Kava | Piper methysticum
A potent herb known for its calming and muscle relaxant properties. Its active compounds, kavalactones, interact with the central nervous system, promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and aiding sleep without impairing mental clarity.
Herbal Actions and Effects on the Body
- Anxiolytic: Kava is renowned for its ability to alleviate anxiety. The active compounds, known as kavalactones, interact with neurotransmitter pathways in the brain, promoting relaxation without impairing cognitive function.
- Sedative: Kava induces mild sedation, making it beneficial for individuals experiencing restlessness or insomnia. It helps in reducing the time taken to fall asleep and improves sleep quality.
- Antispasmodic: The muscle-relaxing properties of kava can ease muscle tension and spasms, providing relief from various forms of physical discomfort.
- Anti-cancer: Research on kava’s anti-cancer properties, such as the study on flavokawain A (FKA), highlights the plant’s potential in cancer treatment. Studies shows its potential as an anti-cancer agent. FKA induces cell death in bladder cancer cells and reduces tumor growth in animal models. This research suggests kava could be further explored for cancer treatments.
Precautions and Side Effects
While kava is effective for anxiety and sleep disturbances, it is essential to be aware of potential side effects and precautions:
Liver Health: There have been reports linking kava consumption to liver damage, including hepatitis and liver failure. Symptoms may include jaundice, fatigue, and dark urine. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using kava, especially if you have liver issues or are taking medications that affect the liver.
- Drug Interactions: Kava may interact with other medications, particularly those affecting the central nervous system, potentially enhancing sedative effects. Combining kava with alcohol or psychotropic drugs is not recommended.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to limited research on its safety, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid kava.
Plant Identification, Growth, and Edible/Medicinal Parts
Appearance: Kava is a perennial shrub from the pepper family (Piperaceae). It features large, heart-shaped leaves and woody stems, reaching up to 3 meters in height.
Growing: The plant thrives in tropical climates with well-drained soil and partial shade. It is typically propagated through stem cuttings, as it rarely produces viable seeds.
Harvesting: Kava is harvested when the plant matures, usually after 2-5 years. The roots and rhizomes are carefully dug out and cleaned for processing.
Edible/Medicinal Parts: The roots and rhizomes are the most valuable parts of the plant, as they contain high concentrations of kavalactones. These are dried and ground into powder to make traditional beverages, extracts, or capsules used for their calming and sedative effects.
Common Names and Origin
Kava is also known by several other names, including awa, yaqona, and sakau. The term “kava” is derived from the Polynesian word “awa,” meaning bitter. The plant is indigenous to the South Pacific region, with a long history of use in countries such as Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa, where it holds cultural and social significance.
Sources
- WebMD – What is Kava Kava?
- Healthline – Kava: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage
- NCCIH – Kava: Usefulness and Safety. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Wikipedia – Kava
- American Association for Cancer Research. “Flavokawain A, a Novel Chalcone from Kava Extract, Induces Apoptosis in Bladder Cancer Cells by Involvement of Bax Protein-Dependent and Mitochondria-Dependent Apoptotic Pathway and Suppresses Tumor Growth in Mice.” Cancer Research