Posted by Kava Sherpa on 10/6/2012
Before
we begin, lets go over a quick history of the plant itself. The plant is
actually in the pepper family and it's scientific name is, "Piper
Methysticum". The plant itself is only known to grow naturally on the
islands in the South Pacific. If you're looking to spot the plant, it's a small
shrub typically with all green leaves. Traditionally, Kava is actually used for
ceremonial drinks or medicinal remedies.
Over
the years, the natives have learned that the root is the most valuable part of
this plant. If you break down and ingest the root, it can be used to help deal
with anxiety or insomnia. At this point in time, Kava has been made into
drinks, tablets, pills, and even tea bags.
As
more research has been carried out on the plant, people began to understand
that it's actually possible to get intoxicated off of the Kava plant and is
even known to sedate people. Due to this, rules are typically put in place in
regards to the consumption of the plant or it's extract in much the same way as
laws regard alcohol.
What Does Kava
Actually Do?
As
of now, not much is known about the plant other than that it effects
neurotransmitters within the human body. These neurotransmitters actually carry
the messages that are sent within our body, so with these being interrupted,
balance, speech, and dexterity is hindered. The main component that actually
affects the body is called kavalactones. This is produced within the root of
the Kava plant and this is what actually causes the intoxication like behavior
upon consumption.
What Does
Science Show About the Kava Plant?
Up
to this point, much of the research that's been carried out in regards to this
plant is towards its ability to treat anxiety. The main goal of any substitute
seeking to accomplish this, is to be able to relieve or distract the body from
the stress and anxiety it feels it's experiencing and so far, the Kava plant
seems to be promising in regards to its ability to do so.
One
of the biggest studies was carried out back in 2003 and it tested the effects
of the plant on 645 people who met the criteria for experiencing high levels of
anxiety in their daily lives. After the test was carried out and compared to
other substances that have been proven to relieve anxiety, a small positive
effect was shown, but not as much as was hoped for.
Are there any
Health Risks with Kava?
As
with alcohol intake, Kava has been proven to negatively affect the liver, but
these cases are rare thus-far. This being said, warnings have been issued by
the FDA and there are even countries which have banned the plant in order to
prevent damage to their inhabitants.
All
this taken into consideration, clinical tests have been carried out in order to
prove or disprove these results about the liver, but so far there's been no
solid evidence that Kava itself has caused those issues. Most all of the cases
where people have claimed Kava to have done the damage all have history of
liver failure or complications in their family history.
Are there any
Side Effects of Kava?
Depending
on the person, there have been times where rashes and headaches have occurred.
As expected, the feeling of a numb mouth and visual impairment have also
occurred, much like the results of drinking alcohol. Instances where high usage
of Kava have been implemented, more serious side effects have occurred, such as
kidney damage, hindrance in muscle control, and even scaling of the skin and
abnormalities within the bloodstream.
Please
keep in mind that those with bleeding disorders should stay away from using
Kava, because it's been proven to hinder the clotting of blood and even lower
blood pressure to a degree. On a side note, those with Parkinson's disease or
symptoms of the disease should also veer away from in-taking Kava or Kava
substitutes, because it may actually increase the symptoms of the disease
itself.
As
with any medication or substance, you shouldn't use Kava when you're already
taking other medications or using substances, because the mixing of the two can
bring about unknown results that are potentially harmful to the human body.
Also, keep in mind that it's been proven to have properties of a diuretic, so
don't use it in combination with other diuretics because you may be faced with
increased side effects of the combination.
The
bottom line here is to remember to treat the use of the Kava plant with respect
as you would any other substance or medication. Combining it with the use of
anything else is unwise and isn't recommended for fear of harmful side effects
that may take place. Please be sure to look into the local laws that regard
Kava before seeking to obtain the plant.
