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Kava Kava
February 17, 2021
Kava kava or methystine pepper (Piper methysticum) belongs to the nightshade family and comes from the islands of the Pacific. The population of these islands has been using it for thousands of years for healing, relaxation and cultural purposes. However, it is associated with several health problems , raising questions about its safety.
What is Kava?
Kava is a tropical evergreen shrub with heart-shaped leaves and woody stems. Its scientific name is Piper methysticum.
Pacific Islanders traditionally use kava in rituals and social gatherings. To do this, people first grind its roots into a paste. This grinding was traditionally done by chewing the roots and spitting them out, but now it is usually done by hand.
The paste is then mixed with water, strained and consumed. Its active ingredients are called cavalactones, which make up 3–20% of the dry weight of the plant root.
Research suggests that kavalactones may have the following effects on the body:
Protect neurons from damage,
Reduce your risk of developing cancer, although the evidence is limited to mice ( 1,2 , 3 , 4 )
Most of the research to date has focused on kava's potential for reducing anxiety.
Kava kava works:
relaxing
calming,
facilitate sleep,
act euphoric - if consumed in excessive amounts,
improving the mood,
muscle relaxants,
painkillers,
Kava in the Pacific Islands is consumed as an alternative to alcohol as well as an aid in the fight against addiction. The difference between kava and alcohol is perfectly illustrated by an old Hawaiian saying: The man who drinks kava is still human, but the man who drinks alcohol becomes a beast
("The man who drinks kava is still a man, but the man who drinks liquors becomes a beast")
Additionally, kava kava improves the mental health of its users.
Kava kava is a psychotropic herb. Probably hence an alternative to alcohol or drugs, with the difference that the herb is not addictive and unlike other stimulants, the longer you drink it, the smaller doses are necessary to obtain the same effect. It was forbidden in Poland for some time. Some sources indicate hepatoxicity of kava (i.e. toxic effects on the liver and the risk of damage), it is worth remembering that paracetamol is very safe, if it is overdosed, it also has a highly hepatoxic effect. Today you can buy kava. in Polish online stores.
In some cases, the full effects of kava are not felt the first few times you consume kava. This phenomenon is known as "inverse tolerance". Most people experience this effect to some extent, but virtually all report satisfactory results after a week or two of routine use.
Kava doesn't make you what you are not, it helps you be who you are. Kava's effects aren't as severe as prescription drugs or alcohol. These substances usually have a deep and pronounced effect that cannot be ignored. Kava is more subtle and works in harmony with the body and mind. This is one of the features that makes it Kava is so much praised by native consumers, whose maintenance requires an active lifestyle and full mental awareness. Research confirms that Kava is safe and well-tolerated, some sources say it may be hepatotoxic after prolonged use (more than 8 weeks) for short-term use (up to 8 weeks) at a dose of 120–280 mg daily of cavalactones, regardless of the dosing schedule.
Kava can help reduce anxiety
Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders today. The traditional method of treatment is to talk to a therapist, medications, or a combination of the two.
There are many types of drugs on the market today. However, it is worth remembering that they can cause unwanted side effects and addiction. For this reason, more and more people are turning to natural herbal remedies.
The first long-term study of the effects of kava extract on people with anxiety was published in 1997. Compared to placebo, this significantly reduced the severity of participants' anxiety.
The researchers also did not notice any side effects from kava withdrawal or addiction effect, while these effects are common with other drugs often used to treat anxiety.
Since that study, several other studies have shown the benefits of kava in treating anxiety. A review of 11 of these studies found kava extract to be an effective treatment for anxiety.
What's more, kava extract maybe be used as an alternative to certain anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants.
Recent studies have continued to find evidence that kava is effective in treating anxiety.
Kava can help you sleep
Sleep problems are linked to numerous medical issues , including high blood pressure, diabetes , depression, obesity and cancer.
Many people choose to take sleeping pills for a variety of reasons. As with drugs for the treatment of anxiety, sleeping pills can be addictive .
Kava is commonly used as an alternative to sleeping pills because of its calming effects. The effect of kava on insomnia may be due to its effect on anxiety.
Insomnia it is common in people with anxiety. Therefore, in cases of insomnia, kava can treat anxiety, which can help people sleep better .
Drinking kava during the day may make you feel drowsy, but does not appear to affect your ability to drive .
