(no subject)

[dollyb.livejournal.com]

I'm so excited! I just ordered 25 Kava Root tea bags! I've never tried it before, but it sounds exquisite! Anyone have any experiences with Kava? I want to hear!

Comments

[greengrower.livejournal.com]

I just joined this community, and saw your post but I have no experience with Kava. Then, this post appeared in Natural Living. I hope you find it useful.
http://www.livejournal.com/community/naturalliving/

[lyght.livejournal.com]

In my experience...it's *good* that you got teabags using the root of the plant, because the leaves don't have quite the same mix of compounds and make you more sleepy than the root. On the other hand, I'm not quite sure if a teabag's worth is enough to really give you a good idea of the native experience. It's not really wild or freaky or anything, but it's a nice buzz ... social like alcohol, but without the stupidity-inducing factors.

Kava info

[autumnalmonk]

The following is culled from common knowledge, my own experiences, and the PDR for Herbal Medicines (TM):

Kava is traditionally used by natives in South Sea Islands. They pound out the fresh rhizomes, mix the pulp with water to form a thick milky liquid, and drink the pungent, lilac-scented stuff as a relaxing social intoxicant.

Kava contains lactones including kavain, dihydrokavain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, yangonine, and desmethoxyyangonin. Some of these are NOT water soluble, but ARE soluble in fats.

Kava is muscle-relaxing, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, hypnotic/sedative, analgesic, antithrombitic, and psychotropic. It's effects are very dose-dependent. Kava interacts with ion channels in nerve tissues and potentiates GABA in the brain. It also inhibits norepinephrine uptake, inhibits monamine oxidase (acts as an MAOI), and increases dopamine and serotonin in the brain.

Kava is very good for easing stress, anxiety, and nervousness. It has been scientifically shown to be as effective as allopathic medications in the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, it is discouraged in cases where depression is present due to an increase in the possibility of suicide (as there is with any inhibition-lower substance with cases of depression). It is also discouraged in cases of pregnancy and nursing mothers, or with CNS depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbituates, or other psychoactive medications.

"Side effects" are uncommon unless large amounts are consumed, but include dyskinesia, liver disturbances, impaired reflexes, pupil enlargement with accompanying visual phenomenon, and alterations in consciousness.

Because some of the constituents of kava are not water-soluble, a "tea" is not the most potent form of administration. However, it is enough to notice some effect. If a stronger effect is needed, the ground rhizome can be infused in whole milk and drank, the milk fats providing a vehicle for the lipid-soluble components. The ground rhizome can also be consumed directly in the form of tablets or capsules with food and drink.

My personal experience is with teas and capsules. I find both are good at "taking the edge off" of acutely stressful times, calming jitttery nerves, and soothing anxieties. I find it best with a few other things in the brew to give a more palatable (to me) flavor- such as cinnamon or some such.

Hope you find this helpful,
Monk

Re: Kava info

[dollyb.livejournal.com]

WOW! That was AMAZING!

[judithskiss.livejournal.com]

kava can be ritualistic like a glass of wine after work. it's very pleseant over ice or chilled and goes well with pinapple or mango. my tongue tends to go numb but the relaxing effects are immediate.