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HEALTH ADVISORY: AVOID KAVA PRODUCTS FOR NOW Health Canada is warning consumers to stay away from herbal supplements containing kava. FULL STORY: http://cbc.ca/cgi-bin/view?/news/2002/01/16/Consumers/kavawarning_020116 Jan 16 21:58:40 2002 OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers to stay away from herbal supplements containing kava. Kava, or kava-kava, is a relaxant commonly used by people who have trouble unwinding or falling asleep. It is also used to treat anxiety, nervousness, pain and muscle tension. But several European countries — Britain, Germany, Switzerland and France — have recently pulled kava from store shelves after the herb was linked to at least 24 cases of liver toxicity and one death. RELATED STORY: Germany poised to pull herbal remedy from shelves "As a result of these international reports, Health Canada is now reviewing the safety and effectiveness of kava," said the department in a release. "To ensure the safety and health of consumers in the interim, Health Canada is…advising consumers not to use any products which contain kava until the safety assessment can be completed." The department also warns practitioners of alternative medicine to report any cases of liver toxicity believed to be associated with the use of kava products. Officials say consumers should consult with their health care practitioner if they have experienced any adverse effects from taking products containing kava. Specifically, symptoms that may indicate liver failure: jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) brown urine nausea vomiting weakness stomach or abdominal pain loss of appetite There have been no reports of problems with kava kava in North America. The American Botanical Council says this is the first time kava kava has been linked to liver problems. The kava plant is a member of the pepper family. Native to the South Pacific, a beverage (also called kava) made from the root has been used for centuries in ceremonies and celebrations because of its calming effect. The herb is now cultivated in the U.S., Australia and Mexico and is used in pill form. Written by CBC News Online staff ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn