What is KAVA ?
Also
known as Kava Kava, Kawa, Awa, Waka, Lawena, or Yaqona, Kava is
a sprawling Polynesian evergreen shrub, a member of the pepper family.
The main part of the plant used is the large root. It's active ingredient
is kavalactones.
Kava
does not reproduce from seeds, rather it propagates itself from rhizomes
(root cuttings). It flourishes in high humidity, warmth and shade.
Most kava is native to stream beds in warm climates like that of Hawaii.
What does it do?
As
a beverage, kava is a depressant, and about ten minutes after consumption
the effects of kava can be felt. Small dosages make people relaxed
and friendly and unlike the affects of alcohol, it does not impair alertness
or attentiveness in anyway. Another difference between kava and many
other depressents, it is not known to be addictive. In Hawaiian,
awa
means
bitter and refers to the pungent taste of the beverage. In large
dosages the powerful, soporific can produce a deep dreamless sleep.
However in order to obtain this state of being one usually must chew the
root itself. The root is very fibrous and unappetizing, which even
native kava drinkers have a difficult time consuming.
What is sometimes overlooked
by this magnificent plant are it's medicinal properties. Kava has
a long history of use in the South Pacific as a tranquilizing elixir that
produces relaxation and sleep. Not to mention the leaves, stem and
bark of the Kava bush also have applications for treating a variety of
ailments. Other uses for kava have been as a muscle relaxant, to
relieve stiffness, relieve muscle fatigue and specific cases in Germany
have used kava extracts as an anti-anxiety drug.
Whenever you first try a new medicine, herb, or supplement, it is always
best to start with low dosages and build up. Kava, if used appropriately,
can reduce the stress in our lives. It can also be used to decrease or
prevent the amount of stress or anxiety we anticipate to be exposed to.
Studies show the occasional use of kava presents no health problems . Years
of use in Germany have produced no reports of troublesome drug interactions
as well.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
-Before trying an herb, be sure your medical condition has been diagnosed
correctly.
-Tell your doctor about any herbal remedies you plan to try or already
take.
-Call or write the kava manufacturer for questions or comments.
-Do not use kava with sedatives, tranquilizers or alcohol.
Why is this study important?
We
found this topic important for a couple of reasons. The Kava plant
gives the same affects that alcohol does, however does not affect the mental
state of the consumer. It has had social, ceremonial and sacred uses
throughout the Pacific islands. Not only was it used for disputes
between neighbors, but aslo as well as in sacred healing ceremonies.
Kava is known as the drink of peace and what is better than Peace?
Finally, our last reason for choosing Kava is because of the medicinal
properties it holds. It almost seems like a plant that is to good
to be true, especially since it is legal.
Recreational Use-Many people around the world today are finding new ways to enjoy Kava. For the most part it is just to experience the weird sort of high that it provides to the consumer. For some smoking marijuana while drinking Kava enhances the feeling of being sedated. Keep in mind though that Kava is not mind altering or hallucinogenic, but gives more of a lathartic reaction to its users. Also don't forget that Kava is One-Hundred percent legal and can be provided or ordered from any herbal supplier or health food store.
Medicinal Use-For many decades countries all over the world have been using Kava not only for its recreational uses but also for the medicinal properties it offers. Germany for a long time has been using the Kava root for as an anti-anxiety drug. Not only is it an effective relaxant, but Kava also is a stress releiver that is a soothing safe alternative to dangerous tranquilizers, sleeping pills and anti-depressants. It eases muscle tension and insures a deep, refreshing sleep. Europe's largest pharmaceutical's treat urinary tract infections all the way to arthritis with this wonder drug. Also for women, kava is used to help through menopause. Although it is not very popular yet in our society today, ever increasing demands for Kava in the U.S. has torn the South Pacific Islanders between the traditional cultural and ritual uses of the beverage and benefitting from the economic opportunities that commercialization can provide. Kava Products
Ceremonial and Sacred Uses:
Ceremonial Ritual Use: The ceremonial way of making kava is called milolua, a word that is also employed to describe one method of straining, or "clearing" the kava. After the kava was prepared the ceremony would begin. There would be food served (about four different kinds of chicken and one type of pork). After the food was all gone, there would be gifts exchanged throughout the group. After the gifts were given the males would start the ceremonial passing out of the kava. Small cups are passed out to the entire group, then kava is poured into them. The drinking of the kava is the final stage of the ceremony. This next example of the ceremonial uses of kava is a chant used when kava was offered to the gods in Hawaii in 1894.
All kava-drinkers will agree, that kava, ready-for
serving, sparkles in the bowl, "The liquor glitters like a mirror, it has
the substance of turmeric in scented oil, it has the fragrance of Aglaia
blooms, it diffuses an odor like gourds of oil scented with sandalwood
two year old." (A pie Samoa)