What is Kava Kava?
Kava Kava is an effective pain reliever that can be an alternative. It can also be used as a substitute for anti-inflammatories such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. This herb is also a mild euphoric and muscle relaxant that brings relief to knotted and stressed muscles.
It is actually a member of the pepper family, grows as a bush in the South Pacific. Explorer Captain James Cook gave this plant the botanical name of “intoxicating pepper”. Kava has been used for over 3,000 years a sedative, muscle relaxant, diuretic, a pain reliever and as a remedy for nervousness and insomnia.
As Kava Kava is also a euphoric and a narcotic it has also been used among indigenous cultures in part of the South Pacific as a ritual stimulant to achieve altered states of consciousness. In Germany, Kava Kava is sold over the counterto reduce anxiety. Kava Kava has also gained popularity with the natives of Hawaii, Australia and New Guinea where it is used medicinally as well as recreationally.
Recent clinical studies show that this pepper is as effective as lorezapam and Valium for treating anxiety. It is also safer because it is not addictive. Whereas lorezapam and valium tend to cause drowsiness and mental impairment, kava kava has been shown to improve concentration, memory, and reaction time for people suffering from anxiety.Kava is a diuretic and an anti-inflammatory, thus is also useful for gout, rheumatism, bronchial congestion, cystitis and prostatis. It is also a mild aphrodisiac.
Alcohol interacts with Kava so you should avoid alcohol the same way you would when taking any kind of anti-anxiety medication or muscle relaxant.
Peace Be Still, Sam