Kava (Piper methysticum) is a tall shrub that grows on Pacific islands including Hawaii, Vanuatu, Melanesia, and some areas of Micronesia. Traditionally, Pacific Islanders have used kava in rituals to bring about a state of relaxation. The root is traditionally used to make mild to moderate sedative drinks, which are also thought to produce a feeling of euphoria. Today, people use Kava health benefits to treat anxiety, boost the immune system, and prevent cancer risk.
1. The active ingredient in Kava
β The compounds in kava root are thought to have relaxing properties called kavalactones. There are 18 different kavalactones identified so far. Thanks to these ingredients, kava is often used in medicine to replace anxiety medications. It can also improve sleep in people with insomnia and often have fewer side effects than sleeping or over-the-counter medications.
2. Top 4 Kava health benefits
2.1 Kava health benefits: Reduce anxiety
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Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental disorders today. They are usually treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both. Currently, there are many drugs that can treat this disease, but it often comes with undesirable side effects. As a result, the need for herbal anxiety treatments is increasing.
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Current evidence suggests that kava may assist in treating anxiety without allergy and without hypnotic effect. In 1997, research was conducted on the effects of this plant on anxiety. Compared to the placebo, it significantly reduced the severity of the participants. The researchers also said there were no side effects associated with Kava. While other anti-anxiety medications often cause side effects.
2.2 Kava health benefits: Improve sleep
β Lack of sleep has been linked to many problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, obesity, and cancer. When faced with this condition, many people have switched to using sleeping pills. Like the medicines used to treat anxiety, sleeping pills also cause dependence. It is believed that a specific type of kavalactone, called kevain, can provide the drug’s sedative effects. In addition, Kava is often used as an alternative to these sleeping pills due to its calming and reduction anxiety effects. Because, insomnia due to stress is common among nervous people, in the case of insomnia, kava can treat anxiety, this can help people sleep better. Among the studies available on humans, a small study from Germany concluded that people providing a 200-milligram kava extract daily could significantly reduce insomnia after 14 days.
2.3 Kava health benefits: Preventing cancer
β A study published in Oncotarget proves that factors in kava (Flavokawains are secondary metabolites found in kava roots) can inhibit the growth of some cancer cell lines. Further studies have demonstrated that it inhibits the formation of lesions and supports prostate cancer, tumor reduction, and metastases completely. The findings suggest that the agents found in kava may be a promising inhibitor for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. This is a great supplement to improve prostate health in general and reduce the risk of prostate cancer in particular.
2.4 Kava health benefits: Improve the immune system
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One of the lesser-known kava root health benefits is that it helps boost the immune system. The immune system is what keeps your body from the common cold and other contagious diseases. Kava may not directly kill bacteria, but it helps build the immune system so that when you encounter bacteria or viruses, your body can perform its task of killing them instead of letting them attack your body.
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You may not know: Anxiety and stress are related to the function of the immune system. Excessive stress causes hormonal changes that reduce the body’s resistance to colds and other infections. High levels of ongoing stress can also reduce the body’s lymphocytes, white blood cells that help fight infections, and put you at higher risk for viral infections. Therefore, managing stress and anxiety is an extremely important part of optimizing your immune system and kava may be helpful in this case.
3. Notes when using Kava
You can use kava root to reduce anxiety, treat insomnia in the form of tea, herbal extracts and supplements, you should note the following :
- Using kava even for short periods of time and normal doses can cause liver damage. Early symptoms of liver damage include yellow eyes and skin, fatigue, and dark urine. Taking kava with medication can cause liver damage that may increase the risk of liver damage. Do not take kava if you are taking medication that could harm the liver. If you decide to take kava, be sure to check liver function regularly.
- Pregnant or breast-feeding women should only take medications as recommended by their doctor.
- Kava can cause drowsiness. Therefore, taking kava with sedatives can cause excessive drowsiness.
- Do not drive after using this medicine because it makes your body respond more slowly, affecting safety when driving.
Recommended for you
π Herb Pharm Kava Root Liquid Extract
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Herb Pharm Kava root extract works with the body to promote peaceful relaxation, reduce stress and frustration. Herb Pharm prepares Kava extract from the rhizome and root of noble varieties of Piper methysticum plants 4-6 years old. Herb Pharm’s Kava is grown and harvested in the islands of the South Pacific. Directions: Two to four times per day take 30 to 40 drops in a little water.
π¨ββοΈ FDA advises that a potential risk of rare, but severe, liver injury may be associated with kava. Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have, or have had, liver problems, frequently use alcoholic beverages, or are taking any medication. Stop use and see a doctor if liver symptoms occur (unusual fatigue, abdominal pain, appetite loss, dark urine, pale stools, yellow eyes, or skin). Not for use by persons under 18 years of age, or by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Do not take with alcohol.
π Gaia Herbs Kava Kava Root, Vegan Liquid Capsules, 60 Count – Supports Emotional Balance, Calm & Relaxation
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Since Gaia Herbs was just a seedling in 1987, they have remained true to our purpose: Connecting people, plants & planet to create healing. They knew then what many are coming to realize now: that plants and people evolved together, that we are inextricably linked, and that plants hold the wisdom we need to heal.
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Gaia Herbsβ Kava Kava Root is a potent herbal extract which helps support emotional balance. Made from ecologically harvested Kava Kava Root from Vanuatu, it contains a guaranteed 225 mg of active Kavalactones per serving. Directions: Adults take 1 capsule 3 times daily between meals. Maximum time of use: one month. Safety Information.
π¨ββοΈ FDA advises that a potential risk of rare, but severe, liver injury may be associated with kava-containing dietary supplements. Do not take if you have, or have had, liver problems, drink alcohol, or take any medications. If you have a medical condition, use under the advice of a health practitioner. Stop use and see a doctor if you develop symptoms that may signal liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and brown urine. Other nonspecific symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, unexplained tiredness, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Not for use by persons under 18 years of age, or by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Keep away from children. Not for use with alcoholic beverages. Excessive use, or use with products that cause drowsiness, may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or heavy equipment.
π Yogi Tea – Kava Stress Relief – Eases Tension and Promotes Relaxation
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Yogi Kava Stress Relief tea is purposefully blended with Kava, a root traditionally used for its power to calm the body and mind and encourage a good nightβs sleep. Cinnamon and Sarsaparilla add warmth and spice to this relaxing blend, while Carob Pod imparts rich flavor. Directions: Get the most out of every cup: Bring water to boiling and steep 5 to 10 minutes. For a stronger tea, use 2 tea bags. Enjoy 2 to 3 cups a day.
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Safety Information: Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have or have had liver problems, frequently use alcoholic beverages, or are taking any medication. Stop use and see a doctor if you develop symptoms that may signal liver problems (e.g., unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, yellow eyes or skin). Not for use by persons under 18 years of age or by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Not for use with alcoholic beverages. Excessive use or use with products that cause drowsiness may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or heavy equipment.
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