Unlike many popular prescribed relaxation drugs, Kava Kava reduces
anxiety but does not impair mental function or promote sedation. Kava
Kava contains compounds called kavalactones, unlike prescription drugs,
shown to help thwart anxiety, relieve pain, relax muscles, and prevent
convulsions in animals. Studies suggest that kavalactones influence the
limbie system of the brain, the area where emotions are centered.
The benefits of Kava Kava appear to be many. It has long been used by Pacific Islanders to help reduce pain. It works on the central nervous system and promote relaxation to those suffering from anxiety and or depression. Kava Kava may also help promote more restful sleep to those struggling with insomnia or restlessness, as it helps the muscles of the body relax.
- Helps the nervous system
- Relaxes muscles without dulling the senses.
- Promotes relaxation, especially during occasional stress.
- Helps sleeplessness.
- Gives a feeling of Well-being.
One of the herbal remedies that is great for anxiety and depresson is Kava Kava. Comes from the rhizome of the piper methysticum
plant of the pepper family, indigenous to Polynesia and Indonesia.
Historically it was prepared as a ceremonial drink to welcome new
visiting dignitaries. The exact origin remains uncertain, but many
botanists believe that kava originated from northern Vanuatu, an island
chain of the Solomon Islands.
One thing is certain: Kava was consumed prior to written history and it's use was very well established through-out the South Pacific when Captain Cook made his first voyage to that area aboard the Endeavour between 1768-1771.
How To Use Kava Kava?
Kava Kava should be taken with the evening meal or at night, in preparation for bedtime. Kava Kava should not be used by pregnant or lactating women: it should not be used in conjunction with alcohol. Do not use it when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery. Most importantly of all keep this out of the reach of children.
More...Studies & Effectiveness
Though Kava Kava is a social beverage in the Pacific Islands, it is
used for medicinal purposes in Europe and the U.S. Though powdered kava,
or kava tea produce virtually no effect whatsoever, several significant
human clinical trials show that standardized extracts of kava are highly
effective in relieving anxiety, sleeplessness and some cases of
depression. These studies have used potencies of 70, 150, and 210
milligrams of kavalactones daily as dosages. In fact, kava is the most
effective legal plant relaxant known ( second to Opium in potency), and
is one of the very best studied botanicals of all time, with chemical
and pharmacological studies spanning the past 150 years.
Considering the extent to which stress, anxiety and nervous tension affect people in modern society, kava can make a significant contribution to health and well being.
Non-toxic with recommended dosages, non habit forming, and producing no side effects, Kava Kava -- due to its remarkable efficacy -- is the perfect peaceful botanical remedy for combatting the stresses of modern living.
- ``Healing Anxiety with Herbs,'' by Dr. Harold Bloomfield, HarperCollins. _
- ``Rational Phytotherapy _ A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicines,'' by Volker Schulz, Varro E. Tyler, and Rudolf Hansel, Springer-Verlag N.Y. _
- ``Kava _ Medicine Hunting in Paradise,'' by Chris Kilham, Park Street Press.