Kava, a natural anxiolytic and relaxant
74Kava is a herb native to pasific island where it's traditionally used for centuries. This traditional use is drinking it as a beverage or chewing it. For historical residents of pacific islands kava beverage has a traditional importance, it's drank in social events like meetings, weddings or religious events. This traditional use of kava may be compared to the importance of alcohol at western world.
Kava was discovered by Captain James Cook in late 1700's. First herbal preparations appeared in Europe in 1860. It's just decades of wide spread use as a supplement.
Natives of Pacific Islands knew sedative and euphoric properties of kava beverage. They also chewed it for throat pain. Today kava is consumed not just as a beverage but also in form of capsules, teas, liquids, extracts and tablets. Usually roots of the kava plant are used for these preparations.
Kava is said to promote a feeling of well being. Kava slows mind and creates mild euphoria. It makes one more talkative and friendly. It may even have aphrodisiac effects. In accordance to their nature these claims are generally backed by anecdotal reports.
There are scientifically backed benefits of kava. It's a relaxant, relaxes both body and mind. It's a beneficial herb for stress relief also helpful for insomnia. Another property of kava is being diuretic so it can be used in treatment of gout, rheumatism and arthritis.
Kava is an effective anxiolytic. As some studies revealed that it's as effective as prescribed benzodiapines like valium and zanax, it's sometimes called nature's valium.
One general study assessing previous research in 11 trials measuring kava's effectiveness for anxiety concluded that kava is beneficial for symptomatic therapy of anxiety. Mentioned trials included nearly 650 people.
There are many more studies confirming Kava's effect on anxiety. This pub med study concludes kava is beneficial for anxiety. You can also access an other pub med study here confirming kava's value in treating generalised anxiety disorder which is an anxiety illness manifesting itself as excessive worrying.
Kava is thought to work through gabaergic system. It probably potentiates inhibitory neurotransmitter gaba as many calming and relaxing remedies do. But it's very powerful. In a study brain images of people either taking prescribed anxiolytic diazepam or kava are compared and similarities found. Gaba doesn't influence serotonergic system; It's effects on dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems are subject of research.
kava plant
Kava shouldn't be taken in excess. There are worries that it can cause liver damage. Due to this concern kava is banned in some countries. But recent research reveals that liver damage is more likely to be caused by other herbs and drugs taken with kava. As there are doubts its best to use kava under a doctor's supervision. The American Herbal Products Association recommends daily consumption of kavalactones, the active ingredients of herb kava, be limited to 300.
Originating in Pacific Islands kava may make you feel like laying in soft wind with relaxing ocean waves though you are in the stressed city and business life of modern world. But you may need some imagination, too for that. It's one of the most effective substances for stress relief and relaxation. It would be of great benefit as a support if you are living in a stressed environment as most of us do these days.
Sources:
http://www.healthnews.com/natural-health/kava-kava-a-natural-anxiety-reducer-3673.html?page=1
http://www.kcweb.com/herb/kavakava.htm
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0000/ai_2603000072/
My other articles about some beneficial herbs:
All you need to know herb rosemary
Gotu Cola a nootropic and much more
Bacopa monnieri, brain tonic of ayurveda
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