Kava Kava

Do you use herbal supplements? A popular way to boost energy or assist in battling insomnia is to use herbal supplements rather than over the counter medications and sleep aids.

Kava Kava is recognized as being effective for insomnia and has been used as a ceremonial drink for centuries by the people of the South Pacific. Before 2002 the exportation of substantial amounts of the aerial parts of the Kava plant to North America and Europe for the production of commercial preparations lead to concerns of the connection between kava and liver damage. Reports now indicate that it is this use of the aerial portions of the plant that is the source of suspicion of the herb's link to liver damage.

There are dangers still, so anyone considering the use of Kava should only do so after consulting their doctor and discussing the risks of liver damage and other possible factors in possible side effects. It is known, for example, that persons with Parkinson's Disease have more frequent "off" periods when using Kava.

If you do use Kava be sure that you purchase from a seller that only uses the non-aerial parts of the plant. Places such as Kona Kava Farm in Hawaii, konakavafarm.com, that never use the stems or leaves of the plant.

Kona Kava Farm claims to have the most potent variety of Kava, and to be organic certified for all of their Kava products. Using 90% lateral roots and 10% underground, they list their Kava as some of the most potent and safe available.