Kava: Relaxation,
Bliss & Stress Relief
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Grab a cup of organic green tea and get ready to read about the coolest herb in the world! If you have never used kava (also known as kava, kava), then your in for a real treat!
This herb has been used since the beginning of recorded history and may help you experience some stress relief.
Kava's amazing qualities makes it superior to tranquilizers, alcohol, nicotine, and other substances that serve to reduce stress and improve mood. Try NOW Kava Extract!
Kava has long been used in Polynesia and the Pacific Ocean islands for ceremonial drinks.
Amazing Kava Plant: Piper Methysticum
Kava is well-known by those who use it, for bringing about a “herbal bliss” of sorts. Picture, laying on the beach in Hawaii and sipping on some kava, while you listen to the gentle ocean waves hit the beach. You begin to feel life's problems fall to the wayside, as you enjoy the moment. Are you ready for some relaxation, bliss and stress relief?
The Incredible Effects of Kava
According to Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council, kava has been documented to be a natural anxiolytic (drug prescribed for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety). He states that kava may relax the skeletal muscles and relieve tension. I have used kava in the past as a mild sleep aid and it put me into a deep REM sleep. This may be a good alternative to using Ambien! Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before using any herbal remedies.
I tested the strength of this herb by opening a powdered capsule under my tongue and let it sit there for about 5 minutes and my tongue started going numb. I then noticed a relaxed feeling of blissful peace, without feeling drugged. I don't know how else to describe the feeling, but that about sums it up. This herb not only relaxed me, but it also produced calming effects on one of my friends. I could definitely see why kava has been called the "intoxicating pepper”. Click here to get the best kava extract on the market!
Herbal Experts Share Their Views of Kava
Dr. Terry Willard's information on kava helped me better understand the amazing effects of this powerful herb. He states that kava may improve muscle coordination for the eyes and hands (may be good for athletes). Also, he cites kava possibly helping with conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, cystitis, gonorrhea, fungus infections and as an appetite stimulant. Its active principles, a series of kava lactones, are concentrated in the rootstock and roots. Click here to buy Dr. Terry Willard's Encyclopedia of Herbs.
Master Herbalist David Hoffmann, in his book "Medical Herbalism", states that kava is safe to use for anxiety, with the added benefit that it does not dampen alertness when given at normal therapeutic doses. Also, he states that kava does not impair reaction time and appears to improve concentration. Buy NOW kava kava extract (250mg)!
Ray Sahelian, M.D., talks highly of kava, but has some very stern warnings when using this herb. He says to not use kava if you have or have had liver problems, frequently use alcoholic beverages, or are taking any medication including acetaminophen (Tylenol). Stop 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 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. Kava should not be taken on a daily basis. Take frequent breaks from use. Short term side effect with high doses include disorientation and ataxia (loss of balance while walking).
Over at HerbalEd.org I found the following information about liver toxicity and kava: Dr. Waller concluded there is "no clear evidence that the liver damage reported in the USA
and Europe was caused by the consumption of kava." The report concludes: "...kava when taken in appropriate doses for reasonable periods of time has no scientifically established potential for causing liver damage. However, as with any pharmacologically active agent, there is always the possibility of drug interactions, preexisting disease conditions and idiosyncratic or hypersensitivity reactions, which can exacerbate the toxicity of such an agent."
I never had a bad experience with using kava and if it is used responsibly, there should not be any problems, but I still think it is wise to get the advice of a health care professional, before using a kava product. Also, being that each one of us has a different biochemistry, kava may affect you differently then it does someone else.
Kava is the term used for both the plant and the beverage made from it. The kava beverage is prepared from the root of a shrub called the pepper plant, Piper methysticum, found in Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia. Kava can be found in recreational and social gatherings. I have found the "NOW" products to be of the highest purity and potency. There are many situations likely to make us stressed out and anxious. The use of kava could potentially reduce the anxiety associated with these stressful situations, thus reducing worry and unpleasantness. NOW Foods has the best kava extract on the market! Make today, a kava day of bliss!
Master Herbalist Christopher Hobbs states that kava may help if you are feeling stressed, tight, nervous, tense, or simply need a good night's sleep. Below is the Kava Kocktail recipe from Herbal Ed Smith. Enjoy!
Kava Kocktail
This makes 2 cups.
1 teaspoon kava powder 1 ˝ cups water.
1 teaspoon lecithin liquid or granules 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
1. Simmer the kava powder in the water for 5 minutes, let cool.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of lecithin liquid or granules and 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice.
3. Blend in a blender for a few minutes on high speed & strain thoroughly and drink.
Yours in good health,
DeWayne H. Strickland