Kava Kava
Recently, kava kava has received a lot of
press, often being referred to as the safe and
natural alternative to Xanax® and
Valium®. It's considered to be a non-dependant,
all-natural, mild sedative that helps relax the body.
An herb often used in Polynesian cultures for
its sedative and pain-relieving properties,
kava kava is currently used in ceremonial
drinks throughout many South Pacific Islands.
Kava kava comes from the ground rhizome of
Piper methysticum and is a member of the pepper
family. It has been used for hundreds of years
to treat pain, anxiety and insomnia, stress
and sleeplessness.
Many have found that kava kava relaxes muscles,
reducing pain that can be caused by muscle cramping
and spasms. It also alleviates menstrual cramping
and has diuretic attributes such as suppressing the
appetite.
In addition, kava kava may help improve circulation,
mental alertness, memory and concentration.
If you are pregnant or nursing, operating machinery,
mixing with alcohol or taking anti-depressants you
should avoid taking kava kava. Long term use may lead
to liver damage.
