Kava Juice Extract Review, How to Prepare & Safety Warning

Kava juice extract is commonly consumed to calm the mind, lift the mood and reduce stress.

Kava, or kava-kava, is the colloquial name for the Piper methysticum shrub that is native to South Pacific islands including Tahiti, Hawaii, Tonga and Fiji.

Piper methysticum translates roughly to “intoxicating pepper” in Latin. The rhizomes and roots of kava plants are crushed and used to make psychoactive beverages.

Kava kava root drinks have been used for many centuries medicinally, socially and recreationally. Some people compare the effects of non-alcoholic kava juice beverages with those of alcohol.

However, kava does not seem to impair thinking abilities and does not pose a risk of liver damage or withdrawal symptoms when prepared properly.

This plant extract demonstrates sedating and anxiolytic effects in research studies and may help to reduce feelings of nervousness, social anxiety and sleep disturbances.

Kava

Herbal Supplement

Anxiety

Mood

Sleep

How It Works:

• Reduces feeling of anxiety & stress
• Improves feeling of wellbeing
• Shown to improve sleep & insomnia

Dosage:

Between 100 - 300 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Kava Kava Juice Extract Uses

In traditional South Pacific cultures, kava juice and tea are consumed regularly both in religious rituals and as part of social gatherings.

The herb was viewed as helping to promote pro-social behaviors, much like the consumption of alcohol in the Western world.

Kava is also used medically to alleviate anxiety and improve mood. It is also used for reducing muscle tension, promoting relaxation and alleviating joint pain.

Different varieties of this plant exist, and they are purported to have different effects on the user. Some strains are said to be more mentally stimulating and mood-enhancing while others have stronger tranquilizing properties.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that kava extracts and supplements are used for the following: [1]

• Insomnia, restlessness and irritability;
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS);
• Respiratory tract infections;
• Urinary tract infections;
• Musculoskeletal pain;

Kava extracts have also been used traditionally used for venereal disease, uterine inflammation, menstrual discomfort and vaginal prolapse.

It has been used by herbal medicine practitioners for withdrawal from benzodiazepine drugs, depression, psychosis, epilepsy and migraine headaches. It has also been studied for its effects on cancer, but research is very preliminary. [1]

According to NMCD, Kava is rated as Possibly Effective only for treating anxiety. All other uses for this natural medicine have yet to be validated in clinical trials.

The FDA has not approved the use of kava as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions.

Kava Juice Effects

NMCD states that kava extracts have demonstrated several types of pharmacological activity. Some of these include antianxiety (anxiolytic), anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative and anticonvulsant properties.

The effects of kava juice on the central nervous system are believed to be caused by chemical compounds called kavalactones. Some of the best-understood kavalactones include:

• Dihydromethysticin;
• Kawain (kavain);
• Dihydrokavain;
• Methysticin;
• Yangonin;

The precise mechanisms of action associated with kavalactones are not well understood.

Researchers believe that the antianxiety effects of this plant may be linked to inhibition of the monoamine oxidase B enzyme. This enzyme catalyzes the degradation of benzylamine, phenylethylamine, and dopamine.

Kava may also slow down the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in mood regulation. [2]

Traditional Kava Juice Recipe

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), traditional preparation of kava juice begins with chopping or crushing kava rhizomes/roots.

These roots are placed in a porous bag and then submerged in water. The bag is squeezed to release the bioactive chemicals from the roots.

The extract-infused water is transferred to a bowl carved from wood, and then coconut shells are used as vesicles for drinking the juice from. Kava juice is purported to look like dirty dishwater – and features an earthy taste that may be unpleasant to some.

One vendor describes the taste by saying. “our Kava juice extract has a peppery taste. It will blend well with juice or coconut milk if you’d prefer to mix in with another beverage.”

The juice is sometimes mixed with other flavoring agents to improve the taste. There are also many different ways to prepare kava extracts for oral consumption for people who find the taste difficult to tolerate.

Juice extracts are a highly concentrated form of the powder that require a lower dosage to feel the effects. According to one manufacturer, “It’s anxiolytic and mood enhancing effects can be felt with as little as 1 gram of powder, but some may prefer larger doses of 3-5 grams.”

Kava supplements are available in capsules, tablets, liquids, whole roots and powders. NMCD states that there are nearly 300 dietary supplement products that contain kava available for sale in the United States.

Another popular option is to purchase Instant Kava powders. These can be used to prepare the juice, but do not require steeping as the powder can be stirred directly into water.

Safety Warnings

In the past, kava drinks have been associated with cases of severe liver damage, some requiring a liver transplant.

This resulted in safety concerns being raised and subsequently caused the herb be banned in various countries. It also caused kava research to be discontinued for a number of years. [3]

It is currently believed that the adverse effects and hepatotoxicity reported were cause by alcohol-extracted supplements prepared with industrial solvents. Water-extracted kava juice has not been shown to cause liver toxicity or injury in any case when used at appropriate dosages.

Many countries have revered their bans on this supplement so long as it is prepared according to traditional practices. The United States, Australia and Canada all currently allow certain forms of this herb to be sold commercially.

There is also some concern that the above-ground or aerial parts of the kava plant may cause liver damage. This is because they contain a chemical compound called pipermethysine.

Kava rhizomes and roots do not contain this hepatotoxic chemical, which is why only products made from the roots of the plant should be consumed. [4]

If you are considering a particular brand or vendor to order from, make sure they specify that their product is water-extracted and does not contain stems or other aerial parts.

Use kava supplements only as directed on product labels or as otherwise prescribed and supervised by your doctor.

Kava Juice Side Effects

While low doses of kava drinks appear to be well tolerated by the majority of users, this product is not appropriate for everyone. It should not be used by anyone under the age of 18 or people with a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

It should not be combined with alcohol or other psychoactive substances. Avoid consuming this supplement with hepatotoxic herbs or drugs.

The NMCD states that kava can cause adverse effects including gastrointestinal upset, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, enlarged pupils and/or drowsiness. Other possible side effects of include allergic reactions, involuntary reflexes and/or disturbances in oculomotor equilibrium. [1]

In rare cases, kava juice might cause jaundice (yellow skin), dark urine and/or fatigue. It may worsen hepatitis symptoms, especially in patients with history of recurrent hepatitis. [1]

In very rare cases and when using improperly manufactured products, it may cause severe hepatocellular necrosis (liver damage). NMCD states that even typical doses could cause acute hepatitis. [1]

Most people experience no ill effects from using high-quality, water-extracted kava supplements at appropriate dosages. However, consuming excessive dosages may impair reaction times and cognitive function. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while using kava.

Talk to your doctor about possible disease, drug, food and/or supplement interactions. Do not use kava if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not use this plant extract if you have liver disease or dysfunction. Do not give kava kava juice or supplements to children.

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