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Kava Kava, Our Favorite Pepper

© T. Darlene Cheek

It seems like every time someone says "What herb would you take for 'blank'?"... I hear myself saying "Kava Kava." So I thought I'd do an article telling everyone what Kava Kava is, and give you some information on it. I'll of course put a little disclaimer in here saying "Please, before you take any drug, even herbs, consult your physician, especially if you are taking any medication or are being treated for any type of illness. Even natural remedies can cause allergic and/or drug interactions.

Kava Kava (Piper methysticum), an herb, is a member of the pepper family and is a bush that grows in the South Pacific. The islanders have long used a "magical drink" in ceremonies and celebrations for its calming abilities. The root and rhizome are used in preparing the powder, fluid extract and the tonic beverage. Although Kava has been used for over 3,000 years, it is becoming more and more available across the world. It can be used instead of aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Kava has been termed "Nature's Valium" because if its abilities. However, Kava has been tested and proven to be safe and nonaddictive. Kava also doesn't leave you with depressed mental functions or physical impairments. In studies, no side effects have been reported. One man in Utah was, however, stopped for "driving under the influence" and admitted that he had consumed 16 cups of Kava. So yes, you can take too much. High quantities of Kava beverage over long periods of time (a year or more) can cause Kava dermopathy, a skin condition accompanied by dry, scaley patches possibly due to niacin interference. It is very important to note that high dosages of Kava Kava are not necessary. The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine recommends 45 to 70 mg three times per day for anxiety.

Along with anxiety, Kava is used for insomnia, depression, and restlessness. For people who suffer from anxiety, Kava also increases concentration, memory, and reaction time. Thus, it achieves a state of relaxation, without adverse side effects. Kava also has a direct effect on muscle tension, relaxing and easing pain. Kava has been found to be the most relaxing botanical herb with the exception of the opium poppy. Kava is mildly narcotic and produces euphoric changes characterized by mood elevation, lively speech, and increased sense of hearing (people with Hyperacuity may wish to avoid Kava).

Kava has also been found useful for treatment of ailments in the areas of genitourinary tract, vaginitis, gonorrhea, and menstrual cramps. Why? Kava is a diuretic. Being a diuretic, it is also used for weight loss. Kava Kava is also an anti-inflammatory, which leads to its use for gout, rheumatism, bronchial congestion, cystitis and prostatis. A liniment can be made with Kava and applied as an anesthetic to painful areas.

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