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Piper Methysticum

Kava

Known as kava, is a plant native to the South Pacific. The root of the kava plant has traditionally been used to produce a beverage with a sedative, anesthetic, and euphoriant properties and is known to reduce stress and anxiety.

COMMON NAME

Kava or kava kava

FAMILY NAME

Piperaceae

ACTIONS

Kava is a sedative, nervous system & muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, local anesthetic, analgesic, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressant, stimulant, mild euphoric, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, rubefacient, bitter, carminative, and a diuretic.

BENEFITS

Kava has many benefits including its calming and relaxing properties, mood enhancement, and the reduction in muscle tension and stiffness.

BENEFITS
Known for its sedative properties that help improve sleep, kava also has many relaxation benefits. Kava contains anxiolytic properties that are used to induce a state of relaxation, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of stress. It also has mood-enhancing effects that can contribute to a sense of well-being and contentment. Kava can also be used to help reduce muscle tension, stiffness, and help with other conditions associated with muscle soreness.
USAGE
Kava is typically consumed in the form of a beverage made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant. It can also be consumed as a capsule, extract, or tincture. Traditionally, the kava root is crushed and grinded into a coarse powder and then placed in a cloth and strained to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
MORE INFO
Kava (Piper methysticum) has a deep history in the cultures of the South Pacific and is used in ceremonies, social gatherings, and rituals. It holds a significance of being a symbol of hospitality, peace, and community bonding specifically because chiefs and leaders use kava as a way to resolve disputes. In the 18th and 19th centuries, European explorers encounter kava but were suspicious due to is psychoactive properties. However, over time, it’s cultural significance was recognized.