Often coffee coffee called kava plantis a member of the nightshade family of plants and belongs to the South Pacific islands.
The Pacific Islands have used this herb as a ritual drink for hundreds of years as a means of relaxation and stress relief.
More recently kavahas gained widespread attention for its relaxing and stress-relieving properties.
KavaIts calming effects are of great benefit in relieving anxiety and restlessness and other stress-related ailments. This root also relieves muscle spasms and other types of pain associated with stress and irritability.
What is Kava?
Kavais a tropical evergreen shrub with heart-shaped leaves and woody stems. Scientific name Piper is methysticum.
Pacific cultures traditionally kava drinksHe uses it during rituals and social gatherings. To do this, people first grind their roots.
This grinding has traditionally been accomplished by chewing the roots and spitting them out, but nowadays it is usually done by hand. Then the paste is mixed with water, stretched and consumed.
Its active ingredients are called kavalactone, which accounts for 3-20% of the dry weight of the root of the plant.
Studies suggest that kavalactone may have the following effects in the body:
- To reduce anxiety
Protecting neurons from damage
- reducing pain sensations
Reducing the risk of cancer, although the evidence is limited to mice
In most of the research to date, kavaThe potential for reducing the anxiety level is emphasized.
KavaIt is unknown how this produces these effects, but it seems to work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals released by nerves to communicate with each other. One of these neurotransmitters is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which reduces the activity of nerves.
What Are the Benefits of Kava?
Relieves depression and anxiety
KavaIts relaxing and mood-boosting effects are well known. The root contains compounds called kavalactone, which are known to positively affect the brain and central nervous system.
Kava rootChemicals produced from convulsions (temporary neurological dysfunction) helps prevent.
Studies also kava plant It focuses on its effectiveness in the treatment of stress and anxiety. KavaIts calming effects also reduce muscle spasms and relax the muscles.
It helps to sleep
Insomniacan cause many medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, obesity, and cancer. Many people use sleeping pills to sleep better.
Like the drugs used in the treatment of anxiety, sleeping pills can cause physical dependence by forming habit.
Kava It is widely used as an alternative to these sleeping pills because of its sedative effects. In a study of 24 people, kavafound to reduce stress and insomnia compared to placebo.
High quality research, kavafound that it was more effective than a placebo at improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety levels.
Kava Its effect on insomnia may be due to its effects on anxiety.Stress-induced insomnia is common in those with anxiety.
Fights cancer
Studies kava It has shown to be a potential treatment for bladder cancer. Kava plantThe inhabitants of the South Pacific islands, home to China, have surprisingly low cancer rates despite being a heavily smoking place.
According to the reports of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, kava consumption associated with lower cancer cases.
However, kava One of its components has been found to stimulate melanoma cancer cells - so it is helpful to consult a doctor before using it.
Regulates blood pressure
Some sources kavaHe states that it can lower blood pressure. However, it can interfere with blood clotting. Therefore, at least two weeks before surgery kavashould stay away from.
Reduces cough and cold symptoms
Some research kavaIt can help treat common cold, cough, flu and other respiratory infections. Drinking kava root tea can help with this.
Can be used to treat chronic pain
Studies, kava It has shown that it can relieve pain and other types of pain, such as muscle tension or spasms. Kavahas shown the ability to cure back pain and other forms of chronic pain. Its muscle-relaxing properties play a role here.
It also has neuroprotective properties that can help relieve pain, according to studies. Kava root ayrıca fibromyalgiais also effective.
Relieves menstrual cramps
Given its ability to reduce pain, kava It relieves menstrual symptoms. Kava root It also helps to cope with hot flashes.
Treat erectile dysfunction
cava, It can help treat erectile dysfunction, as it has the ability to calm nerves and reduce stress.
Kava It can also help treat premature ejaculation. Kava rootIt is known to increase blood flow to the penis and sexual stimulation.
Treat toothache
cava, It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anesthetic properties that help treat toothache. A small piece is dry kava root Chewing for about 15 minutes can help relieve toothache. Kava root ayrıca gingivitisIt is effective in the treatment of.
To the affected part of the gums kava root oil applying it can cure any infection. The root is also used as a mouthwash to treat canker sores.
Increases brain function
KavaBy activating the parts of the brain that deal with cognition and emotions, it can be used to improve many different functions related to memory and processing.
Kava plantThe kavalactones extracted from the urine can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and other damage caused by such diseases.
These compounds increase the concentration of antioxidants in the brain, which reduces damage and helps maintain proper brain function even in an aging brain.
May prevent epileptic seizures
According to animal trials kavais an effective anti-seizure medicine for those who suffer from epilepsy.
Kava extractBy reducing motor activity, the seizure induction threshold may increase and the effects of conventional antiepileptic drugs such as diazepam.
KavaIt can inhibit seizures because it binds to GABA-A receptors and effectively blocks sodium and calcium ion channels that are transferred to seizure activity.
Relieves menopause symptoms
Menopausal symptomsis uncomfortable for most women, due to changes in hormone levels.
Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and anxiety.
Known to naturally reduce most of these symptoms kavacan help women who experience these symptoms.
In clinical trials kavahas been effective in reducing irritability, depression, anxiety, and insomnia in perimenopausal women.
Reduces inflammation
KavaIt has been shown that the compounds found in also help suppress the production of pro-inflammatory markers and lead to a decrease in this response from the immune system.
As well as flavocawains A and B kavaWhile it helps to increase the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, it also increases immune cell production.
This anti-inflammatory effect not only reduces pain and symptoms caused by prolonged inflammation, but also allows the immune system to properly protect the body from pathogens.
In Which Forms Is Kava Available?
Kava It can be taken in tea, capsule, powder or liquid form. Kava tea These products are made from a concentrated mixture prepared by extracting ethanol or acetone and kavalactone from the root of the plant.
Kava Tea
Tea for anxiety kava It is the most common method of using.
How is kava tea prepared?
Materials
1 cup kava root powder
2 water glass of water
Preparation of
- in a large bowl, kava root powderMix the water and warm water.
- Kava root powderLet it sit for about 20 minutes.
Strain the mixture and put the water in a separate bowl.
When done, put the kava root powder back into the water. Mix well and strain the mixture and take the water in a separate bowl.
This is a liquid bottle sold in vials. kava form. It can be used with a dropper or mixed with fruit juice or other beverage to lighten its taste.
Kava tincturenude and kava liquidIt is sufficient to use only a small dose as kavalactone is concentrated, which makes it stronger than other forms.
Kava tablet or capsule
KavaPeople who do not like the taste of can use it in capsule or tablet form.
Kava Dosage
Experts do not recommend that the daily intake of kavalactone exceed 250 mg. An effective dose of poplartactones is 70-250 mg.
Kava supplements It may list kavalactone in milligrams or as a percentage. If the content is listed as a percentage, you need to calculate the amount of kavalactone it contains.
For example, if one capsule is 100mg kava root extract and standardized to contain 30% kavalactone, it will contain 30 mg kavalactones (100 mg x 0.30 = 30 mg).
To reach an effective dose in the 70-250mg kavalactone range, you must take at least three capsules of this supplement. Of kava root extracts most contain 30-70% kavalactone.
What are the side effects of kava?
Liver damage
Taken orally kava may cause liver damage. If you have liver problems kavaStay away from.
Depression
In some cases kavacan aggravate depression.
Parkinson's disease
Kava It can also make Parkinson's disease worse. If you already have this situation, stay away from it.
Problems during surgery
KavaAs it affects the central nervous system, it can increase the effects of anesthesia. Therefore, discontinue use at least two weeks before and after surgery.
Problems during pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy or breastfeeding kava do not use it because it may affect the uterus. KavaSome of the chemicals in can pass through breast milk and may harm the baby.
As a result;
Kavahas a long history of consumption in the South Pacific and is considered a safe and enjoyable drink. The roots of the plant contain compounds called kavalactone that have been shown to relieve anxiety.
As it may interact with some medications kava If you plan to use it, consult your doctor. Also, to confirm the kavalactone content in each dose you are interested in. kava productsRead the labels of.
How can I find a kava kava plant?