Kava, the best studied herb for treating anxiety, is unique in that it keeps the mind alert while the body relaxes. Kava holds the title for the most relaxing botanical, with the exception of the opium poppy. It is best known for its relaxing qualities, as well as mood-elevating and pain-relieving effects. Kava, a tall shrub that grows in the Pacific Islands, produces large, green, heart-shaped leaves. The roots are woody, "hairy" branches and are used medicinally.
History
White men first discovered Kava during the 1768 to 1771 Captain Cook voyage to the Pacific. He accounted that the natives would chew or pound the kava root and mix it with water to be consumed as a drink. Kava originated in the Pacific Island of Melanesia, and has been used by island natives for hundreds of years. Historically, it was the beverage of choice for royalty and used in ceremonial occasions.
Properties
The main anti-anxiety properties in the kava plant are called kavalactones. These ingredients cause the desirable effects, including use as a sedative, anxiolytic or anti-anxiety, analgesic or pain-reducing, and anti-convulsant, which reduces muscle spasms.
According to Scott Olson, Naturopathic Doctor, two other theories suggest that kavalactones cause a calcium channel blockage, resulting in less nerve stimulation, or qualities that mimic other antidepressant medications. Also he reports that these properties of kava may stimulate GABA production. GABA is a neurotransmitter that produces upbeat moods, a sense of calm and sound sleep.
Medicinal Uses
Anxiety reduction is the most widespread usage of kava. The University of Maryland cites that in clinical studies, kava is suggested to be useful for insomnia and other related nervous disorders; these studies were compiled from the "Journal of American Medical Association," "Annuals of Internal Medicine" and "Sleep Medicine Review."
Anxiety is defined as a state of intense apprehension or fear resulting from a perception of a threatening situation. It can lead to feeling powerless and cause physically exhausting alertness. Kava fights anxiety, as it promotes relaxation without causing the mental sleepiness of sedatives. Additionally, cognitive performance may improve with its use.
Dosing and Side Effects
The kava dosage amount used in most clinical trials has been 100 milligrams, given three times a day. The usual daily dose is 120 to 240 milligrams total. High-quality kava contains 5 to 8 percent kavalactones. Medicinal extracts in Europe contain 30 to 70 percent, says Peter Thomas, writer for "Herbal Remedies Info."
Side effects documented include dizziness, headache, nausea and mouth numbness, but occur in less than 5 percent of people who take kava. Heavy use has been associated with "kava dermopathy," a scaly eruption on the skin.
Precautions
There has been serious concern that kava can cause liver damage, but no concrete evidence has been documented. Jase Donaldson, a wellness writer, points out that Pacific Island natives have used kava for centuries with no reports of adverse liver effects.
The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that it is contraindicated to use kava in conjunction with other sedatives or sleep aids, anxiety medications or some antidepressants; pregnant or nursing women should not use kava; and consuming alcohol with kava can contribute to liver damage or cause a more sedative effect.
