What is Kava Kava? Discover the exotic treasure of the Pacific!
What is Kava Kava?
Kava Kava, or pepper tree, is a shrub with green heart-shaped leaves, growing up to 6 metres tall. The root of the plant is important for its relaxing, sedative and euphoric properties. The plant is native to the Pacific, where the root is traditionally crushed, soaked in coconut milk and used for medicinal and ritual purposes. In Europe, the plant has been known since the 18th century, thanks to the seafarer James Cook, who first brought it to Europe, and the father and son of Forest, who identified it. Today, the root can be purchased in various forms, but is most commonly sold dried and ground.
Effects of Kava Kava
Up to 20% of peppermint root is made up of kavalactones, psychoactive substances that affect GABAA receptors in the human body and reduce neuronal activity. This results in relaxing and sedative properties. Cavalactones also act on serotonin and dopamine receptors to improve mood and induce euphoria.
Kava Kava also reduces pain by affecting opioid receptors. Although a psychoactive substance, it should not cause serious dependence.
Studies suggest that Kava Kava could be effective in relieving anxiety and stress. Reductions in anxiety and stress and, subsequently, better sleep occurred in about three-quarters of the subjects tested at doses up to 300 mg of kavalactones per day, after the first week of use.
Side effects
Side effects of Kava Kava are rare. They include drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, or vivid dreams.
However, prolonged use of this substance, longer than two months, can lead to dermopathy, a condition characterised by dry and yellowish skin, as well as liver damage.
Kava kava can increase hand tremors and is therefore not suitable for people with Parkinson's disease.
Not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Kava Kava should not be combined with caffeine, alcohol, drugs or medications.
Kava Kava products
Peppermint root can be purchased in various forms. It is most commonly sold in the form of a brown powder, which is made from the dried and ground root. Dried and crushed, it is sold loose or portioned in sachets as a tea.
There are also Kava Kava capsules with a standardized amount of kavalacones. When the root is soaked in alcohol or glycerin, its active ingredients are released. In this way, a tincture is produced. Kava Kava can also be included in other products, such as liquids for vapes.
Due to the lack of research and legislation, Kava Kava products are only sold for collecting purposes. They are not to be consumed in any form.
Conclusion
Kava Kava, otherwise known as the pepper tree, is native to the Pacific, where the root of the plant is used in healing and rituals. Its relaxing, sedative and euphoric properties are characteristic and can contribute to better mood, anxiety and stress reduction and better quality sleep.
It can be purchased in the form of powder, tea capsules or tinctures. Kava Kava can also be included in other products, such as liquids for vaping. Kava Kava products are not intended for consumption and are sold for collectible purposes only.
Author: Natálie Kubíčková
Photo: AI
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