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 Kava-kava root comes from a tall shrub that grows in
tropic climates such as Hawaii. The kava-kava plant produces large
heart-shaped leaves that cover the branches. The flowers of the
kava-kava plant grow from the point where the stems and branches
connect.
One of the main uses of kava root is to reduce
stress-related anxiety and for combating the effects of anxiety
disorders. When taken in small doses, kava helps increase awareness
and activity without increasing tension. If higher doses of kava are
taken, the chemicals in kava root induce sleep and may cause
drowsiness. Physicians and health specialists have been known to
prescribe kava for treatment of pain, anxiety, insomnia,
uncontrolled epilepsy, stiffness, and jet lag.
Kava-kava root
has shown in previously conducted animal testing to possess
chemicals called kavapyrones that are effective in reducing
convulsions and consequently allow the muscles to relax. The
kavalactones also produce the same reactions on the brain as
pharmaceutical drugs used for depression and anxiety. Placing liquid
kava directly in your mouth or on your gums will cause a strong
numbing sensation induced by the kavalactones found in the
kava.
Many of the chemical properties in kava-kava seem to
offer a soothing or calming effect on the central nervous system.
Fortunately, in comparison to alternative anti-anxiety and or
sedative prescriptions, the chemicals in kava do not appear to
affect the blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, or one’s ability
to think clearly. Kava lactones do however affect the number of
specific neurotransmitters (chemicals carrying messages from nerve
cells to other cells) found in the blood. Consumption of the kava
root may prevent re-absorption of one particular neurotransmitter
called norepinephrine; consequently, increased blood levels of
norepinephrine may be connected with lower anxiety levels and
relaxation or a calm mood. The lactones contained in kava may also
stimulate the production of more attachment sites in the body for a
different neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). Having
more GABA sites could plausibly lead to more GABA activity, which
increases sedation. Another possible explanation for kava’s positive
results may be that the chemicals at work block the action of the
enzyme monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B), taking effect on the levels of
dopamine, a fourth neurotransmitter. However, this is done by
unpredictable methods. Although both MAO-B and dopamine have
distinct roles in the emotional stability of the human body, the
exact effects of kava-kava on them are still somewhat
un-determined.
Dosage and
Administration
When taking Kava supplements make
sure that they are standardized to the kavalactone content. Usually,
70 mg of standardized kava extract is taken three times each day, or
a total dose of 210 mg. A single 210 mg dose may be useful for
insomnia. To help reduce anxiety and insomnia, and to reduce stress,
a suggested kava dose is 2.0 to 4.0 g as decoction up to three times
daily. A kava decoction is created by boiling the herb in
water.
Precautions and Side
Effects
In March 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) issued a warning that taking kava has been
associated with cases of liver damage. The FDA said that
individuals, especially those with liver diseases or those taking
medications that might impair liver function, should discuss the use
of kava with a doctor before they begin taking
it.
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