More Evidence Against Liver Toxicity!
At the start of 2002, prospects were bright for Hawai’i’s kava (‘awa) producers. During the previous decade, the consumer base for kava had expanded beyond drinkers of the traditional water-based kava beverage to include the much larger nutritional supplement market. Kava capsules were prescribed in Europe to treat anxiety and insomnia. By year’s end, the kava industry had collapsed. At least 68 suspected cases of kava-linked liver toxicity had been reported, including nine liver failures that resulted in six liver transplants and three deaths. Countries in Europe,...
Read MoreKava and Liver Toxicity
Aloha! I received a very heartfelt message from a customer last week reminding me of how important it is for us to be clear about the type of kava we grow and sell, and exactly how it is processed, here at Kona Kava Farm. This is so important because certain parts of the kava (Piper methysticum) plant should never be used, namely the tops (flowers), and branches. Only the rhizome, or rootstock, should be used. This customer’s note was a very much-needed wake-up call for me, since it made me realize we did not have a lot of information on our website about the dangers associated with...
Read MoreWhat Is a Rhizome?
Andrew asked: I was wondering what the difference between a stem and a rhizome is. From what I have read a rhizome is a sort of “underground stem.” The following statements are included in your website: “The strongest kava comes from first generation roots and rhizomes, so we are constantly rotating our plants and crops to ensure maximum strength.” You also say this: “Please remember that the only time Kava Kava has been shown to be poisonous or cause liver damage is when the leaves and stems are consumed. This is why we use ROOTS ONLY in ALL of our Kava Kava...
Read MoreW.H.O. Says Kava is Safe!
South Pacific producers of kava were delighted this week at the publication of a World Health Organization report declaring kava to be a safe product, although they feel that it should be available by prescription, rather than a simple over-the-counter herbal supplement, in an effort to better monitor its use in both the United States and abroad. The chairman of the Fiji Kava Council Ratu Josateki Nawalowalo, who has long been battling the powers that be in an attempt to get kava recognized for the safe and effective herbal supplement with 3,000 years of safe use, said that as far as the...
Read MoreDo You Use Underground or Lateral Roots?
Philippe asked: I recently ordered some of your kava, and I noticed that on the package it says” 10% underground root, and 90% lateral roots” for your kava. Other sites and yours say that the lateral roots are the strongest part of the plant, but I remember seeing somewhere on your website that use use 10% lateral roots and 90% underground roots. Also, wouldn’t you be in danger of getting leaves and stems in your kava if you harvest 90% lateral roots as your packaging says? – Please clarify for me if you would be so kind. Makaira says: So sorry about the confusion,...
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