|
Kava Kava
What is it?
Scientifically known as Piper methysticum, Kava is the root of a shrub belonging to the same plant family as black pepper, and has green, heart-shaped leaves. Traditionally, kava is prepared from the plant's root, which contains the active compounds in the plant known as kavalactones.
Where is it from?
Kava Kava is native to the South Pacific islands and has been used there for over 3,000 years as a ceremonial drink to bring on relaxation and sociability. Captain James Cook was the first Westerner to document the native uses of kava as a relaxing, spiritual beverage during his first voyage in 1768.
What is it used for?
Kava helps to relieve anxiety, without impairing mental function, and is also a safe muscle relaxant. Because of its relaxation invoking properties, Kava is an excellent herb for promoting restful sleep, unlike melatonin, which may cause disruptive dreaming. In Europe it is widely used as a mild sedative, and anti-anxiety medication as a safer alternative to prescription drugs such as Valium, Xanax, or Librium.
|
|
Information provided in the Education section is provided by Woodland
Publishing, Inc. and/or other independent third parties that are unaffiliated
with Nutraceutical Corporation, and is intended to provide an electronic
reference library about nutrition and health. The views expressed in the
Education section are the views of the authors and have not been independently
viewed or confirmed by Nutraceutical, and are not necessarily the views of
Nutraceutical Corporation.
© 1998-2003 Woodland Publishing, Inc. and/or the respective copyright owner.
For more information call Woodland Publishing at 800 877-8702.
|
|
|
|
Kava,
Kava,
|
|
|
