Kava Kava

Species Name: Piper Methysticum.

Also known as: Sakau, Awa, Ava, Tonga, Kew, Ava pepper, Intoxicating pepper.

People that have used kava kava have reported having a feeling of relaxation and less tension in their muscles.

Some experience contentment, joy and an overall peaceful feeling which helps to make them more sociable.

What is Kava Kava? Kava Kava is found in the Pacific and is sometimes spelled Kawa. It can be grey, green or even tan in color. The root of this plant has a brownish color and is ground into a powder. This powder is mixed in water and drank.

Kava has different strengths which will depend on several different things. For instance, the fresher the plant is when used, the stronger the mixture will be. Even the technique in which it was cultivated can make a difference.

This plus the fact that people have a different chemical makeup means that you may have a different reaction to kava kava than someone else does.

The word Kava is also used to describe the beverage that is produced by this plant. The beverage has a strong bitter taste and a very unique smell. The aroma is strong or weak depending on how the herb is prepared.

Home Remedies using Kava Kava:

Benefits of Kava Kava:

Kava Kava is very beneficial to help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression because of its calming effects.

It may be best to take kava kava in the evenings because some people have reported that at first they are completely alert, but soon after taking it they become drowsy.

Kava has also been used in place of prescribed medications; such as Valium, without the side effects associated with those medications.

Bodybuilders may also benefit from Kava Kava to offset over-training.

Studies show that it may be effective in treating leukemia and ovarian cancer as well by targeting cancer cells and inhibiting the growth of these cells.

Uses of Kava Kava:

• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Relieve headaches
• Treating specific types cancer

Kava Kava come in the following forms:

• Capsules
• Liquid
• Tincture
• Beverage

Side Effects of Kava Kava:

The side effects of kava kava include a feeling of tiredness or even fatigue.

Kava should be avoided during pregnancy and while nursing.

It can cause diarrhea or nausea and even a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It has also been reported to decrease the sex drive in some users if taken daily.

Liver damage is a more serious side effect that has also been reported in some people taking kava kava regularly.

If used in heavy amounts for long periods of time kava kava can cause dermatological problems that can be a mild case of red bumps to a scaly ulcerous skin condition.

It is suggested that you do not use kava kava and St. Johns wort at the same time and people with existing liver conditions should not take kava kava.

Consult a physician with any questions or concerns you may have.