As the popularity of kava root supplements is growing, so are the myths. Some of the benefits of kava include being able to focus and concentrate while also feeling calm. It also reduces tension in the body, and promotes relaxation.
Each new product placed on the market seems to be followed by a large amount of controversy. Some say it works, some say it doesn’t work. The main reason this happens is because typically there are no long-term evidence surrounding mostly man-made supplements.
With kava root supplements, however, it has been used for around 3,000 years with very few objections. And the best part, it is nature-made, with only the most beneficial parts being extracted for use by the public.
Myths about kava root supplements are what discourage many people from trying it. Below are some of the most common myths, dispelled.
Myth 1: Kava is Banned from Export
In the early 2000s, a bad batch of kava was released and created one of the largest misunderstandings regarding kava.
A batch was made from a strand of bad kava. This “bad batch” was linked to liver damage at the time. A total of 26 cases were reported. However, only three of those cases held any merit. That number is extremely low compared to the hundreds of thousands of deaths each year related to prescription medications.
But, because of this, Germany put a ban on the marketing of products with kava in them, not on kava itself. The nature of the ban was misreported and negativity spread around the world. While kava root products were not banned in all countries, the bad press about it significantly reduced the demand for kava.
Because the ban was eventually linked to the manufacturers error in how they made kava, Germany has since lifted their ban of marketing kava containing products. Kava was never banned in the United States.
Now that the ban of kava has been properly explained to the world, kava is becoming an important herbal relaxant once again.
Myth 2: Kava Causes Liver Damage
Very few people were found to have a link between their kava drinking habits and liver problems.
There have been many reports since this time showing evidence kava root supplements do not cause liver damage.
The way a farmer or manufacturer extracts the kava from the kava kava plant may determine if the drink is damaging to the liver.
The number one way to extract kava from the root of the plant is to pound the root until it is in pieces. Then mix the root pieces with water. After it has soaked for a while, strain the water through a cloth into a bowl.
The water that is strained into the bowl is then drank and shared among kava users.
If this process is altered by a manufacturer, they may be altering the effects and kava’s potency. Not to put all the blame on manufacturers, it is still always up to the consumer to ensure they are receiving and ingesting the highest quality of kava.
It is well known that kava should be extracted from the roots, not stems or leaves. It is also known the higher amount of kavalactones, the better.
Looking for these two characteristics can go a long way when consuming kava.
Myth 3: Kava is Just Like Alcohol
Scientists have studied the way alcohol makes a person think, feel and act for many years. They have learned that alcohol is a depressant. While it may make a person feel good at first, that feeling does not last.
Alcohol depresses parts of the brain including the parts that control speaking, movements, judgments and thinking. It can also alter vision and your ability to remember specific time periods.
Alcohol dehydrates you which can lead to severe hangover like effects the day after drinking. Abuse of alcohol is directly linked to liver damage. It is also linked to many deaths due to driving while intoxicated.
Addiction is prominent around the world and leads to deaths due to the damage it does to the human body.
Kava and alcohol are not alike. Unlike alcohol, kava has not been linked with certainty to any deaths. Plus, it does not have the mind-altering effects of alcohol.
Myth 4: Kava is Mind-Altering
Kava root has been used for centuries and in many distinct cultures. The reports show kava drinkers maintain mental clarity, while they also remain calm and with an overall good mood.
In some, it has even enhanced awareness. This may be the reason it is used before ceremonies and rituals in the South Pacific. It allows everyone attending an event to feel relaxed and have a good will towards others, but does not produce poor judgment or irrational thinking.
Modern day use of kava comes in a variety of forms. You can drink it as a tea, take it in supplement form, and even use oils made from kava root. The key to guaranteeing your kava experience is authentic is to buy from a supplier that only works with noble kava.
Trustworthy suppliers are eager to answer your questions and help you implement kava into your lifestyle so that you can receive the full benefits. When seeking a kava supplier, look for one who is certified by well-known agencies such as the American Kava Association.
Seek suppliers who are transparent in sharing their company information and where they get noble kava. Find suppliers who ensure their kava is tested for quality.
These types of businesses are doing what it takes to overcome obstacles such as myths and falsehoods. Finding a trusted supplier of kava root and opening a direct line of communication with them will help you dispel, or validate, any other myths you may hear about the kava products.