Kava Kava/Piper methysticum
Also known as: Ava Pepper, Ava Root, Awa, Gea, Gi, Intoxicating Long Pepper, Intoxicating Pepper, Kao, Kavain, Kavapipar, Kawa, Kawa Kawa, Kawa Pepper, Kawapfeffer, Kew, Lawena, Long Pepper, Malohu, Maluk, Maori Kava, Meruk, Milik, Piper methysticum, Poivre des Cannibales, Poivre des Papous, Rauschpfeffer, Rhizome Di Kava-Kava, Sakau, Tonga, Waka, Wurzelstock, Yagona, Yangona, Yaqona, Yaquon, Yongona.
Botanical name: Piper methysticum
Parts used: Roots, stems, leaves
kava kava benefits people who suffer from social anxiety and stress by calming them in a way similar to benzodiazepine medications such as Valium.
Kava Kava Root Powder $6.50 per oz
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Herb History:
Throughout the Pacific Islands, which figure so prominently in romantic literature, it is nearly impossible to have a discussion about the history of their various cultures without speaking of the mysterious, cultivated shrub known as kava. Kava produces a slightly bitter, slightly frothy, aromatic, resinous brew capable of inducing tranquility and an ultimate sense of well being.
In more traditional, tribal cultures, children are given the task of chewing the roots and lower stems (lateral roots and rhizomes) of the plant to produce the brew made from kava. The mouths of children are generally more disease free than those of adults, and their teeth are stronger as well, so they make ideal candidates for chewing the root. As they gnaw away on a mouthful, they spit the extraction into a large wooden bowl. The alkaline saliva of the mouth with its salivary enzymes promotes the extraction of the active ingredients marindin and dihydromethylsticin.
When looking at the historical context of this practice, native peoples claim that the elixir produced in this manner is much tastier than that which is mechanically grated. Hygienic considerations have led the French and English to prohibit such chewing and spitting, but there is no stopping cultural tradition.
Then, the kava root mixture is diluted by the addition of water, and the mixture is strained into coconut bowls. One half of such a bowl is enough to induce a state of well-being and a slight torpor which may terminate in tranquility lasting several hours. Such contentment seems to bring no cessation of reason, and active discussions occupy the participants. States of anxiety and restlessness have been recorded as reactions to large amounts of the astringent beverage. Such observations suggest that the exudate includes a more complex pattern of alkaloids, which might include some analeptics.
It is now possible to purchase bags of dried and powdered root bark from various places on the internet. A brew from this source lacks the aromatic properties of the freshly made kava and is not true to the flavor, but it can give one an idea of the experience if they are not lucky enough to witness the rich history of kava in the Pacific islands first-hand.
Oceanic cultures vary in the importance they attach to the use of kava. Samoa has perhaps the most interesting historical use of the brew, and in Manua legend states that kava was first given by the Sun God to Tagaloa Ui, the first high chief of the Samoans. The legend begins with the sacrifice to the sun of a young virgin, Fituita, at the place where the sun rises. Her fate was to be that of other virgins who were each year devoured by the sun.
However, one year a girl by the name of Ui was offered, and so great was her beauty that the sun god took her to be his bride. When she became pregnant by this solar deity and wished to return for a visit with her people to give birth, consent was granted and she was sent flying through the sky at a tremendous speed. As a result, she miscarried and her baby was flung into the ocean.
All was not lost, as the legend goes, for a hermit crab found it tended to the infant, along with a plover and a shrike. The boy grew under the guidance of this unlikely trio into Tagaloa Ui. It was he who taught mortals how to make kava, as well as the reverential ceremony that surrounds its use.
Pava, the first mortal to participate in the ceremony, had a son who laughed at the antics of his father as he attempted to prepare this brew for Tagaloa Ui. In god-like wrath, Tagaloa Ui cut the son into two pieces to the dismay of Pava, and then proceeded to instruct Pava in the correct manner of preparing kava. After a wooden bowl was filled with kava, Pava offered it to Tagaloa Ui, who did not drink it, but poured it on half of Pava’s dead son and uttered “soifua”, or life. At this pronouncement the boy was made whole again and Pava clapped his hands in joy.
With the admonition that kava pertains to high chiefs and is sacred, Tagaloa Ui took his leave. Rituals since that day involve the pronouncement and clapping of hands.
This elaborate myth encompasses all of human kind’s relationships to the sun, the sky, water, the earth, as well as plants and animals. It also refers to the attributes of the “Divine Being,” the mortal self, birth, death, resurrection, marriage, mystical spirit flight and shamanic transformation. The essence of many myths in diverse areas of the world also include references to this psychoactive plant. This ritual use of kava remains most intact today in Samoa. and throughout all of Oceania. Throughout the oceanic area, in general, kava bars are not uncommon and are becoming the coffeehouses of this great area.
To say that one knows the exact location where kava originated is only speculating, but it’s interesting to read the theories and wonder.
Benefits / Treats:
The word kava is used to refer both to the plant and the beverage produced from its roots. Kava kava can be used as a mild sedative for nervous tension and stress. The active constituents in the roots, kava lactones, have relaxing and intoxicating properties. Kava can be used as a relaxing, evening drink with friends, as long as it is used in a responsible manner.
The majority of evidence shows that certain kava extracts (extracts standardized to 70% kavalactones) can lower anxiety and might work as well as prescription anti-anxiety medications called low-dose benzodiazepines. But it might take up to 8 weeks of treatment to see improvement.
Anxiety in women going through menopause. Improvement can occur after only one week of treatment.
Reducing withdrawal symptoms in people who need to stop taking anti-anxiety and sleep medicines called benzodiazepines. Slowly increasing the dose of kava while decreasing the dose of benzodiazepines over the course of a week seems to work for some people.Cancer prevention. There is some evidence that taking kava might help to prevent cancer.
Stress, restlessness, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, psychosis, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), headaches, colds, respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, achy joints (rheumatism), chronic bladder infections, sexually transmitted diseases, menstrual problems
Kava kava treats arthritis pain and to reduce overall chronic pain; to relieve tension and pain in muscles; and even to treat asthma and urinary tract infections. Scientific research has pinpointed its effectiveness in increasing concentration, decreases insomnia, lowers inhibitions and can also be suitable for pain such as back aches or hyperactivity. Although there is no absolute evidence, it has been suggested that Kava may affect serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters.
Constituents / Properties:
Constituents: kava lactones, kawahin, yanoginin, methysticin, glycosides
Properties: Analgesic, Anodyne,Antibacterial,Diaphoretic/sudorific,Diuretic, Expectorant,Sedative,Stimulant
Ways to prepare Kava Kava Root:
Kava kava root powder can be made into a milky drink by mixing with one tablespoon of powder per cup of water, extract, capsules, or cut root can be added to herbal teas.
Recipe’s / Combos :
Easy Blender Recipe:
1) Place 3 Tbsp kava in the blender with 3 cups of water
2) Blend on high for one minute.
3) It is highly recommend that you strain your kava through a strainer bag, cheese cloth (or a fine tea strainer) for a smoother tasting and more pleasant drink.
4) Drink slowly. This will allow some of the lactones to be absorbed directly into mucus membranes of your mouth for immediate effects.
Kava: The Drink of Peace
In the South Pacific the preparation and consumption of kava is an important social occasion that that requires respect and ritual. While you may not get so elaborate, you can create a setting that will enhance your kava experience. In the South Pacific kava is used is used to “evoke an atmosphere of relaxation and easy sociability” as in the Nakamals (kava bars) of Vanuatu. It is also used as a means to spiritual inspiration. Some like a cup of kava before meditation or yoga practice.
A kava drinker’s personal experience: “The late afternoon is an excellent time to enjoy the social/recreational aspects of kava. Here at our house 4:30 is the time for us to relax and refresh ourselves with a few cups of kava. One day a week we have a regular kava circle. A place for friends to unwind and “talk story”. We usually drink 3-6 coconut cups of kava over a period of one to two hours. Drinking kava like this is relaxing to the body and slightly stimulating to the mind. While its great for conversation, I would not suggest it before going to bed. The stimulation that comes with drinking larger amounts tends to keep most people awake, not to mention its diuretic properties! If you are using kava for sleep, start out with a small amount. Many times people find just a teaspoon mixed in water is enough to help them sleep.”
Precautions:
This product may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Stop taking this product and consult your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver injury, including persistent nausea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, stomach/abdominal pain, pale stools, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin. Using this product for a long time or in high doses, using certain other drugs that may harm the liver along with this product, current/previous liver problems, and drinking alcoholic beverages may increase your risk of serious liver problems. Before taking kava, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: depression, past/current liver disease, Parkinson’s disease.
This product may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages because alcohol may worsen these effects and increase the risk of serious liver problems.
Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease.
Kava is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breast feeding. Consult your doctor before using this product.
Interactions:
This product should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: alprazolam.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs that can harm the liver (e.g., acetaminophen, amiodarone, carbamazepine, isoniazid, methotrexate,methyldopa, “statins” such as atorvastatin and lovastatin), “blood thinners” (e.g.,warfarin), drugs for Parkinson’s disease (e.g., levodopa, bromocriptine).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g.,chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that may make you drowsy.
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