Kava kava, also known as piper methysticum, is a plant grown in the Pacific Islands with heart-shaped leaves and flowers that grow on the branches at the stem point. Kava kava is cultivated and harvested for its roots. According to an article published on the University of Maryland website, the kava kava plant root was originally used by South Pacific islanders to ease anxiety, promote social relaxation and also as a celebratory libation. Kava kava root is available as a hot or cold beverage, in capsules, tablets, extracts and in topical form.
Kava Kava Drink
According to the University of Maryland, kava kava drink is a beverage made from the root of the kava kava plant. This drink is made by food processing, juicing, or grinding the root of the kava kava plant, and diluting the pulp and extract with water much in the same way that concentrated juice is made. The more water added, the less potent the effects of the kava kava. Well-known anecdotally for its relaxing effect, the kava kava drink is purportedly used to treat anxiety and other nervous conditions. Additionally, it is reportedly also a mood enhancer, promoting relaxation while decreasing or extinguishing anxiety, working much in the same way as alcohol.
Kava Kava Tea
According to the University of Maryland, kava kava root tea has been used medicinally for centuries in the South Pacific to treat anxiety disorders, nervousness, enhance mood, fight fatigue, treat asthma, urinary tract infections and even to treat menopausal symptoms in women. It has also been used as a topical pain reliever and to treat insomnia. Kava kava root can be made into a relaxing, refreshing tea served hot or cold to calm nervousness or anxiety by grinding the roots, then straining the pulp to give this drink the consistency of tea. It is interesting to note that according to a kava kava study performed by the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine at Freie Universitat in Berlin, Germany in 2002, kava kava has been found to have a relaxing effect similar to Diazepam, a leading medicinal treatment for anxiety.
Kava Kava Extract
As an anxiety or nervousness remedy, kava kava extract may also be found in powder or capsule form, which make it easier to measure the amount of kava kava consumed. To make kava kava extract, the roots are processed and the extract is removed and used medicinally. However, it is important to note that kava kava is a powerful natural remedy and that kava kava use may have serious and life-threatening side effects, including hepatitis and liver failure. For this reason, it is important to consult a physician before consuming kava kava in any form.
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