Kava or Kava Kava, as it is more commonly known, is known across the world as a stress relieving agent. Used in the form of roots, this plant, hailing from the Pacific region, has been used in traditional medicine for more than 3000 years. The natural calming properties of this plant have made it very popular in the food supplement market. Available in the form of liquids, capsules, soft gels, tablets, and tinctures, Kava is also known for its analgesic and anaesthetic properties.
Grown in the western Pacific regions, Kava is also known as yaqona, awa, as well as sakau. Its scientific name is Piper methysticum. Kava is a root that in Greek means intoxicating! If you are into botany, then the following information might be of interest to you!
In ancient Greece, the roots of Kava were used widely for preparing drink that was sedative in nature. Loaded with kavalactones, this product today is also known to provide various health benefits when consumed within the advised conditions. Read through to catch a glimpse of the health benefits kava has in store.
Being blessed with anaesthetic properties, use of this root is known to result in losing body sensations for a temporary period of time.
Rich with innate analgesic properties, Kava root can be used to ease the pain experienced due to arthritis as well as muscle spasms. The chronic pain experienced due to fibromyalgia can also be relieved to a certain extent with regular use of this root.
Muscle spasms are common in various medical conditions, including menstruation. Studies conducted on this root suggest that using Kava under such conditions can help provide relief from intense spasms.
A well-accepted natural sedative, Kava-kava can be used for treating people who are prone to chronic stress and depression. A natural tranquilizer, it helps in relieving the various symptoms associated with depression, including anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, and even nervousness. Studies have proven that the kava-kava root can provide relief to people subjected to palpitations triggered by panic attacks.
Be it tobacco, drugs, or alcohol, overcoming any addiction is unarguable a mountainous task. Along with hastening the cessation process, the sedative and tranquilizing properties of Kava root also help in overcoming the withdrawal symptoms associated with addiction in a much better way.
Thanks to the antifungal, antispasmodic, and diuretic properties of Kava, the root of this plant has been used since time immemorial for the treatment of various infections affecting urinary bladder and urinary tract.
Kava is well-known for its ability to restrict the brain area affected by stroke and ischemia.I it indirectly ensures that the brain is not damaged extensively, paving way for a faster and better recovery.
The tranquilizing and sedative properties of this root have been put to use by traditional physicians to help people suffering from sleep disorders. Those who are suffering from insomnia can make use of kava roots, within advisory conditions, for a better night’s sleep.
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Menopause is one of the toughest stages in a woman’s life. She faces quite a lot of issues, physically and psychologically. This root is bestowed with antispasmodic, anaesthetic, alterative, and sedative properties. The combined effect of all these help women tide over the menopausal syndrome in a better way.
Studies conducted on this root have shed light on its potential role in treating leukaemia as well as ovarian cancer. Kava root, being a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, can be used along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, to ease the pain experienced during such conditions. Plus, the sedative properties of this root also induces sleep and a partial numbing effect, thus helping the suffering ones cope with the condition in a better way.
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Kava should NOT be used for a prolonged period of time. The sale and use of kava-kava is regulated in several countries because kava-kava can prove toxic in some cases and can result in chronic liver problems, scaly, yellow-hued skin, facial swelling, as well as shortness of the breath.
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Pregnant women, alcoholics, as well as those who are on medication are advised not to use Kava. Please check with you physician, if you are under medications, before you use this.