October 4, 2002

KAVA

Latin Name: Piper methysticum

Alternate Names: Kava Kava, Kawa Awa, Kawa Kawa, Wati, Yogona, Waka

Family: PIPERACEAE

Parts Used: Root, upper rhizome.

Properties: Analgesic, Anticonvulsant, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Depressant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Sedative, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Anxiety, Asthma, Bedwetting, Bronchitis, Cramps, Depression, Dysmenorrhea, Facial Neuralgia, Gout, Insomnia, Neuralgia, Pain, Rheumatism, Urinary Inability, Urinary Infections

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It is a skeletal and muscle relaxant, as well as a central nervous system depressant. Kava is fat soluble, so when preparing as a tea or when cooking, add coconut milk to make it easier to assimilate. Taking Kava Kava before bed can help induce pleasant sleep and vivid dreams. It slows heart rate and respiration.

Topical Uses: Toothache, Wounds

Topical Applications: Compress or poultice can be applied to painful wounds as an antiseptic and aid to healing. Mouthwash for gum and tooth pain.

Energetics: Pungent, Bitter, Hot.

Chemical Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones (kava lactones -- methysticin, yangonin, kawaiin), alpha pyrones, flavonoids.

Contraindications: Excess use can disturb vision, dilate pupils, and affect walking and driving. Using Kava may temporarily cause one's tongue, mouth and other body parts to feel somewhat numb and rubbery. Using large doses for extended periods can be cumulative in the liver, lead to apathy, anorexia and cause bloodshot eyes. Continual chewing can cause yellowing of the teeth and harm tooth enamel. Avoid during pregnancy. Using Kava with a group of people may induce to you publicly confess everything!

Comments: The name is derived from Greek and means 'intoxicating beverage'. Kava is used ceremoniously in the South Pacific to celebrate beginnings and endings, such as marriages, birth and death. It is often used to honor a guest, to enhance communication and even to help in settling disputes and sealing business agreements. It helps to warm the emotions and small amounts can produce a pleasant euphoric sensation. Where missionaries had a strong influence, many thousands of kava plants were ripped out of the ground. When this occurred, alcoholism increased. This herb has been listed by United Plant Savers as an 'at risk' plant in Hawaii, so please avoid buying products harvested from the wild. Only use the cultivated herb.

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), October 04, 2002

Answers

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), October 04, 2002.