What Is Kava Good For?
The calming effects of kava find great use in relieving anxiety and restlessness and other stress-related ailments. This root also relieves muscle spasms and other kinds of pain that are related to stress and irritability. Some sources say it also improves sleep quality. That’s a brief about what this root is good for. And now, we get to the details.
What Are The Benefits Of Kava Root?
Kava root has a calming effect and also helps relieve pain. In addition, the root also helps fight cancer and can do good to your muscles.
1. Fights Cancer
Studies have shown kava to be a potential cure for bladder cancer. The inhabitants of the South Pacific islands (the home of kava) have surprisingly low cancer rates despite being heavy smokers (1). As per reports by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, intake of kava has been linked to lower incidences of cancer. However, one of the constituents of kava has been found to stimulate melanoma cancer cells – so, consult your doctor before using it (2). Other studies have also spoken about the direct relation of kava consumption with lower cancer rates (3).
2. Regulates Blood Pressure
Some sources say kava might lower blood pressure. In fact, it can even interfere with blood clotting. For this reason, avoid kava at least two weeks prior to surgery. Also, consult your doctor for further information in this regard.
3. Can Help Lower Cholesterol Levels
There is one preliminary study that spoke of how a kava-using group had seen a decrease in their body fat and skinfold thickness (4). However, there is not enough evidence suggesting that kava can help lower cholesterol levels.
4. Eases Depression And Anxiety Issues
The relaxing and mood-elevating effects of kava are well known. The root contains compounds called kavalactones, which are known to positively affect the brain and the central nervous system. The chemicals produced from the kava root also help prevent convulsions. Studies have also focused on the efficacy of kava in treating stress and anxiety (5). And the calming effects of kava also reduce muscle spasms and relax the muscles.
5. Is Helpful For Bodybuilders
Since kava helps relax muscles, it is of great use for bodybuilders. The root negates the symptoms of overtraining and soothes the muscles.
6. Treats Cough And Cold Symptoms
Some research suggests that kava can help treat cold, cough, flu, and other infections of the respiratory tract. Ingesting kava root tea might help in this regard (we will discuss how to prepare the tea a little later).
7. Helps Deal With Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal
Kava has been known to help people deal with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and drug addiction. Studies have spoken about its efficacy as an anti-craving agent (6). Kava can also help you deal with the symptoms of opiate and kratom withdrawals.
8. Cures Chronic Pain
Studies have shown how kava might ease pain and other kinds of pain like muscle tension or spasms. Kava has shown the ability to heal back pain and other forms of chronic pain as well. Its muscle-relaxing properties play a role here. It also has neuroprotective properties that can help ease pain, as per studies (7). The root might also help deal with fibromyalgia.
9. Can Ease Menstrual Cramps
Given its ability to reduce pain, kava might also help ease menstrual symptoms. The root can also help deal with hot flashes.
10. Treats Erectile Dysfunction
As kava has the ability to calm the nerves and reduce stress, it can help treat erectile dysfunction (as the condition is often caused by stress and anxiety). Kava can help treat self-induced sexual dysfunction (caused by stress, etc.), but it may not show much improvement in an actually diagnosed case of erectile dysfunction. Kava might also help treat premature ejaculation. You can take 100 milligrams of the root powder (you can also take it in a pill form) before engaging in sexual intercourse. The root is known to increase blood flow to the penis as well as sexual stimulation.
11. Promotes Sleep
Since kava has calming effects, it can help treat sleeplessness or insomnia. The root promotes deep sleep without affecting the restful REM sleep. One German study talks about how effective kava extract can be in reducing sleep disturbances associated with anxiety disorders (8). In yet another study, researchers could treat stress-induced insomnia using kava (9).
12. Reduces Adrenal Fatigue
We have seen that kava eases stress and anxiety – this might have some beneficial effect on adrenal fatigue too. However, we need more research on this.
13. Treats Toothache
Kava also possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anesthetic properties that help treat a toothache. Simply chewing a small piece of dried kava root for about 15 minutes can help with a toothache. The root might also help cure gingivitis. Even applying kava root oil to the affected part of your gums can treat any infection. The root is also used as a mouthwash to treat canker sores.
14. Might Support Hair Growth
There is very little research on this. Some sources say kava root can strengthen the hair follicles and prevent hair fall. But we are not sure. We suggest you talk to your hair care specialist before using kava for this purpose. Those are the few ways kava can be effective for you. But hold on, this root is kind of controversial. Some sources suggest its side effects might even outweigh the benefits. Well, is that really the case? Let’s find out.
What Are The Side Effects Of Kava Drink?
1. Liver Damage
When taken orally, kava might lead to serious liver damage. Stay away from kava if you already have liver issues. And please consult your doctor if you are taking it for the first time.
2. Depression
In some cases, kava might aggravate depression.
3. Parkinson’s Disease
Kava can also make Parkinson’s disease worse. Stay away from it if you already have this condition.
4. Issues During Surgery
Since kava affects the central nervous system, it might increase the effects of anesthesia. Hence, stop its use at least two weeks before and after surgery. Also, check with your doctor.
5. Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Please don’t use kava if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it can affect the uterus. Some chemicals in kava can also pass through breast milk and harm the baby. Yes, these side effects give us an entirely different perspective on kava. Hence, we recommend you talk to your doctor before taking kava root orally. The ill effects of the root have more to do with the amount taken – the higher the concentration of the root, the more the risk. But the benefits of this root don’t need to be discounted. They are as important – which takes us to the next section.
How To Take Kava
There are different ways you can take kava (after consulting your doctor, obviously):
Kava root, where you directly ingest a small part of the root and use its essence in your food. Kava capsules, which are supplements that you get in the market. Kavalactone paste, which is a highly concentrated form of kava (you will get this in the market as well). Kava tea, which is prepared using kava root powder.
Of these, kava tea is the most common and recommended way of taking the root. But how do you prepare it?
How To Prepare Kava Tea
Preparing the tea is simple.
1 cup of kava root powder 2 cups of water
How long do you feel the effects of kava? Check out the infographic below to learn about kava kava, how to make it, and certain important things to note before indulging in it. Kava usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to produce an effect that lasts for about 2 to 3 hours. How do you feel when you drink kava? Your eyes might get sensitive to light, and you may not hear much. You will also begin to feel subtle forms of relaxation. How much kava is safe to drink? It is safe to take 70 milligrams of kava root powder in a day. But check with your doctor first. What is reverse tolerance to kava? Reverse tolerance to kava means one may not feel its effects for the first time or even for the first few weeks. And then, you begin to feel the effects all of sudden, which are supposedly the good ones. Is kava like benzo? Kava is often used as an antidepressant and is considered an alternative to benzodiazepines in the treatment of non-psychotic anxiety disorders (10). Does kava increase serotonin? Kava does not increase serotonin. In fact, it is known to decrease serotonin levels (11). Is kava good for panic attacks? Yes, kava is an effective solution to treat the symptoms of panic attacks. It can be a first-line therapy for generalized anxiety disorder characterized by excessive chronic worry and anticipatory anxiety (12).
