by Makaira on May 9, 2009
We sometimes receive questions about the chemical compound that seems to be “all the rage” right now called “Glutathione,” especially in relation to protecting the liver from damage. Ever since the pharmaceutical companies succeeded in falsely linking Kava Root with liver damage, we field many questions regarding liver damage and kava. So, below is the response I offer to those asking about Glutathione, and thought it worthy of posting on the blog as well, in hopes of answering questions while dispelling myths at the same time:
We do not add ANY chemical compounds to our ‘100% pure herbal supplements” because we wish to keep it that way, separating our exclusive products from the more mass produced ‘pharmaceutical vitamin supplements.’ Kava in its pure form has been used in moderation for over 1000 years in Polynesia without ANY liver damage being reported by the folks who consumed it, often every day for many, many years.
Glutathione is actually a peptide that is naturally produced in the body so we do not see the need to add a man made synthetic version to our supplements. It takes 3 amino acids for the body to manufacture glutathione, but our bodies turn foods into the substances needed to manufacture the 3 amino acids that produce glutathione. This is the natural method for a body to create glutathione. In fact, combining asparagus and watermelon (not necessarily at the same time) will make glutathione, as will many other food combinations. So, live a healthy life by eating a healthy, balanced diet, and you will have all the glutathione you will ever need.
Also, liver damage with kava has been recorded only when taken in excess with alcohol or when the poisonous parts of the plant are used, such as the leaves. We never get anywhere near the poisonous parts of the plant in any of our products, but there is evidence of some commercial manufacturers of Kava products that DO use the dangerous parts of the plant. And that’s partly where Kona Kava Farm comes in: We are a small, family-run farm who produces Kava products for a growing number of stores and Kava Bars. We have over 100,000 customers and counting, and have been producing kava for ourselves and others for many generations, without a single report of illness of any kind. However if you are still worried about your liver, Glutathione is very easily available as an over the counter tablet / capsule/ liquid supplement that can quickly be gulped down after taking any of our kava products.
Aloha no, Makaira
by Makaira on April 20, 2009
We sometimes get customers who don’t find that Kava Kava is for them, or they find the taste too unpleasant for their palettes, but it’s rare when we find ourselves with a customer who believes that Kava is s scam that is being perpetuated by our family farm. I know this type of dissatisfaction is rare, and that I need to “roll with the punches” when it happens, but I thought that my response to David may offer some insight for any customers who feel the same as David does. Kava has always been close to my heart; it’s been an integral part of my family and my culture for generations, but I can understand that Kava is not for everyone.
So, my response; please feel free to comment:
I am sorry that you are unhappy with your purchase, and in the spirit of possibly offering something useful to you, I offer this: As I am sure you know, no two human bodies are the same. Also, it’s known that different bodies and systems react differently to everything from environmental conditions, to medication, and even to food. Some people respond well to particular medications, while others have no response whatsoever, and still others have dangerous reactions to them. Most people get an energy boost from caffeine, but for some, it can make them extremely sick, and some…it can have the opposite effect and put them to sleep.
And it’s no different with herbal supplements such as Kava Kava. I invite you to do some research on the internet, and you will soon find that Kava has been used for thousands of years, that it’s been the focus of clinical study, that it is a supplement that has been banned by the entire country of Canada, that it’s deeply ingrained in our culture and the cultures of Oceania, and that it’s heavily prescribed in Europe as an anti-anxiety. It’s an herbal supplement that is protected by the FDA, and is now gaining immense popularity in the United States, where it has remained under the radar for many years.
Knowing that, I ask only this of you: Does it seem realistically possible that there could actually be a worldwide “scam” or “conspiracy” that perpetuates false claims about this herbal supplement that has been proven to have various beneficial effects, and one that has been used safely for thousands of years like Kava has?
Or, perhaps, does it seem more likely that Kava simply isn’t for you and that your body simply doesn’t react or recognize the effects of kava, at least at this time?
We’ve been in the farming business for many generations, we’ve been selling Kava commercially for many, many years now, and although we have a vast database of returning customers, a growing number of stores, Kava Bars, and wholesalers who offer our product, just like anything else on this wonderfully bountiful planet, not everything is for everyone. And although we wish it was, we have to accept that!
Fret not, though; we of course offer our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, and you are free to return any product you’re unhappy with for a refund. Returns are rare for us, but we’re happy to offer them whenever a customer is unhappy with their purchase. Let me know if you have any further questions, and I wish you the best in your search for the herbal supplement that does what you hope. – Aloha no, Makaira