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Kava-Kava
When
you think of a beach in the South Pacific, several images and
impressions probably come to mind. The sound of the sea, gentle breezes
and sounds of leaves rustling as you enjoy the peace and serenity.
Sounds good – let's go!
Oddly,
there is a tree native to the South Pacific islands called kava kava,
which produces much the same feelings when drunk as a beverage made
from the root. Native islanders combine the root with coconut milk as a
regular beverage for social occasions, celebrations, negotiations and
resolving disputes! You may have guessed by now that this beverage
tends to make people more jovial and sociable. Kava kava is a most
effective natural alternative to anti-anxiety medications.
In
addition to alleviating anxiety, kava kava is also used as a remedy for
insomnia, depression and fatigue. Many people who use the root report
increased mental energy.
Kava
kava, sometimes called kava, is a strong muscle relaxer and has the
ability to relieve nervous tension. Its action is felt almost
immediately, calming both mind and body, making it ideal for people who
suffer anxiety or panic attacks. Some people find it so effective, they
carry a bottle of the liquid extract wherever they go. Unlike alcohol
and certain medications, kava kava does not impair mental function or
result in drowsiness.
When
using kava kava for anxiety, it is important to prepare the beverage
cold, as heat destroys the compounds which make kava effective in
anxiety. The root is most effective when soaked in cool coconut milk
for several minutes before drinking.
Kava
kava has long been used by native islanders for a variety of arthritic
and rheumatic conditions. Modern herbalists endorse this plant for
these purposes.
Kava
kava contains germ killing components that are specific to urinary
tract infections, effective in cases of cystitis, yeast infections and
gonorrhea. Kava's strong diuretic properties make it useful in edema or
fluid retention conditions.
Other
traditional uses include preparations for fungal infections, worms and
other parasites and leprosy. Obesity and asthma are also addressed
effectively with the versatile kava.
Used
as a compress, kava relieves a stubborn headache, while a warm tea of
the root promotes beneficial sweating in cases of fever or colds.
As
dosage should be regulated, many people find the standardized extracts
most convenient. Most herbalists agree dosage should not exceed 200 mg
of the standardized active compound (kavalactones) per day. A 200 mg
capsule or tablet, taken three times daily yields just under 200 mg of
kavalactones.
There
have been cases where people took far more than the recommended dose
and subsequently sustained liver damage. This has unfortunately brought
the useful kava kava an ambiguous reputation, as some physicians and
authorities were alarmed at these isolated incidents. Check with a
naturopath or health practitioner before trying this remedy.
If you have questions or need further information please enter
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(C)
Copyright 2007. Alma B. Apostol. All Rights Reserved
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Reproduction Permitted
Without Permission
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