Kava
The Kava Herbal diet pill is a product
based on Kava Kava herbs. Kava, or Piper Methysticum, is a
member of the pepper family, which grows across the South
Pacific. Islanders use the roots to make a milky, mild narcotic
drink, which numbs the mouth and acts as a relaxant. In the
West, alternative health shops market this product as a herbal
supplement to promote sleep, relieve stress and ease pain.
Animal studies show that kava lactones alter neuronal excitation
through direct interactions with voltage-dependent ion channels.
This causes Kava’s muscle relaxant, anaesthetic, anxiolytic
and anticonvulsive properties. Several isolated cases of psychotic
and severe diatomic reactions following the use of Kava suggest
that Kava also has psychoactive properties. However, there
is no conclusive evidence that kava interferes with normal
cognitive processes. Canada and other countries banned Kava-Kava
in 2002. The United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has published numerous warnings concerning this substance.
Kava Kava has caused very severe side
effects like hypertention, reduced protein levels, blood cell
abnormalities, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness,
visual impairment and severe liver damage. Several patients
who used kava products had liver failure and needed subsequent
liver transplantation.
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