Why Is Kava Gaining Popularity These Days?

Many people are suffering from anxiety, depression, and insomnia these days due to the stressful lifestyle and even the negative news that is flooding daily from social media. This has made Kava gain popularity recently. So what is Kava?

Kava is a tropical shrub that has heart-shaped leaves and woody stems belonging to the pepper family. Its scientific name is Piper Methysticum, Kava’s Latin name translates to “intoxicating pepper.” In the old culture, “kava” means “something bitter.” Kava is a plant indigenous to the South Pacific islands, such as Fiji and Tonga with a long history of use for reducing anxiety due to its psychotropic effects on the central nervous system. Pacific cultures traditionally use kava as a drink during rituals and social gatherings.

Kava’s active ingredient, kavalactones, affects one of the primary neurotransmitters GABA. Kava’s sleep aid effects may stem from its effects on anxiety. Some studies have found kava to have neuroprotective properties that may be beneficial in the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders. Another benefit of the non-narcotic sedative properties of kava is its potential to help prevent seizures. 
Kavalactones have been known to have pain-killing, anti-convulsant, and neuroprotective properties. Studies have shown that kavalactones have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, which can target different types of pain, including back pain and other chronic pain. It also has neuroprotective properties that can help ease pain. Kava root may also help relieve fibromyalgia. The soothing properties of kava may also help relieve muscle tension and muscle spasms. 

Kava possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anesthetic properties that help treat a toothache. You can chew a small piece of dried kava root for about 15 minutes to help reduce toothache. The root may also help treat gingivitis.
The health benefits of Kava include the following:

• Reduces depression and anxiety.
• Relives insomnia and improves sleep quality.
• Relieves pain and muscle tension.
• Helps treat neurodegenerative diseases.
• Fights against cancers.

Different types of Kava have different impacts on the body. Heady kava makes you feel euphoric and energetic, which is ideal for drinking it as a tea during the day. Heavy kava has a stronger relaxation effect on your muscles and body, which makes you feel relaxed. Balanced kava combines both, which makes it suitable to drink any time of the day.

The safest dosage of taking of kavalactones shouldn’t exceed 250mg daily. It’s generally accepted that an effective dose can be between 70mg and 250mg. Stay away from Kava if you already have liver issues, the reason is that the liver enzymes that break down kava also break down other drugs. This means that kava can prevent other drugs from breaking down by the liver. This will cause the drugs to build up and damage the liver. Studies have shown that the active chemical compounds in Kava can prevent the metabolism of many pharmaceuticals by inhibiting specific enzymes (P450 enzymes). Kava can also make Parkinson's disease worse according to studies. Higher doses of Kava may impair motor skills and reaction time, which poses a risk when driving or operating heavy machinery.

To book a healing session, please click here.
To book a reading session, please click here.
To book a TCM treatment, please click here.