kava
Botanical Name: Piper methysticum
Common Name: Kava, kava
Parts Used: Root
Energetics/Taste: Pungent, Bitter, and Astringent
Botany: Kava belongs to the Piperaceae or pepper family, and it is a tropical evergreen shrub. Our native plant, kawakawa ( Piper excelsum) is also in the pepper family The plant has a stout stem and grows up to three meters tall. The leaves are heart-shaped, and the roots are brownish and fleshy.
History: Kava has been used for thousands of years by the indigenous people of the South Pacific. It is known as the "drink of peace" and has been used for ceremonial purposes, social gatherings, and medicinal purposes. The plant was brought to Europe by Captain Cook in the 18th century, and it has gained popularity in recent years as a pretty decent herbal treatment for anxiety.
Actions: Kava is an anxiolytic, nervine, sedative, and muscle relaxant.
Constitutional Herbalism: its energetics are considered to be warm, dry, and relaxing. This means that it has a warming effect on the body, helps to dry up excess moisture or dampness, and promotes a relaxed state of being. These qualities make it especially beneficial for individuals who tend to be cold, damp, or tense. Additionally, in Pacific Island cultures where kava is traditionally consumed in social settings, the warm and relaxing energetics of kava are believed to promote a sense of community and togetherness.
Uses:
Relaxation Kava has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It is believed to work by increasing levels of GABA in the brain, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.
Insomnia Kava has slight sedative properties that can help promote sleep and reduce insomnia. It is particularly useful for people who have trouble falling asleep due to anxiety or stress.
Pain relief Kava has analgesic properties that can help to reduce pain, particularly muscle pain
Skeletal muscle relaxant Kava is a powerful skeletal muscle relaxant and has been shown to be effective in reducing muscle tension and stiffness. It is also thought to aid in menstrual cramps and headaches - particularly in those people that feel their shoulders creeping up into their ears when they get stressed.
Social relaxation Kava has a long history of use in social settings as a way to promote relaxation and social bonding. It is often consumed in traditional ceremonies and social gatherings in Polynesian and Melanesian cultures.
Growing Conditions: Kava is a tropical plant and requires a warm and humid climate to grow. The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Kava can be propagated through stem cuttings, and it takes about three years for the plant to mature and be harvested.
Processing: The root of the kava plant is used to make a traditional beverage that is consumed for its relaxing effects. The root is peeled, ground into a powder, and mixed with water. The mixture is then strained, and the resulting liquid is consumed. If you have been to Fiji, its likely you have been invited to drink kava. Its super popular as a social drink in Melanesian and
Safety Considerations: Kava should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. It can also interact with certain you medications, including sedatives and antidepressants. Additionally, long-term, high use of kava is associated with a type of dermatitis.
The kava in our Mellow Out tincture is Kelai Kava from Vanuatu which is uplifting and calming.