Kava is a powerful and unusual herbal supplement. Found and curated on the western Pacific Islands, this native plant is a staple for facilitating conversation and calming anxiety. Kava’s use continues to be undervalued and unknown to the common Western folk. Learn how to utilize this impressive little plant for optimal rest, relaxation, and inner peace below!
What is Kava?
Kava is the cultivated root of the Piper methysticum plant. Found on the Pacific Islands, it has a hand in many cultures like Polynesia, Vanuatu, Melanesia, and Micronesia, among others, as a sedative to aid in soothing the soul. The active ingredient in Kava, Kavalactones, has slight mood-altering effects and is a sedative and euphoriant. Those who partake in Kava enter a light and happy mood once ingested. Kava can be taken to take the edge off, and, in Fiji, it is used to make the conversation flow easier, but there are other helpful powers hidden within this root. Kava can treat anxiety, insomnia, and stress in safe dosages.
The preparation of Kava varies between cultures. A grog of Kava and water, followed by a sweet or spicy chaser, is prepared in Fiji. This ceremony welcomes all to partake and allows for ample storytelling and free conversation. Many other island cultures follow a similar preparation of grinding the Kava root and mixing it with cold water. This is the safest and most traditional method.
Kava and Anxiety
The world is stressful, especially during the days of COVID and the tumultuous political landscapes that vary throughout every different nation. As anxiety is rampant in our daily lives, Kava is one way to treat it safely. While I cannot safely recommend Kava for actual anxiety disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, it can aid in day-to-day anxiety produced by certain situations or minor stressors. The Kavalactones in Kava allow for gentle sedation that soothes nerves and relaxes the brain.
You may take either water-based Kava drinks or supplements to treat basic anxiety. The safest amount to take would be about 200 mg of Kavalactones daily. Taking Kava for up to five weeks daily should improve results, but be careful not to overdo these supplements. Furthermore, Kava, when mixed with other herbs, can also fend off sleep disorders. The Lucid Dreaming Tea is an amazing example of this fact.
Kava: Safety and Respect
Like many supplements, Kava has a variety of side effects that should be taken into account. Never drive or operate heavy machinery after partaking in Kava, as the drowsiness this lovely plant brings can be detrimental to focusing on such important tasks. Keep an eye on your liver health while taking Kava. Ensure that you use the supplements or teas from reputable sources to avoid liver damage.
Remember, Kava is a traditional and ceremonial part of many Pacific Islanders’ cultures. You must also be respectful of this sacred plant and practice when in spaces where Kava is prevalent. Honor those who honor Kava for granting ease of conversation, facilitating sacred stories, and calming the minds of those plagued with worries and stress. Kava offers a chance to unwind, so when given the chance, be sure to allow Kava to do just that. Herbalism is the lifeblood of medicine and knowledge, and with this in mind, you must honor these practices to ensure you are honoring yourself.
