Kava Kava
Family: Piperaceae
In these shrubs’ native habitats, Polynesia and the Pacific Ocean Islands, natives calm down by chewing a few leaves, but the best medicine is in the roots, which can be used to make tea. Kava is used for medicinal, religious, political, cultural, and social purposes throughout the Pacific. These cultures have great respect for the plant and place high importance on it.
Common medicinal properties: Analgesic, Anodyne, Antibacterial, Diaphoretic/sudorific, Diuretic, Expectorant, Sedative, Stimulant
Current Research:
A re-evaluation of kava (Piper methysticum) – a herbal anxiolytic drug was banned in the UK and other countries. About 70 case reports had suggested hepatotoxicity. This article summarizes the research since the ban.
Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges – This review aims to provide the scientific community and consumers, as well as regulatory agencies, with a broad overview on kava use and its related research.
Anxiety – The majority of evidence shows that certain kava extracts (extracts standardized to 70% kavalactones) can lower anxiety and might work as well as prescription anti-anxiety medications called low-dose benzodiazepines. But it might take up to 8 weeks of treatment to see improvement.
Contraindications:
Kava is hard on the liver, even healthy ones. Taking kava if you already have liver disease is taking a risk.
Parts Used: rhizome
Constituents: kava lactones, kawahin, yanoginin, methysticin, glycosides
Folk applications: Drink as a protection from evil and to invite in good luck. It is a common journey-inducing beverage.
Personal observations
Fresh:
Dried:
Water infusion:
Alcohol infusion from dried and ground: Cloudy color and very soapy tasting. After making this tincture I always cut it 50/50 with unsteeped alcohol for my personal recipes.
Oil infusion:
Essential oil:
Receipts