Kava Kava / Nervousness - Insomnia

Herb Of The Week / Kava Kava / Nervousness - Insomnia

Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) is a member of the pepper family that
grows as a bush in the islands of the South Pacific. It has been used
by the native Polynesians for thousands of years in ceremonies and
celebrations because of its calming effect and ability to promote
sociability. It was also used as a sedative and a muscle relaxant and
as a remedy for nervousness and insomnia. In the Polynesian
ceremonies, virgins would chew the root of the kava bush and spit the
juices into a cup of coconut milk. This was then strained and drank.
While some may find the preparation disgusting, I think this process
is reasonable when electric kitchen appliances are not readily
available.


Skipping ahead in time, Kava is used in Germany as an over the counter
medicine to reduce anxiety. Like St. John's Wort, kava extracts are
gaining in popularity in Europe in the treatment of anxiety and
depression. Several European countries (e.g., Germany, United
Kingdom, Switzerland, and Austria) have approved kava preparations in
the treatment of nervous anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness on the
basis of detailed pharmacological data and favorable clinical studies.
These approved kava preparations are extracts standardized for
kavalactone content (usually 30 to 70 percent).


Based on detailed scientific investigations over the past 110 years,
the active ingredients in kava are called kavalactones. However,
although the kavalactones are the primary active components, other
components appear to possess activity as well. This suggests that the
whole herb should be mixed with the extract for the best possible
results.


The kavalactones have a direct effect on muscle tension similar to
that of muscle relaxers or tranquilizers. So even though the common
usage is as a natural sedative or a sleep enhancer it is also used to
help relieve cramping due to spasms. This includes intestinal cramps
and spasms, when the irregularity is a result nerves, tension and
stress. In numerous studies, one group of patients who appear to
respond extremely well to kava extract are women going through
menopause, a time often associated with increased nervousness and
anxiety. In addition to improvement in symptoms of stress and
anxiety, the group receiving kava also noted improvements in feelings
of well being, mood, and menopausal symptoms including hot flashes.
Again, these positive effects were gained without side effects.



One very interesting thing about kava is that unlike many
prescription drugs, patients do not seem to develop a tolerance.
Kavalactones, even when administered in huge amounts in animal
studies, demonstrated absolutely no loss of effectiveness. That is
similar to the effect that garlic seems to have on microbes. The
microbes do not develop a tolerance to garlic and it remains an
effective killer unlike most other antibiotics that germs grow
resistant to.


Alcohol consumption synergistically increases the effects of
kavalactones. It is not recommended for those who intend on driving or
where quick reaction time is required. Also do not use if pregnant,
nursing, or being treated for depression. Kava is mildly narcotic and
produces mild euphoric changes characterized by elevated mood, fluent
and lively speech and increased sense of sound. Higher doses can lead
to muscle weakness, visual impairment, dizziness and drying of the
skin. Long term use of the herb can contribute to hypertension,
reduced protein levels, blood cell abnormalities, or liver damage.
(more reasons not to combine it with alcohol)


Several case reports have been presented indicating that kava may
interfere with dopamine and worsen Parkinson's disease, a condition of
decreased dopamine activity in the brain characterized by impaired
motor (muscle) function and involuntary muscle twitches). Until this
issue is cleared up, kava should not be used in Parkinson's patients.



But..... Why take my word for it? IT'S YOUR HEALTH.


You can research anything mentioned on this site yourself. Some good
search engines are www.mamma.com or www.google.com. or www.dogpile.com
or www.askjeeves.com ...etc. Enter one or more keywords and do your
own research.

Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"

Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.


Until next time,
Quinnten, Editor