The scientific name for Kava Kava is Piper methysticum, derived from the Latin word for “pepper”, and the Greek word for “intoxicating”.  Kava is an ancient crop of the South Pacific islands. The word “Kava” refers both to the plant and the beverage produced from its roots. In current times the Kava root is medicinally available in the form of tablets and capsules. Kava is also offered in liquid extract forms.

Preparations of Kava

Traditionally, Kava Kava was prepared by grinding the Kava root and mixing it with cold water. The Kava extract was an emulsion of kavalactone droplets in starch. This preparation of Kava is essentially more potent than processed Kava. Nowadays, the Kava root powder is blended with water and lecithin and strained. The Kava pulp is then soaked in the liquid and wrung out to release more kavalactones. Pharmaceutical and herbal supplement companies use acetone and ethanol to extract kavalactones from the Kava Kava plant. The Kava pills are standardized between 30% and 90% kavalactones. A Kava pill typically has about 60 to 150 milligrams of kavalactones. In contrast, traditionally prepared Kava beverage has around 250 milligrams. However, if Kava plant parts other than the root are used, it can result in severe hepatotoxic reactions.

Primitive uses of Kava

Kava Kava was primarily used as a mood-enhancing drug. The native pharmacopoeia throughout Oceania used Kava medicinally for a wide range of reasons. Kava Kava was used to treat uro-genital inflammation, cystitis, headaches. Kava also cured whooping cough in children and eased asthma and tuberculosis symptoms. Topically, Kava was used to treat fungal infections and skin inflammations.

Kava investigations

The first investigations of the medicinal properties of Kava Kava were made by Cuzent in 1860. He developed Kava-based pills, an oleoresin, an alcohol extract, and a syrup from the extract of Kava rootstock and roots. From early 1900s, Kava-based remedies became a part of the English pharmacopoeia. Kava pills were available in dispensaries as a sedative and a hypotensive. Gradually, Kava came to be used to treat uro-genital tract infections and nervous disorders.

Active components of Kava

Kavalactones or kavapyrones, the main active components in the Kava root, are a group of resinous compound. . Dihydrokavain, methysticin, kavain, dihydromethysticin, yangonin and demethoxy-yangonin are some specific types of kavalactones found in Kava.  Kava components are said to affect the levels of neurotransmitters in blood.

Kava as an antidote

Kava Kava alleviates health disorders like anxiety, and depression. Kava provides relief to weakened immunity, nervousness and an overall haggard feeling. Kava also cures sleeplessness and indigestion. Kava usage does not result in tachycardia, palpitations, dizziness, syncope, dyspnea, paresthesias, and fears of dying, or losing control of the mind. In comparison to Kava, alcohol is more widely used to combat anxiety and stress.  However, unlike Kava, excessive use of alcohol causes addiction, liver disorders, impaired brain function, and nerve damage. Tranquilizers cause seizures, vision problems, anorexia, neuromuscular difficulties and psychosis. Kava is not reported to have caused any of these.

Kava research

Studies have proved that Kava Kava has a greater ability to relieve stress and anxiety. Researchers have concluded that Kava is “an effective symptomatic treatment option for anxiety.” The herbal Kava drink relaxes muscles and calms nerves. Kava also creates a general feeling of well-being. A feeling of peace, relaxation and contentment is induced by Kava. Mental alertness and concentration is enhanced by Kava. Kava Kava has often been used as a potent herbal aphrodisiac. This is because Kava reduces inhibitions and makes one more sociable. Kava was initially used for ceremonial, recreational and social purposes. However, in the modern society, Kava can be used any time during the day as Kava consumption does not slow down the mental process.

Side-effects of Kava

Kava Kava has not shown any physically addictive properties. Neither does Kava produce any side effects when taken in moderate doses. However, Kava abuse can lead to health problems. The side effects of Kava Kava include liver toxicity, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. However, liver toxicity has not been found in clinical trials, and the adverse liver reactions have been linked to pre-existing diseases, alcohol consumption, drug abuse or genetic variations in the cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Kava is said to cause skin rashes and allergy. A scaly yellow skin rash and an eye irritation may be caused by a chronic and heavy use of Kava over a long stretch of time. Continued use of Kava may lead to pulmonary hypertension, and skin scaling. Loss of muscle control, kidney damage, and blood abnormalities can be caused by overdose of Kava. Visual impairments, headaches, drowsiness and mouth numbness can also be a side effect of Kava Kava. Kava should be avoided by people suffering from low blood pressure or bleeding disorders as it can interfere with blood clotting. Kava is also known to worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid Kava usage. Small children and people suffering from liver or kidney problems shouldn’t use Kava. Those undergoing surgery should also be careful to avoid the Kava drug.

Kava dosage

When Kava is used as an anti-anxiety drug, a daily dose of 210 to 280 milligrams of kavalactones is effective. However, Kava also promotes sleep, and for this purpose, a dose of 140 to 210 milligrams of Kava Kava is sufficient.

Recent studies of Kava

A study had been conducted in Germany regarding the effects of Kava. This Kava research had damaged the reputation of Kava Kava. Kava was labeled as a drug causing serious liver damage. As a result, in November 2001, the German Federal Institute of Drugs and Medical Devices asked the manufacturers and marketers of phytomedicine products made from Kava to withdraw the authority to market these Kava products. However, it was subsequently proved that Kava, when taken in appropriate doses for reasonable periods of time, had no scientific potential for causing liver damage.

Kava has grown in popularity, and Kava Bars are popping up all over the world as more and more people discover and enjoy the benefits of Kava.