By: Ivana Dragica |
Kava kava – a herb for relaxation, joy and socializing |
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Kava kava (Lat. Piper methysticum) is a widespread herbal culture from Northern Pacific.
It is interesting that despite its name, it has nothing to do with coffee and is a relative of peppermint.
Peoples all across the Pacific often use it in medicinal, religious and social purposes since it alleviates tension and fears and enhances communicativeness.
The effects of this herb were discovered by Europeans in 1768, due to a testimony of a sailor and explorer James Cook who spoke of an herb used by Pacific peoples to make them relaxed, cheerful and outgoing.
This herb caused many controversies. It was banned in the EU up until 2008, but the ban was lifted after scientific facts were reexamined.
Power of kavalactones
Active ingredients in this herb are called kavalactones, and at least 15 of them are psychoactive.
Effects of kava kava mixtures depend on the concentration of certain kavalactones. On of the main ones is desmethoxyyangonin which causes mild euphoria, and kavain which enhances concentration and focus.
Kava kava is the subject of many researches and it is on a right path to replace some industrial medicines.
Relaxes and enhances concentration
The most famous effect of kava kava is its calming effect on central nervous system without the impairment of mental abilities.
This makes it an ideal diet supplement for people suffering from anxiety and that are at the same time in need of concentration and being fully awake.
Kava kava is a natural alternative to calming medicines, it relaxes muscles, has effects like anesthetics, anxiolytics and anticonvulsants. It can also be used against pain instead of pharmaceutical analgesics.
Helps with other problems, not just depression
Due to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties it is used in gout, bronchial congestion, cystitis and prostatitis treatments.
In 2006, scientists from Aberdeen University in Scotland reported that kava kava could become useful in ovarian cancer and leukemia treatment.
In their research they discovered that methanol extracts found in kava kava reduce cancer cell growth and do not harm healthy cells. This also explains lower rates of cancer occurrence in people that regularly consume this herb.
Other researches indicate that kava kava could be useful against synovial sarcoma, lung tumorigenesis and prostate and bladder cancers.
Kava kava helps with these problems:
- anxiety
- tension
- agitation
- concern
- depression
- insomnia
- hyperactivity
- headache
- menopause symptoms
Dosage
Kava kava preparations can be found on the market in a form of pills, extracts, tinctures, teas or beverage supplements. All kava kava preparations are made of kava kava’s root.
The daily dose is 1 to 5 g of dry rhizome or 3 to 6 ml of liquid extract (1:2), which is equivalent to 60 to 120 mg of kavalactone.
In standardized preparations in a form of pills is 100 to 200 mg of kavalactone in one take or 60 mg of kavalactone 2 to 4 times a day.
In clinical researches, 70% extract was proven to be sufficient for achieving desired effects. If emulsifier (lecithin) is added to herbal extract or if you chew kava kava root, you will make dairy emulsion that has a powerful tranquilizing effect. In 20 minutes a man goes into a deep state of sleep that lasts 24 to 48 hours.
Use only preparations that match criteria mentioned above. People suffering from clinical depression are not to use kava kava.
Using this herb in combinations with alcohol, antipsychotic drugs, barbiturates and antidepressants is not recommended. Kava kava is not to be used for longer than 3 months.
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