What is Kava Kava?
Kava Kava is a plant in the pepper family that has green oblong
leaves and a short thick stem. The botanical name of the plant is Piper
Methysticum, but it also has a number of other simpler names such as
Awa,
Ava,
Yaqona, and
Sakau.
The Kava Kava plant is native to the Western Pacific region of the
world, and the root of the plant contains active medicinal ingredients
known as Kavalactones. Therefore, it is not surprising that Polynesian
cultures have been using this plant for centuries due to its anesthetic,
calming, and sedating properties. For example, Kava Kava root was often
grounded by pounding it with a stone in order to extract the
Kavalactones from it. The grounded root was then soaked in cold water
for a few minutes and the water was then consumed as a stress reducing
tonic. The root of Kava Kava was also often chewed directly to receive
its medicinal benefits..
More recently, large herbal and pharmaceutical companies use many
solvents such as acetone, ethanol and supercritical carbon dioxide to
extract the Kavalactones from the Kava roots. These extracts are then
used to create teas, drinks, or other supplements that have become
popular amongst professional athletes, businessmen, and soldiers who
want to improve concentration and performance by reducing stress and
anxiety.
What are the Benefits of Kava Kava?
Kava Kava extract is known for its antidepressant, anesthetic,
antispasmodic, analgesic, and calming properties. Some of the conditions
which it is known to help treat include:
- Mental Health (Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Insomnia)
- Concentration Problems (Hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Disorder)
- Muscle and Joint Pain (Sore Muscles, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Gout, Rheumatism)
- Dental Problems (Toothache, Gingivitis)
- Headaches and Migraines
- Women's Health (Menstrual Cramps, Menopause)
- Infections (Urinary Tract Infections, Respiratory Tract Infections, Sore Throats, Common Colds, Canker Sores)
- Other Issues (Asthma, Epilepsy, Psychosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
Uses of Kava Kava
Home Remedy for Stress, Anxiety and Sleep Disorders
A few studies have found that Kava Kava extract may help restless or
stressed individuals to become more relaxed without disrupting mental
clarity. This is largely due to the Kavalactone component which has been
found to help deliver "feel good" endorphins and chemicals to the
brain. This results in a feeling of well being, happiness, and calmness
which encourages the mind to tune out irrelevant stimuli, thereby
promoting increased concentration, composure and tranquility. Some
people have found that after a long and stressful day, taking Kava Kava
extract helps to provide a more relaxing sleep throughout the night.
Therefore a simple natural remedy for short term anxiety, depression,
chronic fatigue, insomnia, or attention deficit disorder is to drink a
Kava Kava tea after dinner or consume a Kava Kava supplement. Note that
the daily intake of Kava Kava extract with 70% Kavalactones should not
exceed 300 mg.
Rheumatism and Sore Muscles
Kava Kava is known for its anesthetic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory
activity. Therefore, it is often used in the treatment of Inflamed and
painful joints and muscles, backache, and carpal tunnel syndrome. In
fact, a number of athletes and soldiers use Kava Kava to treat sore and
tired muscles after intensive training routines and workouts. An
effective remedy is to massage Kava Kava oil directly onto the aching
areas of the body. This will result in a warm, tingling sensation. For
individuals with sensitive skin, the oil can first be diluted with
Coconut Oil. Alternatively, taking one capsule of Kava Kava extract or
drinking a cup of Kava tea can also help alleviate the symptoms of sore
muscles and joints.
Toothache, Sore Gums and Sore Throat
It is believed that the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic
activity of Kava Kava may help relieve the pain caused by toothaches,
gingivitis, and sore throat. For toothaches and gum discomfort, simply
chew on a quarter-inch piece of dried Kava Kava root for 5-10 minutes or
apply a small drop of Kava Kava oil directly onto the affected gum or
tooth. The associated numbing effect will help relieve the pain. For
sore throats, chewing on Kava Kava root or drinking a cup of Kava tea
made twice daily can provide relief.
Menstrual Discomfort and Menopausal Syndrome
Kava Kava has been used for menstrual cramps and menopausal syndrome for
years.
A study shows that menopausal women who took Kava Kava along with their
daily hormone therapy medication showed greater improvement compared to
women taking hormone therapy medicine alone. Therefore a simple remedy
is to add this herbal product to your daily routine, either in capsule
form or as a tea.
Remedy for Headaches and Migraines
A few studies suggest that Kava Kava may be effective against headaches
and migraines. Simply taking Kava Kava extract at the first sign of the
onset of a migraine or headaches may help.
What are the Side Effects of Kava Kava?
Kava Kava should not be consumed in conjunction with other medicines or
alcohol. It is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Kava Kava can be toxic if consumed in higher than recommended dosage for
long periods of time. It is recommended to consult your healthcare
professional before taking Kava Kava in any form. It is reported that
heavy and long term use of Kava Kava may cause a scaly rash, puffy face,
numbness of the mouth or stomach, nausea, renal dysfunction, liver
damage, hypertension, and decreased platelet volume. Therefore, if you
notice any sudden changes in your health when taking this herbal
product, consult your physician as soon as possible. It is recommended
that individuals should not consume more than 300mg of Kava Kava
containing 70% of Kavalactones per day for any health condition.
Where and How to Buy Kava Kava
Kava Kava can be found in the form of oil, extract pills/capsules,
powder, dried roots and teas. It can be purchased from most herbal food
stores as well as some online shops (see below). When buying Kava Kava,
look for products that contain higher amounts (50-90%) of Kavalactones.
Also check that the Kavalactone component has been extracted from the
roots of the Kava plant instead of the stems since research suggests
that the Kavalactones extracted from the stems of Kava Kava may increase
the chance of liver toxicity.
