KAVA KAVA

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KAVA KAVA

(Piper methysticum)

_http://critters.50megs.com/herbs.htm#kavakava\_

(http://critters.50megs.com/herbs.htm#kavakava\)

 

This herb, a member of the pepper family, grows as a bush in the South

Pacific. Explorer Captain James Cook, who gave this plant the botanical name

of " intoxicating pepper " , first discovered kava kava. Kava has been used for

over 3,000 years for its medicinal effects as a sedative, muscle relaxant,

diuretic, and as a remedy for nervousness and insomnia.

The botanical has been used in parts of the Pacific at traditional social

gatherings as a relaxant and in cultural and religious ceremonies to

achieve a higher level of consciousness. The roots can be made into a mildly

narcotic beverage that is comparable to popular cocktails in our culture. In

Germany, Kava kava is used as a nonprescription drug to reduce anxiety. Kava

was first mentioned in scientific records in 1886, and it is gaining

popularity in the US for its relaxing effects.

 

More recently, Kava kava has also gained popularity with the natives of

Hawaii, Australia and New Guinea where it is used medicinally as well as

recreationally. Kava also is effective as a pain reliever and can be used

instead of aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

 

Recent clinical studies have shown that the herb kava is a safe

nonaddictive anti-anxiety medicine, and as effective as prescription anxiety

agents

containing benzodiazepines such as valium. While benzodiazepines tend to

promote lethargy and mental impairment, kava has been shown to improve

concentration, memory, and reaction time for people suffering from anxiety.

Kava

has been clinically demonstrated as a means of achieving a state of

relaxation without the adverse side effects.

 

Several rhizome components and lactones have been isolated in the kava

root. Of the fifteen lactones isolated from kava, there are six major lactones

(kavalactones) known to provide psychoactive activity: kawain, methysticin,

demethoxy-yangonin, dihydrokawain, dihydomethysicin, and yongonin. All

kavalactones are physiologically active, though it is the fat-soluble

kavalactones derived from kava resin that have the greatest effect on the

central

nervous system. Kava also has a direct effect on muscle tension similar to

tranquilizers. The activity of the kava rhizome is related to several

arylethylene pyrones similar in structure to myristicin, which is found in

nutmeg.

 

Kava is mildly narcotic and produces mild euphoric changes characterized

by elevated mood, fluent and lively speech and increased sense of sound.

Higher doses can lead to muscle weakness, visual impairment, dizziness and

drying of the skin. Long term use of the herb can contribute to hypertension,

reduced protein levels, blood cell abnormalities, or liver damage. Alcohol

consumption increases the toxicity of the pharmacological constituents. It

is not recommended for those who intend on driving or where quick reaction

time is required.

 

Kava is the most relaxing botanical herb with exception of the opium

poppy. Pharmacological studies show kava kava's active ingredients,

kavalactones, produce physical and mental relaxation and a feeling of well

being. It

has also been used in the treatment of ailments of the genitourinary tract

including vaginitis, gonorrhea and menstrual cramps. Kava is a diuretic and

an anti-inflammatory, thus useful for gout, rheumatism, bronchial

congestion, cystitis and prostatis. It is an effective local anesthetic and pain

reliever when applied externally as a liniment. The relaxed state and sharpening

of senses also contribute to aphrodisiac effect.

 

Parts Used: Root and rhizome. Used as powder, fluid extract, and tonic

beverage.

Common Use: Kava root is primarily used as a natural sedative and sleep

enhancement. Herbalists have traditionally used it as a remedy for

nervousness and insomnia. Kava kava is an effective relaxant able to induce a

feeling

of relaxation, peace and contentment, along with a sharpening of the

senses. As a sleep aid it promotes deep and restful sleep. It is also a muscle

relaxant that can help relieve cramping due to spasms.

 

NOTE: Do not use if pregnant, nursing, or being treated for depression.