Kava Kava
(Piper methysticum)
Also know as Ava
Botanical Information
A large-leaved perennial shrub from the Pepper family with angled jointed stems and spikes of tiny green flowers.
Working with Kava Kava
Part(s) Used
Root
Herb Forms
Tincture, powder in capsule, standardized extract in capsules and tablets, bulk herb, powder.
Kava is the national drink of Fiji and is popular throughout the South Seas. Drinking kava imparts a calm feeling, relaxes the body, and sometimes enhances mental activity and communication with a sharpening of the senses. It is used in religious ceremonies in Polynesia as well as for social gatherings. It is especially indicated for nervous anxiety, overtiredness, stress, and restlessness, as well as for irritable bladder. Kava has a multitude of medicinal uses including bladder infections, insomnia, pain, anorexia, mild depression, fatigue, toothache, and nocturnal incontinence in the young and aged.
Kava Kava has a taste of ACRID and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
Avoid large doses. Contraindicated during pregnancy.
Conditions treated with Kava Kava
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
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Condition
Treatment Support
bladder tonic, sedative
Application
tea, tincture, capsule, tablet
Condition
Treatment Support
urinary tract sedative
Application
tincture, capsule, tablet
Condition
Treatment Support
calmative, relaxant, mild sedative
Application
tincture, extract in capsules or tablets
Condition
Treatment Support
antispasmodic, calmative
Application
tincture, extract in capsules or tablets
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.