Kava-Kava Nature’s Valium

Kava kava (Piper methysricum) is an upright perennial shrub that is native to the Pacific Polynesian Islands. Kava grows to about 10 feet in height and has thick stems with very few leaves attached. The medicinal part of the plant is the rhizome (root) which extends laterally about 8 feet.

The kava kava herb belongs to the Piperaceae family and is also known as kawa, or simply kava.

Kava Kava-Traditional Use

The kava kava herb was first documented in the 18th century by Captain James Cook as he explored the South Pacific. It was traditionally used as an narcotic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative, and as a general pain relief tonic.

Apart from it’s use as a medicinal agent, the kava kava herb played an important role for the indigenous Polynesian people in social and religious circles as well. A special drink containing kava was consumed during weddings and funerals.

A preparation of the kava kava herb was also used to honor visitors and dignitaries. The preparation of this kava beverage was a deeply orchestrated procedure, involving the chewing of the root to help with extraction. Hangovers did not seem to be a problem with the traditional use of kava kava extract.

Chemical Components

• Kavalactones-including kavain (kawain), dihydrokavain, methysticin, and yangonin.
• Alkaloids-cepharadione and pipmethystine (in the leaf only).
• Miscellaneous-flavonoids and benzyl-ketones.

Kava Kava-Medicinal Uses

The kava kava herb is praised by many herbalists as the most effective herbal treatment for anxiety and panic attacks. It’s apparent effectiveness as a muscle relaxant has made it a common remedy for tension related conditions such as headaches, insomnia, muscle aches, back pain, restlessness, arthritic conditions, and stress. The raw herb can also be directly applied to a sore tooth or a cold sore.

Mechanism of Action

Most of the research into the chemical components of the kava kava herb have centered around the resinous pyrones or kavalactones. Their affinity for various GABA and benzodiazepine binding sites is debatable, with different results reported from different studies. Kavalactones do not dissolve very well in water. For medicinal uses they are placed in a colloidal solution, or must at least be finely divided to allow absorption in the digestive tract.

The ingredients in kava have been reported to have nueroprotective effects in cases of ischemia. Kava kava has also demonstrated an ability to exert an anti-convulsive action, posses antifibrillatory properties, cause an analgesic effect, relax skeletal smooth muscle, and have sedating properties.

Anxiety And Stress

In several clinical studies published in Germany, kava kava was shown to be very effective in reducing symptoms of many anxiety disorders of non psychotic origin. The kava kava herb is often referred to as nature’s valium. A systematic review of the available studies confirmed 7 high quality, double blind, placebo controlled studies. In these studies, the kava group showed significant improvements over the placebo group as measured by The Hamilton Anxiety Scale. No adverse affects were found.

In another randomized, placebo controlled, double blind study conducted on people with general anxiety disorder, patients were given a kava extract for a period of 4 weeks. No significant differences were reported between the kava kava group and the placebo group. It should be noted however that the baseline anxiety measurements between the 2 groups have been called into question.

Though the effects of the kava kava herb appear to be similar to that of benzodiazepines (Valium, Librium, Xanax), no evidence of physical or psychological dependency has been found.

Other Properties

Anti-fungal and anti-mycobacterial properties have been observed during in vitro studies. There is other literature available, along with information about it’s historical uses that signify the importance of this calming medicinal herb.

Kava Kava-Adverse Effects

The kava kava herb has been banned in some countries including Canada, due to concerns about kava related liver damage. The reports of kava induced liver damage are considered questionable at best. The reported conditions include hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure; however, there is very little defining evidence that the kava was the cause. The state of the patients liver health prior to taking kava kava has been called into question, and many of the patients were taking medicines with known liver damaging properties.

The indigenous people of the Polynesian Islands have been consuming large quantities of the kava kava herb for many centuries with no apparent signs of liver damage, they are actually a very healthy people. Certain cases observed in Europe involved preparations of kava root as well as stems and leaves of the kava plant. In traditional Polynesian culture, and in standardized kava extract that is available today, only the root is used. However, it is advisable to only consume kava if it is provided from a reputable source, and is free of leaves and stems, standardized extracts appear to be safe.

Some people suspect that pharmaceutical interests played a role in kava being banned in some countries, however, there is no conclusive evidence to support this. Kava kava is now available in some European countries and in the US. Also, kava bars are being opened in the United States as an alternative to alcohol.

Consuming large amounts of kava can result in disturbances in vision, yellowing of the skin, gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, and loss of balance.

In some people, large, repeated doses of kava kava will produce an itchy, scaly rash on the extremities. This is suspected to be an allergic reaction.

Cautions

Due to kava’s dopaminergic properties, it should be used with caution in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Kava should not be used by pregnant or lactating women, or in patients with depression or liver problems without consulting a doctor experienced in holistic and herbal therapies.

Kava Kava-Drug Interactions

People taking barbituates (Phenobarbitol), benzodiazepines (Librium, Valium, Xanax), narcotics, or prescription sleep aids, should use caution and seek medical advice before taking kava kava because of a possible additive effect. It is best to avoid excessive alchohol consumption while taking kava.

Do not try to operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you know how kava affects you.

Kava Kava Dosage

• Standardized Extract-(70% kavalactones) 100 mg 2 or 3 tomes daily.
• Dried Rhizome-i.5-3 g daily in divided doses.
• Alchohol Extract-(1:2) 3-6 ml daily in divided doses.

There are bound to be more studies, and more information coming out concerning the kava kava herb, people are looking for natural solutions, and I look forward to more information coming to light regarding this fascinating medicinal herb.