Kava Kava Extract
Species Name: Piper methysticum
Also Known As: Awa, Ava, Piper methysticum, Yagona
The Kava plant is a tall shrub found growing on many islands in the Pacific Ocean. The branches of this shrub are thick with large, green, heart-shaped leaves. There are long, thin flowers at the junction of the branch and stem.
A centuries old Pacific Island ceremonial drink is made from the roots of the kava plant. It has a similar effect to alcohol.
Ground into a pulp, the roots are then mixed with cold water to form a thick, pasty substance. The drink is offered to visiting dignitaries and guests. It was looked at like a luxury item and those that had it recognized this.
What is kava kava extract? The extract is taken from the root of the kava kava plant. The roots of this plant come in hairy bundles. The kava today can be found in a concentrated liquid form, powder and capsule.
Home Remedies Using Kava Kava Extract:
Benefits of Kava Kava Extract:
Kava kava extract is still used now for some of the same benefits that gave it such popularity and prestige within tribal culture. One time used for festivities it may have enhanced the mood and promoted social relaxation.
Today this extract is used to treat anxiety because it has a calming effect on those that take it. There have been studies to suggest that kava changes brain wave activity in a way similar to Valium.
It can help with pain and seizures.
Some animal study and research shows that the extract may have some action against cancer.
There is also some thought that this extract can not only create mental calmness but may be able to tackle disorders like ADHD. It seems to have lesser mental side effects than over the counter prescription medication like fogginess and slower thought processes.
Kava kava extract may also decrease the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and enhance sleep quality.
Topically it can be used as an anti fungal in such things as athletes foot, rashes and stings.
Side Effects of Kava Kava Extract:
Kava kava extract has been linked to severe liver problems and toxicity including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure leading even to death. Only take this supplement with your doctor’s supervision.
People with liver damage should not take kava.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take kava.
Kava kava can interact with other medications.
Do not take before surgery as it can prolong anesthesia effects.
Do not drink alcohol and take kava.
Additional side effects that have been associated with kava include allergic skin reactions, dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, stomach upset, and tremors.
Long-term, high dose use can cause flaky, dry, and yellowish discoloration of the skin, hair loss (alopecia), partial loss of hearing, and loss of appetite.
Because of its alcohol-like effect, kava should not be taken before operating a car or other machinery.
