Kava : Nature's Answer To Stress, Anxiety And Insomnia
Date : January 15, 2001 By : Rajen M.

Kava could indeed be the herb of the new millenium. It was featured on "Dateline,""20/20," and in a Wall Street Journal front page story, "The Making of an Herbal Superstar". It is rapidly becoming the next blockbuster herb. Like St. John's Wort, the western media has suddenly "discovered" another remedy that has proven successful for centuries in traditional use. It is one of Europe best selling herbs. In Germany, where there is a strong tradition of herbal use, kava is the preferred remedy for anxiety related disorders. In fact, it was according to statistics, the second fastest growing herb in the world last year!

Stress kills. Experts attribute almost 60 percent of doctor visits to stress-related ailments, including heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer. Modern research confirms that kava, already commonly prescribed in Europe, is as effective as prescription drugs in meeting a variety of stress related disorders. Scientists have found that patients experience dramatic relief from anxiety with no side effects when given kava. Unlike drugs, kava could actually sharpens concentration and memory.

Kava-kava is a member of the pepper family. It grows as a bush in the South Pacific. In fact, the origins are in Polynesia. Explorer Captain James Cook, first discovered kava kava . He gave this plant the botanical name of "intoxicating pepper". The scientific name for kava is Piper methysticum (Latin for "intoxicating pepper"). The natives were chewing the roots as part of various ceremonies and occasion to achieve a calmer somewhat relaxed state of mind. 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.

More recently, Kava has also gained popularity with the natives of Hawaii, Australia and New Guinea where it is used recreationally and increasingly medically. Kava also is effective as a pain reliever and can be used instead of aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Relaxant
The botanical has been used in parts of the Pacific at traditional social gatherings as a relaxant and in cultural and religious ceremonies to achieve a higher level of consciousness. The roots can be made into a mildly narcotic beverage that is comparable to popular cocktails. In Germany, Kava kava is used as a non-prescription drug to reduce anxiety. Kava was first mentioned in scientific records in 1886, and it is rapidly gaining popularity in the US for its relaxing effects.

Recent clinical studies have shown that the herb kava is a safe non-addictive anti-anxiety medicine, and as effective as prescription anxiety agents containing benzodiazepines. While benzodiazepines tend to promote lethargy and mental impairment, kava has been shown to possibly 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.

Actives
Several rhizome components and lactones have been isolated in the kava root. Of the fifteen lactones isolated from kava, there are six major lactones (kavalactones) known to provide psychoactive activity: kawain, methysticin, demethoxy-yangonin, dihydrokawain, dihydomethysicin, and yongonin. All kavalactones are physiologically active, though it is the fat-soluble kavalactones derived from kava resin that have the greatest effect on the central nervous system. Interestingly, the natives soaked the kava roots in coconut milk when the fat medium would extract the fat soluble actives. Kava also has a direct effect on muscle tension similar to tranquilizers. The activity of the kava rhizome is related to several arylethylene pyrones similar in structure to myristicin, which is found in nutmeg.

Kava is the most relaxing botanical herb with exception of the opium poppy. Pharmacological studies show kava kava's active ingredients, kavalactones, produce physical and mental relaxation and a feeling of well being. It has also been used in the treatment of ailments of the genitourinary tract including vaginitis, gonorrhea and menstrual cramps. Kava is a diuretic and an anti-inflammatory, thus useful for gout, rheumatism, bronchial congestion, cystitis and prostatis. It is an effective local anesthetic and pain reliever when applied externally as a liniment. The relaxed state and sharpening of senses also contribute to aphrodisiac effect.