Kava kava Root

Also Known As – Piper methysticum

Wild Crafted  Kaui, Hawaii - This herb cannot be shipped internationally.

Overview - Native to the Pacific Islands, kava is a large rangy shrub with dark green leaves that are heart-shaped. There is some medicinal value to the leaves, but they are rarely used. It was first heard about in Europe in 1777 after Captain Cook's second voyage to the south Pacific. The Islanders used the herb in ceremonies, festivals and gave it to visitors as a sign of good will. It was considered an aphrodisiac and stimulant. The root has an aromatic bitter taste with a slight local anesthetic effect in the mouth.

Medicinal Uses – Internally, Kava is prescribed for Muscle Relaxation and used to calm anxiety, stress, and restlessness, and treat sleep problems (insomnia). It is also used for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, psychosis, depression, migraines and other headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), common cold and other respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, muscle pain, and cancer prevention. It works well for these ailments as it relieves fatigue and gives you energy. It helps rheumatism. It acts as a disinfectant for urinary and reproductive infections. It has been used to treat obesity, colds, and fevers and to rid the body of parasites. Since it is a natural sedative, it is often used to treat insomnia and nervousness. 

There are many products available for natural pain relief, but many come with a price and unpleasant side effects. When most people think of the phrase “side effects,” they think of the distasteful or harmful ones. But, surprisingly enough, an exciting and positive side effect of Kava happens to be pain relief, especially effective for sufferers of back pain. This is in part due to the muscle relaxing properties of this splendid plant as well as its natural pain relieving properties built into the plant naturally.

In Hawaii, teething, feverish children are given Kava Root (pre-chewed by their mothers), twice a day to calm and soothe them in their state of pain and discomfort. All across the South Pacific, kava is used as a calmative and as a pain reliever for both children and adults. It is also used as a poison antidote and as a treatment for conditions such as bronchitis, as well as anxiety, tension and restlessness.

It is widely used throughout the Pacific Islands as an analgesic, and also as an effective treatment for severe bites and stings from insects and poisonous fish. Homeopathically, kava has been and is used to treat such conditions as chronic back aches and to soothe states of excitation and exhaustion. The muscle relaxation and analgesic properties, as well as local anesthetic uses and anti-anxiety and sleep inducement properties, have all been pharmacologically demonstrated in kava.

One of the benefits of working with kava is that it offers helpful, natural healing and comforting qualities that otherwise could only be found in expensive prescription medication.  There are many personal anecdotes of kava consumers who have found great relief from using kava to make themselves more comfortable, both during the day, and at night when they are trying to sleep. Everyone knows that a better night’s rest equals better health during the day, and better health during the day may lead to decreased pain in the body.

Although we are severely limited in what we’re able to explicitly state about the pain relieving properties of Kava Kava, it doesn’t take much looking on the internet to find countless personal stories of how Kava has helped improve the quality of life for so many, as it has safely for thousands of years in Oceania.  Although Kava is becoming a threat to major pharmaceutical companies, partly because it’s a powerful and effective natural remedy for pain, it is now protected by the FDA.  This is important when seeking out something to assist with pain, especially when one is seeking something that is all-natural, safe, and effective.

Externally, Kava can be applied for headaches, leprosy and skin diseases including fungal infections like ringworm.

Herbs to Combine/Supplement - A recipe for a kava herbal tea is made with 6 tablespoons of root, 3 teaspoons of cinnamon, 3 teaspoons of cardamom, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, a pinch of allspice, a gallon of water, 1 or 2 cups of milk, soymilk or rice milk and 4 tablespoons of honey. Boil all ingredients except the milk and honey in a non-aluminum pan. Simmer on low heat for an hour and then strain. Add milk and honey to desired taste.

Parts Used -The rhizome is used medicinally as a powder, tablets and capsules, tinctures, an extract or as a tonic beverage.

Precautions - If you are pregnant or nursing, do not use kava. Do not take this herb with alcohol or when you need to operate machinery or vehicles. While small doses do not appear to have any side effects, large doses may cause yellow discoloration of the skin, hair and nails, allergic skin reactions and vision disturbance. Excessive use may also cause eye irritation, tiredness, impairment of motor reflexes, equilibrium, rash, pupil dilation, sores and itching. There is some controversy on whether or not kava can cause liver disease.

• The fact that the Swiss, British and French have made moves to remove the herb from their respective markets should give further cause for concern. You should certainly seek the advice of a professional before embarking on a prolonged course of this herb.

Preparation and Dosage - Follow the directions on the label of commercial preparations. Do not overdose this herb. If you are taking this herb medicinally, it is best to use it under the guidance of an experienced professional.

Warning: CAUTION: US FDA advises that a potential risk of rare, but severe, liver injury may be associated with Kava. Consult a health care practitioner before use, and if taking any medications. Discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur. Not for use by persons under 18 years of age, with alcoholic beverages, or by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Excessive use, or use with products that cause drowsiness, may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or dangerous equipment.

Note: This item cannot be shipped to Canada.

Disclaimer - The information presented herein by Mountain Maus’ Remedies is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.