KAVA KAVA
Product No. P1101
Also known as Kawa and Piper methysticum.
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. Kava causes, unlike alcohol, a deep, dreamless sleep with no hangover, and it leaves the mind clear.
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 tranquillisers. The activity of the Kava rhizome is related to several arylethylene
pyrones similar in structure to myristicin, which is found in nutmeg.
Kava kava 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 is used as a non-prescription drug to reduce anxiety.
More recently, Kava kava has 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.
NOTE: Do not use if pregnant, nursing, or being treated for depression.
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