What is Kava?

Piper Methysticum, better known as Kava is a plant traditionally used to treat anxiety, stress, insomnia, and other disorders.
However, high doses of kava can cause liver damage and should not be taken in combination with alcohol.

Kava is a potent anxiety reliever, kava offers a non-alcoholic way to wind down at the end of the day, especially if you’re working late or you have trouble falling asleep.

Kava works by affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are substances released by the brain to communicate, so kava can act on them to change the perception of the brain. Kava decreases the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) specifically.

PREVENTS CANCER

Kava may stop the growth of cancer cells. However, it works most effectively for breast cancer. Studies show Kava can decrease breast cancer cell size and may even increment cell death.

It also stops the production of regulatory proteins which further stops the cell cycle and eventually cause cell death. Another study showed that kava may prevent breast cancer metastasis too. It does so by stopping the formation of blood vessels and cutting off the nutrient supply to the tumor cells.

Studies have also shown Kava to be effective against bladder cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.

TREATS ANXIETY

It is a scientifically proven fact Kava can help reduce anxiety and nervousness issues. It relieves stress, tension, agitation, specific phobia, and other symptoms of anxiety disorder. Kava activates the GABA receptors to produce a calming effect. Additionally, the prevent the decrease of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels to relax the muscles.

TREATS SLEEP DISORDERS

Consuming Kava tea before going to bed will surely give you a good sleep. Kava is effective to treat sleep disorders like insomnia. Studies show it is most effective against stress-related insomnia. Restlessness when sleeping and poor quality of sleep can be treated with kava root extract effectively. The sedative effects are due to the blocking of sodium and calcium ion channels, increased neurotransmitter binding to GABA receptors, and an increase of the neurotransmitters noradrenaline and dopamine.

TREATS DEPRESSION

The calming effect of Kava induces a pleasant mental state which reduces fatigue and anxiety. Studies suggest kava is so potent that it can replace antidepressant drugs like benzodiazepines used for treating depression. The kavalactones increase the dopamine, serotonin, and GABA secretion to give a calming effect to the brain.

TREATS MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS

Menopausal symptoms include mood swings, weakness, hot flushes, night sweats, irritability, and nervousness. Kava tea can cure such menopausal symptoms by activating the GABA-A receptors. Drinking a kava tea before bed will give a sound sleep and reduce the anxiety and irritability.

IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION

Kava works to increase the neurotransmitters of the brain which further increases the brain functioning capacity. A single dose of Kava can improve the concentration power, makes the brain more attentive, increased memory, and increased visual processing. Never use kava for kids below 21 years of age.

WHAT IS KAVA?