they sell it in health stores and its suppose to be very good for anxiety,...
2006-09-21 20:49:09 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Kava (Piper methysticum) is an ancient crop of the western Pacific. Other names for kava include ʻawa (Hawaii), 'ava (Samoa), yaqona (Fiji), and sakau (Pohnpei). Kava is related to the black pepper; both have heart-shaped leaves and flowers similar to the flower spike of the anthurium. Kava also has a peppery taste. Kava has long been a part of religious, political, and cultural life throughout the Pacific..
In the Western world, kava is used as a herbal remedy to ease the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
The effects of drinking kava, in order of sensation, are slight tongue and lip numbing caused by the contraction of the blood vessels in these areas (the lips and skin surrounding may appear unusually pale); mildly talkative and euphoric behavior; calming, sense of well-being, clear thinking; and relaxed muscles. Sleep is often restful and there are no after-effects the next day. In Vanuatu, drinking strong kava is normally followed by a hot meal or tea. Eating after kava often makes it "kick," causing the effects to be felt for a second or third time. A common bislama phrase to hear in a nakamal is "Kava i kik?" or "Do you feel the kava?"
2006-09-21 20:56:58 · answer #1 · answered by m_kiss2010 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This herb, a member of the pepper family, grows as a bush in the South Pacific. Explorer Captain James Cook, who gave this plant the botanical name of "intoxicating pepper", first discovered kava kava. Kava has been used for over 3,000 years for its medicinal effects as a sedative, muscle relaxant, diuretic, and as a remedy for nervousness and insomnia.
Recent clinical studies have shown that the herb kava is a safe nonaddictive anti-anxiety medicine, and as effective as prescription anxiety agents containing benzodiazepines such as valium. While benzodiazepines tend to promote lethargy and mental impairment, kava has been shown to improve concentration, memory, and reaction time for people suffering from anxiety. Kava has been clinically demonstrated as a means of achieving a state of relaxation without the adverse side effects.
2006-09-24 08:06:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
drinking kava??? trust me it works, why do you think pacific island people live longer!!
the only side effect is dry, tight skin or as we say here in FIJI, "kanikani"...
2006-09-22 04:00:08 · answer #3 · answered by paddler22 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That and St. John's Wort.
2006-09-22 11:28:46 · answer #4 · answered by kimgirlscout 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋