Kava Kava (Piper methysticum)
Family: Piperaceae
In this shrubs native habitat, Polynesia and the Pacific Ocean Islands , natives calm down by chewing a few leaves, but the best medicine is in the roots, which can be used to make a tea. Kava is used for medicinal, religious, political, cultural and social purposes throughout the Pacific. These cultures have a great respect for the plant and place a high importance on it.
Common medicinal properties: Analgesic , Anodyne, Antibacterial, Diaphoretic/sudorific, Diuretic, Expectorant, Sedative , Stimulant
Common medicinal properties: Analgesic , Anodyne, Antibacterial, Diaphoretic/sudorific, Diuretic, Expectorant, Sedative , Stimulant
Current Research:
Anxiety - The majority of evidence shows
that certain kava extracts (extracts standardized to 70% kavalactones) can
lower anxiety and might work as well as prescription anti-anxiety medications
called low-dose benzodiazepines. But it might take up to 8 weeks of treatment
to see improvement.
Contraindications:
Kava is hard on the liver, even healthy
ones. Taking kava if you already have liver disease is taking a risk.
Parts Used: rhizome
Constituents: kava lactones, kawahin, yanoginin,
methysticin, glycosides
Folk applications: Drink as a protection from evil and to invite
in good luck. It is a common journey inducing beverage.
Personal observations
Fresh:
Dried:
Water infusion:
Alcohol infusion from dried and ground:
Cloudy color and very soapy tasting. After making this tincture I always cut it
50/50 with unsteeped alcohol for my personal recipes.
Oil infusion:
Essential oil:
Essential oil:
Receipts
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