Learn about Kava

Also known as Kava Kava, this tropical shrub is a traditional medicine, ceremonial drink and social beverage from the Pacific Islands, where it has been used for hundreds (if not thousands) of years. The botanical name translates to ‘intoxicating pepper’, and the word Kava means ‘bitter’ in Tongan. Kava is a part of many Polynesian, Micronesian and Melanesian cultures, including Fiji, Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
Traditionally the roots are harvested after 5 years, and either chewed, ground or pounded into a paste, then mixed with water, strained and then drunk. The effects include feelings of calmness, euphoria, reduced pain, well-being and reduced anxiety without diminishing cognitive performance. Initially Kava may produce a talkative period, followed by muscle relaxation & drowsiness. It is generally accepted that Kava is non-addictive and not habit forming.
Kava contains kavalactones, which act much like alcohol on the brain, making you feel calm, relaxed and happy. In fact, in a traditional ceremonies, Kava is used to bring about a relaxed and euphoric state, similar to how we use alcohol in Western cultures.
Kavalactones (which include methysticin, dihydromethysticin, yangonin, dihydrokavain, and kavain) are responsible for producing muscular relaxation and a calming effect. Some of these kavalactones increase GABA in the brain, some act as MAOIs (inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase B from removing neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine from the brain), and some increase noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine (low levels of these neurotransmitters are associated with depression, anxiety, ADHD and more).
Kava is most often used today as a remedy for anxiety, stress, insomnia and PMS. Research supports these uses, although there is still some contention about whether the benefits outweigh the risks (see below).
Many studies have shown Kava’s ability to reduce anxiety. The method is not totally understood, but is thought to be due to the action of kavalactones on neurotransmitters in the brain. Kava may also help with insomnia, especially if it is stress-induced insomnia.
According to a research paper on the neuroprotective properties of kavalactones, “findings suggest that the use of kava might also be beneficial for the treatment of many degenerative diseases or nervous system conditions” including oxidative stress and inflammation related diseases such as Alzheimer disease and stroke.
Kava also shows promise in the treatment of addiction. The active ingredients found in kava, known as kavapyrones, have been found to bind to many sites in the brain that are associated with addiction and craving. Preliminary findings indicate that Kava may reduce the cravings associated with addiction. (6)
SERVING SUGGESTION:
Kava servings should be chugged quickly in order to prevent the sediments from settling down and also because it's not very pleasant to sip it slowly. Drink one shell of Kava (half a cup or 100-150ml) at a time. Some people like to use a chaser (e.g. a fresh fruit or some coconut milk) to wash away the earthy kava taste. Take at least 15-20-minute long breaks between servings as it may take a while for the kavalactones to start acting and for you feel the effects. Remember that kava works best on an empty stomach (try not to eat anything for a while before drinking kava).
NOTES ON SAFETY:
There is a distinction made between ‘noble’ and ‘non-noble’ kava varieties, the former being the preferred and most consumed & propagated varieties due to their more favourable composition of kavalactones and other compounds that produce more pleasant effects and have lower potential for causing negative side-effects, such as nausea or "kava hangover". According to Wikipedia, “More recently, it has been suggested that the widespread use of tudei (non-noble) cultivars in the manufacturing of several kava products might have been the key factor contributing to the rare reports of adverse reactions to kava observed among the consumers of kava-based products in Europe.