Kava kava shrubs, or Piper methysticum, naturally occur on the islands of the South Pacific and belong to the black pepper family, or Piperaceae. Kava shrubs bear hairy, woody roots, called rhizomes, that contain certain medicinal properties. Traditionally used to make intoxicating ceremonial beverages, modern scientists have discovered that kava root contains several health benefits. Kava root supplements come in liquid, tablet, capsule, topical cream and extract forms.
Promotes Relaxation
Kava root supplements contain relaxing properties that can help treat insomnia. According to Drugs.com, the relaxing effects of this herb come from the active ingredient called kavalactone, a substance that works like a mild sedative and muscle relaxer. Kava supplements help you sleep without any hangover-like effects the next day. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, early research indicates that consuming kava root supplements reduces the time it takes you to fall asleep and improves the quality of your sleep. More studies need to verify that kava root helps improve sleep quality.
Treats Anxiety Symptoms
Taking kava root supplements can help elevate your mood, promote your sense of well-being and make you feel more content. According to the UMMC, kava root appears to work as well as several prescription anti-anxiety drugs, perhaps because they have similar effects on brain waves. Unlike prescription anti-anxiety medications, kava root doesn't impair cognitive function. Medline Plus adds that kava supplements might help treat menopause-related anxiety as well as social anxiety, but clinical studies need to validate these claims.
Other Health Benefits
Kava root might contain cancer-fighting properties. According to an article in the FASEB Journal, an active ingredient in kava root called flavokawain B kills cancerous cells in laboratory animals, but human studies are lacking. Medline Plus notes that kava root has many other possible uses, including treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, depression and restlessness. Taking kava root supplements might help to relieve the pain associated with migraine headaches, but in-depth clinical studies need to verify this claim. Topical kava root creams and lotions might promote wound healing and treat the symptoms of various skin diseases, including leprosy. Consult your health care provider before using kava root to treat any of these health conditions.
Cautions
The UMMC advises you to consume kava root supplements only under the supervision of your physician. Some concern exists that taking kava supplements can cause various types of liver damage, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis and liver failure. Side effects associated with taking this herb include drowsiness, tremors, dizziness and gastrointestinal issues. Never take kava root before driving or operating machinery. Kava supplements might interact with prescription anti-anxiety drugs, anticonvulsants and diuretics. Don't give any type of kava root supplements to children.
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