Is Kava Kava Really Effective?
Paulina Jenkins
Kava kava is a plant commonly found on the South Pacific islands. It belongs to the same family as pepper. The South Pacific Islanders have used kava kava as an alternative medicine for over 3000 years. Today it still serves as a ceremonial drink during many of their tribal rituals.
The active ingredients called "kavalactones from the root of kava kava has a calming effect both mentally and physically. It is a natural antidepressant that may be used in place of prescription drugs like benzodiazepines or diazepam. The added benefit is that kava kava has no side effects like the drugs. When you are feeling stressed out and overwhelmed taking kava kava could help.
Kava kava is also an effective antiseptic and diuretic. For the treatment of an irritable bladder kava kava is often used together with pumpkin seeds. It is effective in the fight against inflammation and chronic pain. Kava kava is often used to treat gout, arthritis, bronchitis, rheumatism, stomach ache, urinary infections, asthma and backaches.
Kava kava is an effective relaxant and sedative from nature. It gives great relief to sufferers of insomnia and muscle tension. Kava kava is popular as a mild sedative for the aged in Europe. It is a natural remedy for anxiety that shows great results. Kava kava has none of the side effects associated with drugs such as feeling drowsy.
Kava kava is safe when not taken in excess and shows few side effects. It can affect different individual in different ways depending on factors such as age and health. Some people could have skin disorders or allergies. If excessive kava kava is taken one could get stoned drunk.
Kava kava is not recommended for anyone with lung or heart problems. Pregnant or nursing women must not drink kava kava. It is strongly advised that kava kava must not be taken together with barbiturates, alcohol or any drugs for anxiety, insomnia and depression. The results could be deadly.
Kava kava is a very popular herbal supplement in North America. It is available as capsules, powder or tincture at all health food and pharmacy stores. Both in Europe and the United States an increasing number of doctors are using kava kava to treat anxiety, stress and other mental complaints. In Germany, kava kava is used widely to treat anxiety. It is non addictive and can be used over long term if required. Most herbalists agree that kava kava is the alternative medicine for mental health problems. This is obvious from the 2007 Herbal Medicine Awareness Week's theme.
About the Author: Paulina Jenkins has a blog where she invites readers to share their views and experiences on alternative medicine.
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