Kava is a member of the pepper family. It grows naturally on the Pacific Ocean islands. The stem of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Kava should only be taken with medical supervision because it can cause some serious side effects including liver toxicity. However, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some research has shown promise for the medicinal uses of kava.
Anxiety
Chronic anxiety can be a serious medical condition. According to the University of Michigan Health System, kava has been extensively studied as a treatment for anxiety. Clinical trials often use a 100 mg dose of the extract three times a day. Research has shown that kava successfully reduces the symptoms of anxiety is a person who suffers from mild to moderate anxiety. It has also shown benefit in treating anxiety in women with menopause and reducing anxiety when women receive hormone replacement therapy.
Relaxation
One of the best known benefits of kava is for relaxation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, kava is said to elevate mood and promote feelings of relaxation and happiness. This can be especially beneficial for people who suffer from bouts of stress and have difficulty relaxing on their own. People who suffer from pain can also find relief through kava's relaxation benefits. According to the University of Michigan Health System, kava was traditionally used by Pacific Island healers to help treat and control pain through relaxation.
Insomnia
Insomnia is another area that Kava may have some medicinal uses. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is some evidence that kava may help to improve your sleep quality and decrease the amount of time you wait before falling asleep. However, there are some concerns about kava's safety. Therefore, it is important that you discuss taking kava with your physician.
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