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FACTS ABOUT KAVA
WHAT IS IT?
Kava is the root of the
Piper Methysticum, which is in the same family as black pepper. Kava
originates from the South Pacific Islands and is the term used for
both the plant and beverage made from the root. In Fiji, Kava is
known as yaqona. Islanders have used Kava for centuries during
social and ceremonial events, and as a remedy for stress, anxiety
and certain medical conditions. Kava ceremonies were performed to
mark significant occasions, such as births, marriages,
official visits and installations of new Chiefs, etc. Now, Kava is
part of everyday life and is thought to have contributed towards the
people of the South Pacific being known as the happiest and
friendliest people in the world. It is now one of the biggest
selling herbs because of its effectiveness against stress while
promoting mental awareness.
WHAT EFFECTS DOES IT HAVE?
The effects of Kava are experienced within an hour or two and
can last for several hours. During this time, one can feel a state
of relaxation, calmness and contentment and be less reactive to
stressful situations and environments. A high dose can induce
noticeable effects in a shorter period of time. However, if you are
already relaxed and have no muscles tension the benefits will be
less noticeable than someone who is already tense and
anxious.
Here are some of the common feelings that most
users experience;
- A state of relaxation, without reduction of
mental acuity.
- Muscle relaxation
- Feelings of peacefulness and contentment with
mild euphoria.
- Some individuals on Kava report a slight
temporary enhancement of visual, audible and mental acuity.
- Most users notice being more sociable with an
increased interest in getting to know people.
Some people report feeling sleepier. Whether you feel more
alert or sleepy from Kava consumption depends on your individual
biochemistry and also on the product you are using. Often there's a
feeling of alertness and stimulation. This herb actually causes
mental alertness, at least initially.
Kava can help with following;
Boarding a plane. Good for individuals who start getting
nervous days before an upcoming trip. The use of Kava for a few
days prior to departure could be helpful in reducing this worry.
Job
Interview.
Bladder Infections. Kava, an anesthetic, can decrease the
discomfort of bladder infections.
Before a dentist visit. An ideal supplement to take before
going to the dentist, acting both as a mild analgesic and
relaxant.
Going
on a date.
Attending a party. If your shy when meeting new people,
raise a hearty toast to kava. Kava can make you feel very mellow,
comfortable and sociable.
Giving a speech. Since Kava can help with you relax without
affecting mental clarity, it is a good option to take before
giving a speech.
Some clinical uses of
Kava;
The anti-anxiety effects of Kava have been
well researched but compounds in this herb may well have several
other therapeutic properties.
As a painkiller. Studies have shown that Kava has some
mild pain relieving properties. Specific conditions that some people
have used Kava for include; headaches, TMJ, neck pain, back pain,
toothaches and menstrual cramps.
Menopausal Symptoms. An eight week study involving twenty
women, revealed most of them reported improved mood and well-being
and less anxiety.
Premenstrual Syndrome. Some users notice partial
relief of some aspects of anxiety and irritability associated with
PMS.
Fibromyalgia and Muscles aches. Some have reported
mild relief in their symptoms from the Kava herb.
Mild Depression. Even though Kava has been studied
mostly as an anti-anxiety agent, it does have some mood-elevating
properties. Most users notice a mild euphoria or sense of
well-being.
Kava and
Insomnia. A low
dose in certain individuals could be mildly relaxing and help with
the onset of sleep, while a higher dose could lead to feeling wide
awake. The most commonly reported effect is that Kava initially
makes one more alert but after a few hours there's a change to
feeling more sedated.
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