Kava is a herb that has been used for thousands of years in the Pacific Islands for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. It is believed to have originated in either New Guinea or Vanuatu and was spread by the Austronesian Lapita culture after contact eastward into the rest of Polynesia. Kava is a member of the pepper family and is not found in other Austronesian groups.
Kava has been an important part of the culture in the Pacific Islands for more than 3000 years. It is used before important religious rituals, formal gatherings, family ceremonies, and other important events. The main idea behind this tradition is to help the people who gather to start a conversation easier and feel much calmer than they usually are. Kava has been used to overcome issues with depression, anxiety, insomnia, menopause, and more.
Kava is prepared in various ways. Traditionally, the juice is extracted from the roots. Subsequently, the roots are then chewed by the members of the tribe who then spit the pulp out into a bowl that contains water or coconut milk. Once the group is done with chewing and spitting, the mix is filtered through coconut fibers and served for consumption. However, most people in the western world don’t have the time, will, or stomach to prepare Kava in a traditional manner, so they opt for easier methods. The three most popular forms of this supplement on the western market are – tea, capsules, and liquid.
Kava has been labeled as a drug by certain individuals on high positions which had quite a detrimental effect on its overall popularity in the western world. However, it has been proven that Kava is not a dangerous thing as long as people don’t abuse its properties which made it mainstream in the west in the past two decades.
Medical Properties
Kava contains compounds called kavalactones which are responsible for many of its beneficial effects. Studies suggest that kavalactones may have the following effects on the body:
It is largely unknown how kavalactones produce these effects, but they appear to work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves release to communicate with each other. One of these neurotransmitters is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which decreases the activity of nerves.
Kavalactones are a class of lactone compounds found in kava roots and Alpinia zerumbet (shell ginger). They are responsible for many of the beneficial effects of kava, including its anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic activities. Kavalactones appear to work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which decreases the activity of nerves. Kavalactones have also been shown to protect neurons from damage and reduce pain sensations.
Kavalactones have been under research for their potential to have various psychotropic effects, including anxiolytic and sedative/hypnotic activities. The major kavalactones (except for desmethoxyyangonin) have been shown to potentiate the activity of GABA A receptors, which may underlie the anxiolytic and sedative properties of kava. Further, inhibition of the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, binding to the CB 1 receptor, inhibition of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, and monoamine oxidase B reversible inhibition are additional pharmacological actions that have been reported for kavalactones. Kavalactone type compounds may help protect against high glucose induced cell damage.
Some of the common side effects of kava include:
Digestive upset
Headache
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Visual disturbances
Numbness in the mouth, throat, or tongue
Long-term use of high doses of kava may cause kava dermopathy, a condition that involves dry, scaly, flaky skin with a yellow discoloration.
Kava can also interact with certain medications, including those for Parkinson’s disease, depression, and anxiety. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking kava if you are on any medication.
Activates with in a 45 mi to an hour time frame.
this is not medical advice. entertainment purposes only
Kava Tea
Place 1-2 ounces of kava powder into a strainer bag.
Immerse the bag into a bowl of lukewarm water or coconut milk.
Knead the bulk of powder under the water, as you would a dough. If the kava has a high kavalactone content, it will feel oily, almost like a ball of greasy clay. The longer you press and squeeze the bag, the less oily it will feel and the more oily the water will feel and look. The water should take on the appearance of mud.
To get the most from the already wet kava powder, some people place it again in a smaller amount of water and continue the kneading process, then combine this weaker mix into the stronger.
Traditionally, each serving of this prepared kava is swallowed in one big gulp from a coconut shell. It’s a good idea to space servings at least 10 minutes apart.
Tincture
Kava tincture is a concentrated liquid form of kava that is made by steeping kava root in high-proof alcohol. Here is a recipe for preparing kava tincture:
Grind 1 pound of kava root into a fine powder.
Place the kava powder into a large glass jar.
Pour 32 ounces of 95% ethanol over the kava powder.
Stir the mixture well and seal the jar.
Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks.
After two weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter.
Transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle with a dropper.
To use the tincture, add a few drops to a glass of water or juice. It is important to note that kava tincture is much more potent than other forms of kava, so it should be used with caution. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking kava if you are on any medication.
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