What is Kava kava?
Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) has been used for over three thousand years by the people of the South Pacific for medicinal, ceremonial and social purposes. Today, it is used by people worldwide for relief from stress, pain, anxiety and depression. The medical benefits of this "miracle" herb have been proven in numerous studies.
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Alleviates stress and anxiety
Counters urinary infections
Relaxes tense muscles
Relieves pain
Stimulant
Tonic
Analgesic
What does Kava Kava do?
The primary use of Kava Kava is the treatment of stress, anxiety and nervous tension. While relaxing you, Kava has the added benefit of improving your mental function and concentration. It's also used to relieve insomnia.
How does it work?
Kava lactones – the active ingredients in the herb – act as a sedative and a muscle relaxant. The herb also has anti-depressant compounds that lift one's mood and give one a general sense of well-being.
The herb causes changes in brain activity in the same way that other anti-anxiety drugs do, but without the associated drowsiness.
It helps people with sleeping problems as it improves delta rhythm sleep (the deepest state of slumber).
Indications
Anxiety
Kava Kava is a safe and proven remedy for anxiety. It does not make you drowsy because it keeps the mind alert while the body relaxes. The herb can be taken over a prolonged period to relieve chronic stress.
Aphrodisiac
The herb has long been used as a "love drug" as it has stimulating properties that induce large bouts of intoxication and euphoria.
Arthritis
Kava Kava helps relieve rheumatic and arthritic pain by reducing sensitivity and relaxing the muscles. It also removes waste products from the affected joint.
Urinary infections
Kava Kava acts as a urinary antiseptic and therefore helps to counter urinary infections. The kava lactones present in the herb have an anaesthetic effect on the lining of the bladder and the urinary tubules. Kava also helps settle an irritable bladder.
Dental problems
If you are suffering from toothache or mouth ulcers, gargle with Kava Kava to numb the pain.
It also treats:
Migraines, stomach cramps, muscle spasms and menstrual cramps and might be helpful in relieving the anxiety and depression associated with menopause.
Dosage
Take the herb before bedtime so it won't affect your normal daily activities.
Sixty to 120 milligrams orally daily of kava's active ingredient (check the label).
For urinary infections, drink half a cup of the infusion made from the root twice a day.
For stress take 30 drops of the tincture with water three times a day.
What's the difference between St John's Wort and Kava Kava?
St John's Wort is primarily used to treat mild to moderate depression, whereas Kava Kava is used to treat stress, anxiety and states of high tension associated with depression. Sometimes both are used in combination to treat depression. Used on it's own, Kava Kava can help with insomnia, stress and anxiety that are not related to depression.
Possible side effects
Although there are no known side effects when the herb is taken in moderation and the correct dosage, abuse of Kava Kava could result in liver damage, shortness of breath, dry skin and changes in blood cell counts.
Side effects may include gastrointestinal problems, such as an upset stomach. Some people could also get allergic skin reactions. High doses or long-term use of Kava Kava may result in yellow discoloration of the skin, hair and nails. Other possible side effects include pupil dilation, difficulty focusing and loss of balance.
Are there any potentially dangerous herb-drug interactions?
Avoid the herb if you are already on antidepressants, prescription sedatives or other anti-anxiety drugs such as bensodiasepines and barbiturates.
If you are on any barbituates (a type of anaesthetic drug an example of which is phenobarbitone) there is potential for a dangerous interaction with Kava Kava.
Kava Kava also contra-indicates pre-anaesthetic prescription of anti-anxiety drugs. Because Kava might interact with anesthesia you should stop using it 24 hours prior to surgery. Ask for your doctor's opinion.
You should also avoid the herb if you are using the contraceptive pill.
Cautions
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Do not use Kava Kava with alcohol.
Do not take for more than four weeks at a time.
Do not take during pregnancy or while lactating.
Don't take kava if you have a history of liver problems. Symptoms of liver disease include the yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice) and brown urine.
Consult your doctor before using any herbal preparation.
Don't mix kava with alcohol, sedatives or sleeping pills. These can heighten kava's sedative effect.
Do not operate heavy machinery while on Kava Kava, as it has a sedative effect.
As the use of this herb may be dangerous, we suggest that you read the following:
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