Why we selected this company:

Gaia Herbs and Professional Solutions strive to produce pure plant medicines of exceptional quality and purity while enriching the ecology of the earth and the health and harmony of the people that use their phyto-medicines.  Gia Herbs’ mission is all about organics and making phyto-medicines with the highest degree of quality and integrity. To this end, Gaia Herbs and Professional Solutions have proudly invested in cultivation of 250 acres of certified organically grown herbs on our own farm in North Carolina. Our efforts in science & research yield unsurpassed quality botanical medicines.

Why we selected this product:

Enhanced cognitive performance and cheerful mood by standardized extracts of Piper methysticum (Kava-kava).

Thompson R, Ruch W, Hasenöhrl RU.

Department of Psychology, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, Herts AL10 9AB, UK.

The acute effects of the herbal anxiolytic Kava-kava (Piper methysticum G. Forster) on emotional reactivity and cognitive performance were investigated in a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial involving healthy volunteers. Subjects' reports of mood change were assessed with the state-trait-cheerfulness-inventory, which measures the three concepts of cheerfulness, seriousness and bad mood as both traits and states. Cognitive performance was examined with the Sperling partial report and the Sternberg item recognition task, which were used as an index for visual attention and short-term memory processing. The intake of a single dose of Kava extract (300 mg; p.o.) led to an increase in state cheerfulness, while the phytopharmacon did not influence state seriousness and bad mood. The mood-elevating effects of Kava were most prominent in trait cheerful subjects, indicating that trait cheerfulness moderated the drug-induced increase in cheerful mood. Furthermore, Kava improved the accuracy and the speed of performing the partial report and the item recognition task, indicative of a beneficial effect of the phytopharmacon on visual attention and short-term memory retrieval, respectively. Thus, unlike conventional benzodiazepine-type anxiolytics, which tend to impair cognitive performance and to increase the occurrence of negative affective states, Kava is a potent anxiolytic agent, which, additionally, can facilitate cognitive functioning and can increase positive affectivity related to exhilaration. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 15181652 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Hum Psychopharmacol. 2004 Jun;19(4):243-50.

ANXIETY - Kava Kava

In 52 outpatients suffering from anxiety, subjects received a kava kava preparation, with 80.8% of the patients rating improvement as "very good" or "good" with the kava kava. Adverse effects were negligible. These data suggest that kava kava extract is an effective and safe alternative to antidepressants and tranquilizers for anxiety disorder.

"Kava-Kava Extract in Anxiety Disorders: An Outpatient Observational Study," Scherer J, Adv Ther, July-August, 1998;15(4):261-269.

Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam.

Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, Shayeganpour A, Rashidi H, Khani M.

Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, South Kargar Avenue, Tehran, Iran. s.akhond@neda.net

OBJECTIVE: Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a folk remedy for anxiety. A double-blind randomized trial compared the efficacy of Passiflora incarnata extract with oxazepam in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. METHODS: The study was performed on 36 out-patients diagnosed with GAD using DSM IV criteria. Patients were allocated in a random fashion: 18 to the Passiflora extract 45 drops/day plus placebo tablet group, and 18 to oxazepam 30 mg/day plus placebo drops for a 4-week trial. RESULTS: Passiflora extract and oxazepam were effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. No significant difference was observed between the two protocols at the end of trial. Oxazepam showed a rapid onset of action. On the other hand, significantly more problems relating to impairment of job performance were encountered with subjects on oxazepam. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Passiflora extract is an effective drug for the management of generalized anxiety disorder, and the low incidence of impairment of job performance with Passiflora extract compared to oxazepam is an advantage. A large-scale trial is justified.


PMID: 11679026 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001 Oct;26(5):363-7.

Benefits for the body:
Encourages Trophorestoration of the Nervous System
Promotes Calmness and Support During Occasional Nervousness
Promotes Adaptation to Stress

Interesting facts:
This calming formula works not only as a nervous relaxant, but also as a nervous system strengthener, particularly where overwork and stress play a role. Additionally, botanicals that help with anxiety and support digestion have been incorporated to ease these often seen but unwanted manifestations of stress. This formula works like a soothing charm, and has almost immediate influence.

Ingredients:
ALCOHOL-FREE CONCENTRATED EXTRACTS OF:
FORMULA MG EXTRACT PER 3 CAPSULES
Skullcap herb (Scutellaria lateriflora)             60 mg
Passionflower vine (Passiflora incarnata)     60 mg
Kava Kava rhizome (Piper methysticum)       60 mg
Chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita)        45 mg
Wild Oats milky seed (Avena sativa)               27 mg
Hops strobile (Humulus lupulus)                     24 mg
Mugwort herb (Artemisia vulgaris)                  15 mg
Peppermint leaf (Mentha piperita)                     9 mg

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  If in doubt consult with a licensed naturopathic physician before use.  Physicians at Genesis Health Systems can be reached at 480.284.8155 and we are happy to consult with you about this product and helping you achieve optimal health.