United States in capsule, soft gel caps, extract, powder, and tea forms.

There are also "wild-crafted" dried root used to make tinctures, teas, and beverages. Most capsule formulations are offered in doses ranging from 50 milligrams to milligrams. Most expert recommend that you take no more than milligrams per day and limit your use to no more than three months.

Be advised that liver damage has been known to occur after one month of kava use with normal doses. Kava, like all dietary supplements, is largely unregulated in the United States. Do not assume that this means the drug is safe. The classification simply means that the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring the safety of the supplement, not the FDA. While this relieves the manufacturer of the burden of clinical research, it can sometimes leave the consumer vulnerable to harms, both known and unknown.

What a manufacturer cannot do is market their supplements as a cure for any disease or medical condition. This doesn't mean the manufacturer can't suggest possible health benefits; many do. To better protect yourself, try to not be swayed by health claims that may or may not be true no matter how desperate you are for relief. Because the quality and safety of kava can vary from one brand to the next, stick with manufacturers you know and trust.

If also helps to buy brands certified organic under the regulations of the U. This is especially true of wild-crafted dried kava. How do I make kava tea or beverage?

Traditionally, kava drinks in the South Pacific are made from the fresh root, which is either chewed or pulverized before water is strain through the fibrous pulp. Since fresh kava root is rarely available in the United States, you can make it make it with dried kava.

For this, you would need a piece of cheesecloth, a tea strainer, and some wild-crafted kava chips or powder usually found online or thorough speciality herbalist stores. To make a 6- to 8-ounce glass of traditional kava drink:. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life.