Kava is a plant that is in the same family as black pepper. Kava is found in
the South Pacific Islands, Hawaii,
and New Guinea, and it has been used for over 3,000 years. Commercial preparations
have been available since
around 1860.
The major active components in kava are kavalactones. The herb has calming qualities,
but it does not alter
consciousness like alcohol which is one of the major benefits of using kava.
Several European countries have
approved kava for treating nervous conditions, and many studies have shown that
kava extract is effective in
treating anxiety. Most clinical studies have used extracts with a dosage of
60-120 mg per day. The research has
shown a positive effect in reducing states of anxiety, general restlessness,
and tension.
Kava is a very useful herb especially for anxiety and nervousness and is best
used for a time period of up to three
months. It is known as an alternative to synthetic tranquilizers such benzodiazepines.
Kava is an effective muscle relaxant,
which makes it a good treatment for skeletal muscle spasm and tension, such
as headaches due to neck tension.
Kavalactones relax muscles without blocking nerve signals that keep the muscles
tense. This may be why kava can relax
without numbing the mind and body. Kavalactones have been shown to relieve anxiety
and pain and relax muscles. They
also change brain activity without sedation. The British Journal of Phytotherapy
referred to kava as an herb that can safely
relax skeletal muscle. It was recommended for treating nervous tension and muscle
spasms.
In a 1996 randomized placebo controlled double blind study kava was shown
to significantly reduce anxiety. Two groups
of 29 people with anxiety were treated with 100 mg of kava or placebo. After
one week the kava group had significantly
lower anxiety levels. No adverse reactions were reported. Another interesting
note on kava it that does not appear to lose
its effectiveness with time where as most anxiety drugs do.
Recently at the Third Annual Alternative Therapies Symposium and Exposition
Drs. Nirbhay Singh and Cynthia Ellis presented research showing the kava has
a positive effect on daily stress and anxiety. During the study those participants
who took two capsules of kava experienced significant improvement with daily
stress. Daily stress included interpersonal problems, environments hassles and
various stress of daily urban life. The anxiety level of the participants continued
to decrease as the
study continued, and no side effects were reported.
Reducing your daily stress can be difficult, but along with other methods of
stress reduction such as aromatherapy, exercise,
a good multi-vitamin and eating a well-balanced meal kava can certainly be a
useful herb for states of anxiety and nervousness. Taking kava has been shown
to increase alertness, but at the same time promoting a relaxed feeling which
makes it a highly unusual herb but very beneficial.
Kava is one of the few safe non-addicting relaxants know in the plant kingdom.
Other uses of Kava Kava has also been used for infections of the urinary tract.
Since, kava helps relax the uterus it's also frequently used to relive menstrual
cramps.
However, for this same reason it should not be used during pregnancy.
In Europe, kava has been combined with pumpkin seeds for use in bladder disorders.
For a relaxing sleep, kava can be taken in a higher dose before bedtime. As
always though, follow the label instructions
and check with your physician. World Status of Kava USA: dietary supplement
UK: general sales list of approved herbal medicines Germany: approved as over-the-counter
drug for use in conditions of nervous anxiety, stress and restlessness Summary
of Kava Uses: anxiety, insomnia, stress, pain, stroke recovery, restlessness
Effects: sedative, analgesic,
anticonvulsant, muscle-relaxant Standard Dose: 100 mg per day Cautions: Do not
use during pregnancy or nursing.
Do not use with alcohol, central nervous system drugs, or antidepressants. Always
consult your physician.
KAVA REFERENCES For a list of kava references go to the following link http://www.natural-shop.com/kavarefs.htm