Description
PROPERTIES:
Anxiolytic
Parasympathomimetic (decreases adrenaline)
Sedative (Central Nervous System)
Muscle Relaxing Antispasmodic
Mood Enhancing
Anti-Depressant
INDICATIONS:
Kava is a wonderful anti-depressant that elevates moods and sensory perception,
diminishes pain and decreases adrenaline. It is an emotional limbic brain tonic (it
rejuvenates those under great emotional distress). As an anxiolytic, it is an analogue
to anxiety drugs like Valium, Zanax, Librium, Halcyon, Klonopin and Dalmane yet
Kava seems to enhance cognitive function and socialization. Many use Kava to wean
from these medications when under a doctor’s supervision. Kava is not addictive, is
without side effects outside of idiosyncratic events, sedates, is a muscle relaxant,
is analgesic (reduces pain), promotes sleep beyond REM, is anti-convulsant, a
cerebral circulatory stimulant and is tonic to the stress axis (pituitary, hypothalamus,
adrenals). It can be helpful for those who are feeling fat and depressed as it helps
sensitize sensorial perception and it is a very subtle way that enhances enjoyment
through the senses. Again, this is not a drug like event, but a subtle event where
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one begins to feel better after a bit of time like an antidepressant can lift a fog.
Kava is well studied around the world as it has been recognized as a very useful
herb for decades. Studies have shown its mechanisms of action to include
decreasing levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, activation of
mesolimbic dopaminergic neuron causing relaxation and euphoria, binds to GABA
receptors in some regions in the brain, relaxes muscles through direct action on
muscle contractibility, inhibits noradrenalin (norepinephrine) uptake, contributing to
psychotropic properties and shows similarity to mood stabilizers.
Kava is simply the best anti-anxiety herb and is great in emotional stress and
upheaval. It calms when one is in the middle of intense personal trauma (i.e. recovery
therapy, relationship turmoil, personal loss and the like). While relaxing, it does not
dull the senses but rather tends to focus the mind and sensory capacity.
Kava is also used to help induce a deep restful sleep if used 30 minutes before
bedtime. For those who sleep lightly, Kava helps bring one beyond the light sleep
and beyond the active REM stage of dream stages that can be over active and
stressful. Kava does not usually make one sleepy if used in the daytime.
Kava also is a great muscle relaxer that does not sedate the mind. It helps body
pain that is acute or chronic, so it is for trauma and massage therapy or Chiropractic
manipulations that are painful. Dancers find Kava wonderfully relaxing when dancing.
Kava can simply be used for the enjoyment that it brings. It is an excellent and
healthier replacement for those who like to drink alcohol to relax and unwind. For
those who use marijuana and want to replace it with a healthy alternative, Kava
can be a successful alternative.
Kava may also be useful to decrease hyperactivity in a child or adult
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