An herbal ground root, kava kava is also known botanically as Piper methysticum. It is native to the South Pacific Islands, and only the root of the plant is used to make medicine. Kava kava is not limited to medicinal use, but islanders also use it during important religious ceremonies and rites. Medicinally, it is considered a nervine that helps calm and nourish the nervous system without clouding the mind. It is also considered to have analgesic properties. Always consult your primary physician before taking herbal cures.
Relaxing Properties
The main property for which kava kava is known is its role as a relaxant for the body. According to the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements," kava kava contains kavalactone phytochemicals that produce the sensation of calmness, clear thinking and well-being, says Jase Donaldson in his article "Kavalactone," published in Insight Journal.
Balch also notes that kavalactones act as as a gastrointestinal tonic since they nourish the nervous system, which is directly linked to the stomach and intestines. It also contains a complex carbohydrate called mucilage, which becomes slimy when wet and helps to coat the stomach and relieve indigestion and pain caused by ulcers. It also helps with stress-related disorders, such as insomnia and menopause.
Analgesic Properties
According to the book "Family Herbal -- A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality" by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, kava kava has analgesic properties that help alleviate pain and can be taken in tincture form, which is an alcohol- or glycerin-based extract of the kava kava root, for quick and effective results. Kava kava can also help reduce emotional pain caused by stressful situations, as it is used to treat anxiety and depression.
Mind-Clearing Properties
Mills writes that kava kava has mind-clearing properties and can stimulate the brain when used in small dosages; otherwise, it may result in drowsiness and cause or aggravate states of depression. Gladstar describes says that kava kava is unique in its ability to relax the entire body while simultaneously awakening the mind, and she relates this property to its valuable usage during Polynesian ceremonies and social functions.
References
- Dr. Christopher's Herbal Legacy: History of Kava Kava
- "Perscription for Nutritional Healing, The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements"; Phyllis Balch; 2002
- Insight Journal: Kavalactone
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.; 1988
- "Family Herbal a Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
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