Kava Kava
Kava Kava is another natural anxiety herb that has been proven safe and effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder. Seven scientific studies have shown people with generalized anxiety and depression felt their mood improve and their anxiety lessen when taking Kava Kava. One study has shown the similarities in the brain waves to taking Valium. It has also been used to treat insomnia, urinary tract infections, and symptoms of menopause. When chewed it numbs the tongue and throat which also make it useful to alleviate sore throats.
Kava Kava grows in the islands surrounding the Pacific ocean. It is a tall shrub with heart shaped leaves. Some of the chemicals that the herb contains are kawain, dihydrokawain and methysticum. These have been found to relax muscles, reduce convulsions and relieve pain. What it does not contain are benzodiazephines. Benzodiazephines are found in prescription medications such as Valium and Xanex and are known to decrease cognitive functioning, whereas Kava Kava is found to improve cognitive functions.
Kava Kava herb (also called Awa and Yaquona) belongs to the pepper family and has been around for thousands of years. It is used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes in many Pacific cultures such as Fiji. Also known to “keep the mind alert while the body relaxes” it is often used the way alcohol is used in the West as a way to wind down and take the edge off. It is often used in social situations because it reduces inhibitions but unlike alcohol it is not addictive and does not cause hangovers.
Traditionally the root of the plant was chewed to get the effects, now Kava Kava is available in pill form, tea form, and liquid extract forms. To make tea use one teaspoon of dried Kava powder and one cup of boiling water,drink when it has cooled to room temperature. It has a bitter, peppery taste, but luckily the tongue becomes numb minutes after drinking. One to three cups can be consumed per day. If taken in pill form do not exceed 250mg a day.
In the 90′s the sales of Kava Kava supplements to treat anxiety reached $50 million. Recently there have been studies done by the Pharmaceutical companies alleging that Kava Kava has harmful side effects, mainly liver problems. Those allegations have been widely debunked citing a lack of clear evidence. There has been no evidence of liver problems among the Pacific islanders who have been using Kava Kava for centuries. The side effects are pretty mild and include indigestion, skin rash and drowsiness. People with Parkinson’s disease and pregnant woman should not take Kava Kava.
Where To Get Kava Kava
A couple of my favorite online herbal stores carry a good amount of Kava Kava in tea, capsules, powder, and tincture form. I have tried the Kava Kava Stress Relief Tea and really liked the effects. Has kind of a strong cinnamin taste. Worked well but for me got a little sick of it after a while. Guess it depends on how much you really like cinnamin and if you drink tea as much as I do.
Click Here For Kava Kava Capsules.