Kava Root Extract

Description

My Kava root extract (alcohol) is finally done! I will have this in 1oz bottles only.

A little history of kava root or kava kava (Piper methysticum: Latin “pepper” + Latinized Greek “intoxicating”) … an herbal plant and crop of the Pacific islands. Kava is consumed throughout the Pacific Ocean cultures of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Vanuatu, Melanesia and some parts of Micronesia. For centuries, kava root has been used as medicine. Belonging to the pepper family, it’s also known as asava pepper or intoxicating pepper.

The chemical compounds found in kava root are believed to have sedative anesthetic, entheogenic, anxiolytic, analgesic, muscle-relaxing and anticonvulsant effects, mediated by effects on the limbic system, the part of the brain linked to emotions.

Its active ingredients are called kavalactones, which have effects similar to alcohol, such as relaxation, talkativeness and euphoria, while reportedly maintaining mental clarity.

For these reasons, kava is used as an anxiolytic (relieves anxiety) in patients with anxiety disorders and as treatment for insomnia, premenstrual syndrome and stress. Not recommended to be taken daily in high doses for longer than 3-4 weeks.

It’s also used for ADHD symptoms, psychosis, depression, migraines and other headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, common cold and other respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, muscle pain, and cancer prevention.

Kava first became popular in the 1990s as an herbal remedy for people who suffer from insomnia and have anxiety. Sleep is a big problem for about 50 percent of the population. Plant-based remedies are becoming more and more desired to help treat sleep disorders and general insomnia (including kava root) because there are often no to low side effects. Of course checking with your MD or with a trained herbalist will help you figure out if the plants you choose are safe for you 🙂

In a study conducted at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, six commonly used plant-based sleep therapeutics were investigated to include caffeine, chamomile, cherries, kava kava, L-tryptophan, marijuana and valerian root. Though no spectacular results were reported, kava appeared to provide sedative and analgesic effects.

***** Using kava can make you unable to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not take kava before you plan on driving. ******Only to be used for 3-4 weeks to re-regulate sleep and manage anxiety. Longer use should be monitored by a physician who will test liver enzymes monthly to be sure the dosing is appropriate.