Guidance

What is Kava?

Kava, scientifically known as Piper methysticum, is a tropical evergreen shrub with heart-shaped leaves and woody stems. Belonging to the nightshade family, it is native to the South Pacific islands of the Pacific Ocean. Kava has been traditionally utilized for centuries in the cultures of the Pacific islands, particularly as a ritualistic beverage for relaxation and stress relief.

The plant's roots are the primary part used, and they are processed to create a traditional kava drink. Traditionally, people chewed the roots and spat out the fibers, but nowadays, the preparation is typically done by hand. The resulting paste is mixed with water, strained, and then consumed.

Kava is renowned for its calming and stress-reducing properties, and it has gained widespread attention for these qualities. Studies have highlighted its benefits in alleviating anxiety, restlessness, and various stress-related discomforts. Additionally, kava root has been found to alleviate muscle spasms and pain associated with stress and irritability.

The active compounds responsible for kava's effects are known as kavalactones, constituting 3-20% of the dry mass of the plant's roots. Research suggests that kavalactones may influence neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which reduces nerve activity.

In recent times, kava has attracted interest for its potential therapeutic effects, including its ability to enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.

Benefits of Consuming Kava Root:

Relieves Depression and Anxiety: Kava is well-known for its relaxing and mood-enhancing effects. The root contains compounds called kavalactones, which positively impact the brain and central nervous system. These compounds also contribute to preventing seizures, providing temporary relief from neurological dysfunction.

Promotes Better Sleep: Insomnia can lead to various health issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, obesity, and cancer. Unlike habit-forming sleeping pills, kava offers a natural alternative with sedative effects. Research involving 24 participants showed that kava significantly reduced stress and insomnia compared to a placebo, demonstrating its efficacy in improving sleep quality.

Enhances Brain Function: Activating cognitive and emotional brain regions, kava may improve various functions related to memory and processing. Kavalactones extracted from kava may help protect the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress and other diseases.

Fights Cancer: Studies indicate that kava may serve as a potential treatment for bladder cancer. Despite heavy smoking habits in the South Pacific islands of China's homeland, where kava is prevalent, cancer rates are surprisingly low. However, caution is advised, as one of kava's components has been found to stimulate melanoma cancer cells.

Regulates Blood Pressure: Some sources suggest that kava may lower blood pressure, but it should be avoided at least two weeks before surgery due to its potential impact on blood clotting.

Reduces Cough and Cold Symptoms: Research suggests that kava can aid in treating common colds, coughs, flu, and other respiratory infections. Consuming kava root tea may be beneficial for alleviating these symptoms.

Chronic Pain Relief: Studies demonstrate that kava can effectively relieve chronic pain, including muscle strains and spasms. Its muscle relaxant properties make it a potential option for treating various forms of chronic pain.

Relieves Menstrual Cramps: Given its pain-relieving properties, kava can alleviate menstrual symptoms and help manage hot flashes.

Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: Kava's ability to calm nerves and reduce stress makes it potentially useful in treating erectile dysfunction. It may also aid in addressing premature ejaculation by increasing penile blood flow and sexual stimulation.

Toothache Relief: Kava's anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anesthetic properties make it effective for treating toothaches. Chewing a small piece of dried kava root for about 15 minutes can provide relief. Kava root oil can also be applied to the affected gums.

May Prevent Epileptic Seizures: Animal studies suggest that kava is an effective anticonvulsant for individuals with epilepsy. It may increase the threshold for inducing seizures and enhance the effect of conventional antiepileptic drugs.

Relieves Menopausal Symptoms: In clinical trials, kava has shown effectiveness in reducing irritability, depression, anxiety, and insomnia in perimenopausal women.

Reduces Inflammation: Compounds in kava have demonstrated the ability to suppress pro-inflammatory markers, leading to a reduction in the immune system's inflammatory response.

In what forms Kava is available?

Kava It can be taken in gummies, capsule, powder or liquid form.

How to Prepare Kava Tea:

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of our 70% extract Kava powder
2 liters of warm water

Fast and modern preparation:

1. Pour warm water into a blender or shaker.
2. Add one tablespoon of kava root powder per two litres or half per litre.
3. Shake well and let it steep for a couple of minutes.

Traditional preparation:

1. In a large bowl, mix kava root powder with warm water.
2. Let the kava root powder sit in the water for approximately 20 minutes to allow the extraction of its beneficial compounds.
3. Strain the mixture, separating the liquid and placing it in a separate bowl.
4. Once the initial straining is complete, return the kava root powder back into the water.
5. Mix the kava root powder well within the water.
6. Strain the mixture again, ensuring that the liquid is collected in a separate bowl.
7. Your kava tea is now ready for consumption, use half of a coconut shell for the drink.

How do you feel after taking kava?

If you are having kava for the first time, your mouth will slightly get numb. This is common and normal. You will feel calm and content with a good sense of feeling happy or even euphoric. Kava leaves behind a tingling sensation and the numbness is a testament of drinking high A grade kava.

Kava Gummies:

An excellent option for those who do not perceive the taste of Kava and want to experience a more pleasant taste.

Kava Capsules:

For those who dislike the taste of Kava, capsules or tablets provide a convenient and taste-free option. Kava capsules allow individuals to easily incorporate Kava into their routine without having to endure the characteristic taste of the root. This form of consumption offers a discreet and straightforward way to enjoy the potential benefits of Kava.

The taste of Kava can be compared to espresso. Those who don’t like the pure taste of coffee drink other coffee drinks, the same with Kava. Not everyone likes the taste of Kava, so we offer you a more ideal choice.

Kava Dosage Guidelines:

General Recommendation: Experts advise not exceeding a daily dose of 250 mg of kavalactone. The effective range for kavalactones is typically between 70 and 250 mg.

Supplement Content: Kava supplements may indicate kavalactone content in milligrams or as a percentage. If presented as a percentage, it's necessary to calculate the actual kavalactone amount.

Calculation Example: For instance, if a capsule contains 100 mg of kava root extract and is standardized to 70% kavalactone, the actual kavalactone content is 70 mg (100 mg x 0.70 = 70 mg).

Achieving Effective Dose: To attain an effective dose within the 70-250 mg range, should consider taking at least three capsules of the supplement. Adjustments may be made based on individual tolerance and response, but it's crucial to stay within the recommended daily limit to avoid potential adverse effects. Always consult with a healthcare professional before adjusting dosage or incorporating kava supplements into your routine.

Contraindications for Kava Consumption:

Liver Issues: Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or predisposition to liver problems are advised against consuming kava due to the risk of liver toxicity.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant women should avoid kava consumption as it may impact fetal development. There's insufficient information on the safety of kava during breastfeeding.

Heart Problems: Those with serious heart conditions, including arrhythmia, angina, or high blood pressure, should steer clear of kava as it can affect heart rhythm.

Interaction with Medications: Kava may interact with certain medications, including liver-affecting drugs, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.

Coordination and Driving Issues: Consumption of kava can induce drowsiness and impair coordination, making driving and machinery operation undesirable post-consumption.

Personal Intolerance: Some individuals may experience individual intolerance to kava, resulting in allergic reactions.

Children and Adolescents: Safety studies on kava consumption in children and adolescents are limited, and usage is advised against. It is recommended that you consult your doctor or pharmacist before using kava. This is especially important for people with existing liver, heart or kidney disease, or those taking medications. Consider individual reactions and, if necessary, obtain professional advice for safe and effective use.