Kavasutra – The Kava Kava Root
In March, I went to my first kava bar in Florida. I had seen one in Denver as well, but I had no idea what kava was or what to expect from it. The bartender was extremely knowledgeable about the kava kava root and the purpose of its different herbs. She recommended that I do some further research into the herb as it is relatively new here and Kava bars are now becoming a ‘thing’ throughout the U.S.
So, what exactly is the kava kava root, also known as Piper methysticum (intoxicating pepper)? It is a perennial shrub native to the South Pacific Islands, including Hawaii. It is harvested for its rootstock, which contains the pharmacologically active compounds kavalactones, which account for 3–20% of the dry weight of the root of the plant. Kava is a depressant drug that acts in the same way as alcohol or xanax. It works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves release to communicate with each other. One of these neurotransmitters is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which decreases the activity of our nerves.
It comes in many different forms, but the most popular is crushing the herbs into a paste-like texture and infusing it into a tea or flavored drink; Strawberry lemonade, passion fruit, you name it. In the South Pacific, kava is widley used for ceremonies and rituals that promote relaxation and as a ‘social drink’ at bars, similar to alcohol in the United States, however, there are different side effects. Kava users do not experience confusion and delirium that occurs with high levels of alcohol intoxication. While kava alone does not produce the motor and cognitive impairments caused by alcohol, kava does potentiate both the perceived and measured impairment produced by alcohol.
Consuming the root has its benefits. It is known to help reduce anxiety, lower levels of stress, aid in muscle relaxation, and help with insomnia in a natural state.
It is important to also note the negative side effects of using kava for short term and long term use. Everyone will react differently depending on body mass, age, strength, experience, etc. A single serving, 3 tablespoons, of the kava herb will relatively have no negative effect on the body. If large amounts of kava are taken in one sitting, one can experience drowsiness, loss of muscle control, and nausea. The most common long-term side effect is damage caused to the liver, especially when mixed with alcohol.
The Kava bar I went to had different strains of the herb; one made you relaxed, another made you energetic, and there was even a strain that gave you a sense of strength or an adrenaline rush. I had a strawberry lemonade with the relaxing herb. It created a similar sensation to CBD, relaxing my mind and calming my muscles. I felt extremely relaxed and it was the perfect thing right before bed.
The world of herbal medicine has always fascinated me. What are the health benefits? What makes these plants legal / illegal in certain parts of the world? Studies have shown herbal medicine can help cure incurable diseases. It is always important to consult your doctor before use, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Also, try and do extra research on your own because there is so much information out there that is not made present to us.