Germany is considering forbidding the sale of products containing more than tiny amounts of the herbal medicine kava kava after 24 cases of liver damage linked to the medicine have been reported there. One person died and three had to have liver transplants. Diagnoses included liver failure, hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Kava kava, an extract from the root of the shrub Piper methysticum, can be sold without a prescription. It has been used for over 3,000 years for its medicinal effects as a sedative, muscle relaxant and diuretic.
It has become increasingly common in recent years in Europe and the US. The shrub is a member of the pepper family, and is native to the South Pacific.
However, he said evidence is strong that kava kava can cause liver damage, and chances are high that the BfArM will forbid its sale in Germany, except in preparations with only minute amounts.
Reuters Frankfurt, Germany November 19, 2001
While supplements in general are far safer than drugs, one needs to be particularly cautious about herbs as they can be problematic for many. This report from Germany indicated severe liver damage from kava kava is most illustrative.
The typical new patient coming to my office is taking many supplements. Many are taking shopping bag or boxes full of them. Many patients are spending hundreds of dollars a month in supplements in search for that magic bullet that will extend their life.
Folks, it really is not rocket science to stay healthy. You just need to follow a few simple principles. Supplements are useful, but it would be unusual for someone to require more than five. I myself only take two and a few more whole foods like chlorella and cod liver oil that might be considered supplements.
I am convinced that large amounts of supplements are an unnecessarily expensive and inefficient way to achieve optimal health. My new focus at the Optimal Wellness Center is to facilitate independent health for my patients through the use of nutrition, exercise, sleep, and addressing their stresses through tools like EFT.
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