Kava What Did You Know About it…
Kava Powder
Kava also known as Kava Kava (Fiji, Tonga) or ‘Awa (Hawaii) just to name a few; is a powerful superfood I am certain you have never heard about!
Even though Kava has been around for ages predominantly used in the Pacific and Polynesian islands; it is somewhat new to most.
Interesting facts about Kava
Kava tea helps to achieve enlightenment
Relative to the black peppercorn since it is derived from the ground roots of the Piper Methysticum plant (translated to “intoxicating pepper”
It is an alternative to alcohol as it does not produce the hang-over feeling!
Kava Tea is consumed a lot in Fiji and Hawaii before or after religious ceremonies
Kava is much more than a great escape from a long day’s work. It has been proven to improve sleep, reduce stress and curb anxiety. Utilizing Kava as a tincture or in tea form can assist in promoting a relaxed frame of being. Persons battling social anxiety disorders can also benefit from this superfood. Kava capsules can also be a pathway to self-awareness.
The special components in Kava responsible for these vast benefits are known as Kavalactones. Six (6) known types of Kavalactones make up 90% of Kava.
They are as follows:
- Desmethoxyyangonin #1
- Dihydrokavain #2
- Yangonin #3
- Kavain #4
- Dihydromethysticin #5
- Methysticin #6
How does this actually work for us?
Natural compounds called kavalactones have the ability to influence our limbic system, which controls our emotions, instincts, and response to danger. Our fight-or-flight response is constantly on when we are under stress or overworked, which can be dangerous. Kavalactones bind to specific brain receptors, which can help calm down our limbic system. One kavalactone in particular, kavain, is particularly effective at calming our body. Kavalactones can also ease pain by relaxing the muscles and constricting blood vessels, which increases blood flow to places that need repair.
Kava Plant
There are various ways to use Kava.
Traditionally -You may get either the entire root or kava powder. Using a spice grinder or blender, ground the whole root into a fine powder before using it to produce kava. Pour 1 cup of water and 1 spoonful of kava powder into a strainer with a towel or sock in between. To allow the kavalactones to infuse the liquid, allow the mixture to soak for at least 45 minutes. The strength of the kava will increase with the amount of steeping time.
Put the kava in a jar after straining it through cheesecloth to the desired strength. To expel any lingering juices, squeeze and massage the kava in a manner akin to how our ancestors chewed the root.
Tea! - Steep loose kava powder in 120° F boiling water. Avoid exceeding 140° F to prevent burning off powerful chemicals. When you're ready to consume, strain. Some individuals put kava powder in a tea bag, but the sac prevents the roots from moving freely. As a result, the brew may not be as strong. Also, avoid consuming teas that contain kava in proprietary blends. That way, you won't know how much kava you're taking in. It might be harmful to people who might have negative kava side effects
Tincture - Extracted kavalactones are combined with a solvent in a kava tincture. This solvent is typically alcohol. The roots are broken down by ethanol, allowing kavalactones to enhance the mixture. The greatest way to use kava to nearly instantly reduce anxiety is through tinctures. Drop some liquid under your tongue. Give the substances time to soak in your mouth for quick results!
The best approach to taking kavalactones on a daily basis is via kava capsules. It has kava powder inside of a shell that can be eaten. Kavalactones are released into the body when the body disintegrates the outer shell. Although tinctures offer faster-acting relief, capsules just amplify the benefits. You can start feeling the effects of kava hours after taking the capsule because your body has to digest the entire solid component!
There are 3 varieties of Kava
Heady Kava- As the name implies, heady kava boosts your mental condition. Heady kava tends to have higher yangonin and kavain. Herbalists believe yangonin is responsible for activating the intellect and fostering consciousness. Meanwhile, kavain helps boost happiness and lowers stress.
Heavy Kava- Heavy kava is utilized for calming the muscles. Thus, the weighty name. You feel more relaxed, sluggish, and at peace. Most of these benefits relate attributed to the higher quantities of dihydrokavain and dihydromethysticin observed in heavy kavas.
Balanced Kava- A wonderful balance of heavy and heady kava can be found in balanced kavas. Desmethoxyyangonin and methysticin are also present in sufficient concentrations in their genetic makeup. Because of this, balanced kava is perfect for people who want to encourage overall wellness. They are perfect for someone who needs to take care of their bodily and emotional demands.
Here is Fujian Kava powder that is balanced and noble from Royal Fruits. If you are willing to learn more about this product, find out more here.
Kava’s Safety
Kava is typically accepted as a safe anxiety treatment when used temporarily. The prolonged use of kava raises several health issues, though. Concerns about the safety of kava typically center on persons with liver problems.
Possible Liver Toxicity of Kava
In a 2018 health report, 30 studies on kava and potential liver harm were examined. Kava consumption for an extended period of time has been related to cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis, according to research.
Many believe that the same enzymes used to break down prescription medicines in the liver can break down kava. As a result, it inhibits the activity of these enzymes, allowing other reactive substances, such as drugs to cause harm.
Although it was not known how much kava was ingested by each participant in each trial, this meta-analysis did make that point. Since then, scientists have come to suspect that these effects may originate from sources other than the plant's roots. They're discovering that kava obtained from roots doesn't have the same detrimental effects on the liver as a full plant extract when used sparingly. Experts have proposed that making kava tinctures with ethanol might contribute to some of these problems.
The historical use of kava by our ancestors has been thoroughly investigated by researcher Jerome Sarris of Australia's University of Queensland. Sarris is eager to point out that our forefathers weren't known to suffer liver issues. He told WebMD that the distinction is that "only the water-soluble extract, and only the peeled root of the plant" were used by our ancestors.
Restrictions on Consuming Kava
Always abide by the recommended kava serving guidelines. Don't take more than what is advised. Stop using kava immediately if you have any changes in your skin, urination patterns, or level of muscle or weight. Speak to your doctor right away. You can get negative effects from kava if you're on daclizumab. Zidovudine users may have slight side effects from kava as well.
Kava may have euphoric short-term effects. Kava should not be consumed by expectant mothers.
Below are some studies on Kava for further reading.
This study investigates the limbic system's effects of kava and kavalactones in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Due to this, kava is frequently used to relieve anxiety temporarily. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4630875/
Kavalactones' neuroprotective properties This investigation examines the anti-inflammatory properties of kava and how it might support brain health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4498339/
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