Kava Kava
(Piper methysticum)
Energetics: Warming. Drying.
Taste: Acrid. Pungent.
Tissue States: Tension.
Systems Affected: Liver. Kidneys. Nervous System.
Parts Used: Root
Key Components: Kavalactones (kawain, dihydrokavain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin). Yangonin. Methysticin. Flavonoids. minerals. Glycosides. Starch.
Preparations & dosage: Infusion: 2 tsp steeped 10-20 min per cup of water. Tincture:
Actions:
Foundational: Aromatic. Relaxant.
Primary: Diuretic. Muscle relaxant. Anticonvulsant. Anxiolytic.
Secondary: Antispasmodic. Anti-fungal. Analgesic. Anesthetic.
Uses:
Used medicinally, recreationally & ritualistically by the Polynesians. It is a mild tranquilizer to relax the mind & clarify the thought process, soothe the temperament, and induce a mild euphoria with feelings of peace & harmony. Put in a tea blend for a group gathering to enhance sociability & evoke feelings of empathy & camaraderie. Often used to facilitate reconciliation. An approved phytomedicine in Europe to treat anxiety. Can relieve both anxiety and pain (good for a visit to the dentist or blood draw etc).
A great herb to use in a drink for social gatherings. It is known to help in bringing people together and enhancing social feelings, empathy and a general feeling of connectedness when people enjoy it as a drink together. Induces mild euphoria and has been used to aide in reconciliation. A common herb in Europe to treat anxiety.
Modifies GABA receptors which blocks them from taking up norepinephrine and causing a reduction in anxiety. Specifically good for social anxiety, those who don't like crowds and feel out of place at social gatherings.
Kava is often simmered in coconut milk
Combines well with: St. John's Wort for depression and anxiety.
Identifying:
Growing:
Harvesting:
Contraindications: Large, frequent doses can cause dry skin & bloodshot eyes (symptoms abate after ceasing use). This is not a tonic herb and is best used only occasionally. Not to be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Avoid if you have liver disease or a compromised liver. Don't take if drinking alcohol (in larger doses than what's in the tincture). Don't drive while taking kava.
Sources:
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 147-48
Studies:
Kava in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23635869
Kava: a comprehensive review of efficacy, safety, and psychopharmacology: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21073405
Kava in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23635869
Kava: a comprehensive review of efficacy, safety, and psychopharmacology: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21073405
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