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(piper methysticum) is a plant native to the islands of the South Pacific. A member of the pepper family, the root and rhizome of the plant are used to prepare natural remedies for insomnia, anxiety, and menopausal symptoms. Although there is some clinical evidence to suggest that is effective in relieving anxiety, safety warnings about the potential for liver damage have been issued by several countries. As a result, is not recommended for those with liver disease, liver problems, and those taking drugs that affect the liver. How to Take :

is available in the form of beverages, extracts, capsules, tablets and topical solutions.Dosage Guidelines for :

Dosage guidelines recommend not exceeding 250 mg of the supplement within a 24-hour period.Who Shouldn’t Take :

is not recommended for:pregnant or nursing womenchildren under age 18people with liver disease, liver problems, or those taking drugs that affect the liverpeople taking prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Medication Interactions With :

You should not mix alcohol with . has the potential to interact with drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, drowsiness may occur if combined with benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).Side Effects of :

Side effects are rare but may include drowsiness, headache, stomach upset, dizziness and sensitivity to ultraviolet light sources. Risks Associated with :

A consumer advisory was released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on March 25th, 2002 warning that kava-containing dietary supplements may be associated with severe liver injury. The advisory was based on reports from a number of countries including Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada and the UK where at least 25 cases of liver toxicity were reported. In addition, many countries have instituted bans on the sale of products containing .

As a result, should not be used by people with liver disease, liver problems, or those taking drugs that affect the liver. In addition, although the potential for liver problems is rare, if you experience signs of illness associated with liver disease while taking you should consult with a medical professional immediately. Symptoms of liver problems may include jaundice, brown urine, nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, unusual tiredness, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain and loss of appetite.

Other supplements for social anxiety disorder:ChamomilePassion FlowerRhodiola RoseaSt. John’s WortValerian RootWinter Cherry

Sources:

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Kava. Accessed September 4, 2007.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Kava Linked to Liver Damage. Accessed September 4, 2007.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consumer Advisory. Accessed September 4, 2007.

Technorati Tags: anxiety, effective, medicines, natural, relief

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(valeriana officinalis) is derived from a plant native to Europe and Asia. The root of this plant has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for various ailments including sleep problems, digestive problems, disorders of the nervous system, headaches, and arthritis. It is believed that has an impact on the availability of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain.

Despite the use of for a variety of problems, little research has been done to support the effectiveness of the herb. Use of as a sleep aid is supported by some evidence from clinical trials, however these studies tend to be small and not rigorously conducted. On the whole, research suggests that has mild sedative and tranquilizing properties – less than prescription sleep medication.

There isn’t yet sufficient research evidence to support the use of in the treatment of anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder (SAD). However, anecdotal reports from those who take the supplement regularly indicate that it promotes feelings of calmness and reduces nervous tension and stress. How to Take :

is available as a capsule, tea, tablet or liquid extract. It should be taken 30 minutes to two hours before bedtime.Dosage Guidelines for :

Dosage for the treatment of insomnia ranges from 300 to 600 mg of liquid root extract, or the equivalent of 2 to 3 g of dried . Lower dosages are typically used for the treatment of nervous tension and when the root is used in combination with other supplements. Before taking , you should read the product label and discuss the dose with a qualified healthcare provider.Who Shouldn’t Take :

should not be taken if you are pregnant or nursing, if you suffer from liver disease, or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). has the potential to interact with other medications, and may not be recommended in those cases. Medication Interactions With :

may cause drowsiness if taken with prescription medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), benzodiazepines, narcotics such as codeine, barbituates such as phenobarbitol, and over-the-counter cold and sleep remedies.

The supplement may also interfere with the effectiveness of medications broken down in the liver, such as allergy medications, cholesterol medications, antifungal medications and cancer medications.

In general, you should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional and/or pharmacist about possible interactions.Side Effects of :

Side effects of are rare but may include headache, upset stomach, daytime drowsiness, and dizziness. Risks Associated with :

Unlike prescription sleep medications, is not believed to carry a risk of dependency. However, the supplement should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, and caution should be exercised if taking the supplement over an extended period of time. Do not operate heavy or dangerous machinery until you know how the supplement affects you.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the production of herbs and supplements. Most herbs and supplements are not thoroughly tested, and there is no guarantee regarding the ingredients or safety of the products.

Other supplements for social anxiety disorder:ChamomileKava KavaPassion FlowerRhodiola RoseaSt. John’s WortWinter Cherry

Sources:

Clarocet. . Accessed August 29, 2008.

Fugh-Berman A, Cott J. Dietary supplements and natural products as psychotherapeutic agents. Psychosomatic Medicine. 1999;61:712-728.

Hadley S, Petry J. Valerian. American Family Physician. 2003;67:1755-1758.

Miyasaka LS, Atallah AN, Soares BG. Valerian for anxiety disorders. Cochrane Database System Review. 2006;4:CD004515.

Technorati Tags: alternate, insomina, natural, remedies, Valerian