Posted by Shawn. T. on October 5, 2002, at 17:16:25
In reply to Kava banned in Canada, posted by Guy on October 5, 2002, at 15:10:20
'Moderate' as-needed kava use should not pose a serious health risk. Taking "highly excessive" amounts can certainly cause liver problems, although reports are rare. Taking too much of anything on a chronic basis is generally not a healthy choice. I personally believe that the issue has been blown a bit out of proportion. This is especially true considering the fact that just about every psychoactive drug on the market has reports of negative health outcomes. What's good for Canada isn't necessarily good for everyone, so I believe kava remains a viable alternative to high-priced anti-anxiety drugs. In moderation, kava is relatively harmless. The risk is probably similar to taking high amounts of Tylenol every day for an extended period.
"Jerry Cott, PhD., former Chief of the Psychopharmacology Research Program at the National Institute of Mental Health said, “If the incidence of liver toxicity for kava is correct, then according to German researchers it is very similar to that of conventional pharmaceutical anti-anxiety and antidepressant prescription drugs. These are generally considered to be acceptable (though small) risks,” he said, referring to the risk-benefit comparison by which conventional medicines are evaluated."
http://www.herbalgram.org/browse.php/122001press/
Shawn
poster:Shawn. T.
thread:122328
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020930/msgs/122457.html