Kava Kava is used throughout the pacific area where it grows. It is firmly part of a lot of the cultures in those countries being used as a common relaxant in the same was alcohol might be used in other countries. It is even used in religion to help with getting inspiration. It was traditionally consumed by chewing the roots or by grinding them first and then added with water to make a drink. Using warm water can increase the potency but water that is too hot will reduce the potency so it is important not to brew it at such a high temperature as tea. It is now sold as pills, as well as drinks and powder.
Kava Kava is used for several purposes in herbal medicine. It is chewed by some people to reduce pain in the throat as it can numb the throat. This is due to the kavalactones that it contains. It have 15 different types, 6 of which have been shown to have an effect on the body. It can be used as a mild sedative which produces vivid dreams and it also relaxes the muscles. The effects are often compared to those found with alcohol consumption. If the dose is taken in a potent drink then it will often induce sleep, but on waking there are no adverse effects.
There has been some research done to show that kava kava can have an effect on cancer cells and so there is now more research being done to see whether it can be any use for sufferers of this disease. So it could potentially be a very useful herb indeed.
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