Kava – The Euphoric, Smooth Relaxant of the Pacific Islands
Kava kava (Piper methysticum), also known simply as kava, is a tropical plant native to the Pacific Islands. It has a long history of traditional use in cultural and social settings, where it is consumed as a beverage made from the plant’s roots.
The active compounds in kava, called kavalactones, are believed responsible for its effects on the mind and body. Kava is renowned for its calming and relaxing properties, often used to alleviate anxiety, stress, and promote well-being. It is known to induce relaxation without impairing cognitive function, making it a popular alternative to alcohol or other substances. It has long been used by the people of the South Pacific Islands, where Kava ceremonies have been performed.
For these reasons, it has become widely popular worldwide, with Kava bars popping up everywhere.
Benefits of Kava may Include:
- Mood and Emotional Support: Kava is known for its calming and anxiety-reducing effects. Kava has been shown to help with the effects of stress and promote relaxation. It may also help to improve mood and increase feelings of well-being.
- Enhances Sleep: Kava has sedative properties that may help to promote sleep and improve sleep quality.
- Pain Relief: Kava has been used traditionally to relieve pain, particularly headaches and menstrual cramps.
- Muscle Relaxation: Kava has muscle relaxant properties that may help to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Kava contains compounds that have been shown to support a healthy inflammatory response, which may help to reduce pain and discomfort.
Relaxation Effects of Kavalactones
Kavalactones are the active ingredients responsible for Kava’s effects on the central nervous system, especially since they’ve been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier.[1]
Nineteen different kavalactones have been identified thus far, though the primary six are considered kavain, dihydrokavain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, yangonin, and desmethoxyyangonin.
Kava extracts, especially kavain, have been investigated for their anesthetic or pain-reducing properties.*[2]
A big dose of Kava can certainly make your body feel numb. You may notice this effect slightly in your mouth just by taking the tincture.
These effects, plus those mentioned below, are why Kava is sometimes used to help support sleep.*
Mood Enhancement with Less Anxiety
One of the benefits of kava for mood enhancement with less anxiety is that it does not appear to cause the same level of sedation or impairment as some other natural remedies or prescription medications used for anxiety. This means that it may be a useful option for individuals who need to remain alert and functional during the day.
Multiple human studies have looked at Kava’s abilities to reduce anxiety.* One systematic review found that Kava was effective in 42% of trials.*[3]
Another review found that Kava significantly lowered anxiety in 25% of studies and had a positive effect in several others, though not as statistically significant.*[4]
These effects are primarily attributed to Kava’s effects on Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).[5]* This is one of the primary inhibitory or calming neurotransmitters within the central nervous system which leads to relaxing and anxiety-reducing effects.
Another area of activity seems to be through MAO-B inhibition.*
Kava’s other effects are far less studied. But one other double-blind placebo-controlled human trial found a single dose of Kava extract “led to an increase in state cheerfulness” and improved effect on “visual attention and short-term memory retrieval.”*[6]
There is also evidence of anti-neuroinflammatory effects of Kava yielding neuro-protection.* [7]
Quality and Processing
Our Kava roots, Piper methysticum, are sourced from Vanuatu. These are tinctured for over six weeks in a menstruum made with:
- Organic Cane Alcohol 40% ABV
- Filtered, Fresh Filtered Spring Water
After pressing the ingredients, they’re calcined and ground down into a fine white powder, then further extracted with distilled water and a gentle evaporation process until crystals are formed. These purified “salts” are added back into the tincture to finish the spagyric process.
Recommended Dosage
Our recommended dosage is 0.5mL twice per day. The pipette in the tincture bottle is marked with this number.
Some people may get by with just a few drops. Some people may want to try two to four full droppers.
The taste is bitter. Because of the numbing effect of Kava, you may notice this effect slightly in your mouth just by taking the tincture.
Unfortunately, Kava is Banned in Certain Countries…Maybe
Several countries have banned Kava.
Yes, kava is indeed banned in some countries, primarily in Europe, due to concerns about potential liver damage, and in 2002, the German government banned the sale of kava products after reports of liver toxicity and deaths associated with kava use.
Other countries, including France, Canada, and Australia, have restricted or banned kava products. However, kava supplements are still available and legal in the United States.
Side Effects and Contraindications
The most common side effect reported with Kava use is headaches.
There are concerns with Kava and its harmful effects on the liver. These seem to be primarily overblown.
In the early 2000s, there were approximately 100 reports of hepatotoxicity. Of those cases, only 14 were deemed probable as caused by Kava. Germany banned it in 2002. The UK in 2003. It’s been suggested that because of Kava’s popularity at the time, it was in short supply. Thus peelings of the stump instead of the rhizome were used, which could be more dangerous. Others blamed different extraction methods (with some concerns that ethanol extractions, like ours here, may not be as safe as traditional water extraction). [8]
So to be safe, those with liver conditions or on liver medications may want to avoid Kava.
Kava is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of conclusive safety data. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your healthcare provider before using Kava.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.