Herb of the Month: Kava (Piper Methysticum)
In our fast-paced society, we all are affected by stress and anxiety from time to time. Hopping on an airplane or speaking in front of a large crowd are a couple of examples of activities that might have your heart beating a little faster. Beyond a racing heart, stress may lead to muscle tension, insomnia, or even a panic attack. Kava is a great remedy for reducing the many uncomfortable symptoms of stress and allowing you to cope with these difficult situations.
Native to the South Pacific, kava is now only cultivated as it no longer grows in the wild. It has a history of use for social and ceremonial gatherings over hundreds of years in its native climates. It calms the mind and body without causing drowsiness when used in moderation.
Before encountering a stressful situation, such as the ones mentioned above, taking some kava may allow you to remain relaxed. In the book Herbal Therapy and Supplements: A Scientific and Traditional Approach, the authors point out that “German studies have shown that kava is as effective a treatment for anxiety disorders as tricyclic antidepressants (opripramol) and benzodiazepines, without the side effects and tolerance issues.” However, kava may potentiate the effects of alcohol and pharmaceutical medications, so be sure to consult with a practitioner.
If stress and anxiety are keeping you awake at night, you might try kava. It enhances REM sleep without morning time grogginess. It relaxes skeletal muscles and lessens pain and tension throughout the body, which may also help you relax into a restful sleep. The antispasmodic effects of kava also make it a useful remedy for menstrual cramps.
After consuming kava tea or tincture, you may notice that your tongue becomes numb and your mouth tingles. This is only temporary and due to the active ingredient, kavalactones. Because of this numbing effect, kava may be used for toothaches, sore gums, or sore throats.
Kava has been banned in Europe and many people are concerned about the toxicity. However, as with everything else, when used responsibly, it is far less likely to cause problems. Kava should not be used in excess or for periods of time longer than four to six weeks or by people with liver disease. In the short term, though, kava is a great remedy for keeping cool and collected in the face of our many modern- day stressors.
“There can be no hate in the heart when one has kava.” -Rosemary Gladstar
References
Gladstar, Rosemary. The Family Herbal, Story Book Pub, North Adams, MA, 2001.
Kuhn, Merrily A. and David Winston. Herbal Therapy and Supplements. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkens, Philadelphia, PA, 2008.
Native to the South Pacific, kava is now only cultivated as it no longer grows in the wild. It has a history of use for social and ceremonial gatherings over hundreds of years in its native climates. It calms the mind and body without causing drowsiness when used in moderation.
Before encountering a stressful situation, such as the ones mentioned above, taking some kava may allow you to remain relaxed. In the book Herbal Therapy and Supplements: A Scientific and Traditional Approach, the authors point out that “German studies have shown that kava is as effective a treatment for anxiety disorders as tricyclic antidepressants (opripramol) and benzodiazepines, without the side effects and tolerance issues.” However, kava may potentiate the effects of alcohol and pharmaceutical medications, so be sure to consult with a practitioner.
If stress and anxiety are keeping you awake at night, you might try kava. It enhances REM sleep without morning time grogginess. It relaxes skeletal muscles and lessens pain and tension throughout the body, which may also help you relax into a restful sleep. The antispasmodic effects of kava also make it a useful remedy for menstrual cramps.
After consuming kava tea or tincture, you may notice that your tongue becomes numb and your mouth tingles. This is only temporary and due to the active ingredient, kavalactones. Because of this numbing effect, kava may be used for toothaches, sore gums, or sore throats.
Kava has been banned in Europe and many people are concerned about the toxicity. However, as with everything else, when used responsibly, it is far less likely to cause problems. Kava should not be used in excess or for periods of time longer than four to six weeks or by people with liver disease. In the short term, though, kava is a great remedy for keeping cool and collected in the face of our many modern- day stressors.
“There can be no hate in the heart when one has kava.” -Rosemary Gladstar
References
Gladstar, Rosemary. The Family Herbal, Story Book Pub, North Adams, MA, 2001.
Kuhn, Merrily A. and David Winston. Herbal Therapy and Supplements. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkens, Philadelphia, PA, 2008.