Can this Pacific Islands plant help reduce anxiety and improve sleep?
Here’s what to know about kava.
How Do People Use Kava?
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Traditionally, people use kava root to make beverages that cause mild to moderate sedation and feelings of euphoria.
In some traditional cultures, people drink kava like those in other parts of the world drink coffee.
Little research has been done to pinpoint their exactmechanisms of actionor evaluate which compounds are more active than others.
Anxiety
The current body of evidence suggests that kava may aid in the treatment of anxiety.
Based on the study measures, even people provided a placebo had significant improvements in sleep.
Some research suggests that modifying kava compounds might increase these anti-inflammatory effects.
However, more research is needed, and some reports suggest that kava exposure caninducean inflammatory response.
Side Effects of Kava
The use of kava remains controversial.
Many of these cases were linked to pre-existing liver disease, excessive kava doses, and heavy alcohol use.
In the aftermath of the warning, several countries have restricted the sale of kava within their borders.
Some studies have suggested that kava can be readily transmitted in breastmilk.
Drug Interactions
Kava can interact with several drugs and supplements.
There are also “wild-crafted” dried roots used to make tinctures, teas, and beverages.
Kava means “bitter” in the Tongan language.
Most capsule formulations are offered in doses ranging from 50 milligrams to 100 milligrams.
What a manufacturer cannot do is market their supplements as a cure for any disease or medical condition.
This doesn’t mean the manufacturer can’t suggest possible health benefits; many do.
Buy products that are certified organic under the regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This is especially true of wild-crafted dried kava.
How do I make kava tea or beverage?
To make a 6- to 8-ounce glass of traditional kava drink:
Does kava produce a high?
Taken in normal doses, kava may help induce a sense of well-being and reduce anxiety.
Higher doses may produce more significant effects but should be avoided due to the serious risk of liver damage.
What does kava do to the brain?
Although kava’s neurological effects are well-recognized, their exact mechanisms remain poorly understood.
In the brain, kava modulates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and inhibits monoamine oxidase B. MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
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