Kava has been used for centuries for its sedative properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the root of the kava plant can be boiled for tea, chewed or pulverized into a powder. When used as a supplement it can be purchased in liquid, in tinctures or as capsules. Consult your physician when taking kava; in 2002 the Food and Drug Administration cited liver damage as a rare but potential side effect of kava use. In addition kava should not be taken with alcohol or other sedatives.
Anxiety
Kava has calming properties that help treat anxiety without decreasing cognitive ability. A 2004 study referenced by an article at the University of Maryland Medical Center website showed that a 300 mg dose of kava reduces anxiety without the negative cognitive effects of pharmaceuticals such as Xanax or Valium. The standard dose of kava for anxiety is 150 to 300 mg, up to three times daily.
Insomnia
Preliminary studies referenced by the University of Maryland Medical Center show that kava may help treat insomnia by reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and in improving the quality of sleep. Additionally, a study reported through the National Institutes of Health showed that kava successfully treated stress-induced insomnia with few side effects. Study subjects were given 120 mg of kava daily.
PMS
The muscle-relaxing and calming effects of kava can help some women with PMS. The supplement helps the anxiety associated with premenstrual symptoms while relaxing the muscles of the uterus and treating cramps, according to an article at The Eclectic Physician. The article suggests beginning with a small dose of kava in combination with exercise and meditation.
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