Kava (Piper methysticum) is a tall shrub that grows in the Pacific Islands. Its has been used for its sedative properties for hundreds of years. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that use of kava may cause liver damage, so it's important to check with your physician prior to taking kava for any reason. Kava is available in extract, cold tea form and capsules. Kava should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, lethargy, stomach upset, tremors, a skin rash and (in tea form) numbing or tingling of the lips or tongue.
Anxiety
The primary therapeutic use for kava is in treating anxiety. An article from the University of Maryland Medical Center cites several studies that showed varying degrees of efficacy. A 2004 study showed that a 300mg dose of kava treated anxiety similarly to anti-anxiety prescription medications, such as benzodiazepines, without ill effect on alertness or cognitive ability.
Insomnia
Kava is one of several herbs that can improve sleep. A dose of 150 to 200mg taken about 30 minutes before sleep should relax you enough to welcome sleep, according to Michael Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D., on the help-me-to-sleep.com website.
Pain Relief
The relaxing properties of kava can help cure headaches, especially tension headaches, by relaxing muscles in the neck and head. In addition, kava can treat other simple body aches including backaches and sore muscles.
Other uses
Long before it was seen as a treatment for anxiety, kava was used for a variety of treatments including cystitis, stomach distress, whooping cough, fungal infections of the skin and even gonorrhea. An article at konakavafarm.com suggests that kava can also ease the symptoms of TB and asthma. Kava is also useful as an analgesic and is used in place of aspirin in some cultures, although its effects are not as strong as those of morphine.
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