{"id":784,"date":"2021-10-07T04:03:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-07T04:03:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2023-01-10T13:02:29","modified_gmt":"2023-01-10T13:02:29","slug":"how-to-use-kava-kava-for-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/how-to-use-kava-kava-for-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"The Truth Behind Using Kava Kava for Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you been considering using Kava Kava as a natural remedy for your anxiety? First, you might want to learn more about this somewhat mysterious substance, and what it can do for your anxiety and state of mind.<\/p>\n

The use of Kava Kava for anxiety slowly gained traction over the years, particularly as people searched for alternative treatments for their mental health concerns. Just as CBD<\/a> and aromatherapy have captured the attention of anxiety sufferers around the world for the calming benefits, Kava Kava is earning its own reputation.<\/p>\n

The question for most people first looking into it, is What exactly is Kava Kava, and what can it do?<\/em><\/p>\n

A herbal concoction for issues such as anxiety and insomnia, Kava Kava comes from the roots of a plant found in the Pacific region, called Piper Methysticum. Otherwise referred to as the \u201cintoxicating pepper\u201d, Kava Kava is commonly used throughout Tonga and Fiji as a traditional herbal medicine and healing substance.<\/p>\n

Kava Kava is a plant-based alternative to anti-anxiety medications<\/strong>, for those who do not want to take prescription anxiety medications.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s explore how Kava Kava works, and what it can do for an anxiety sufferer or insomniac:<\/p>\n

What is Kava Kava?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Touted as a natural anxiety treatment, muscle relaxant and sleep aid, Kava Kava<\/em> is commonly used among residents of the Pacific Islands. Traditionally, people would make a paste from the root of the Piper Methysticum plant to consume this substance. Regularly, the plant appears in religious and cultural ceremonies to create an altered state of mind.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s quite common to make a warm drink made using Kava Kava, and drink it while anxious or right before bed.<\/p>\n

While the results of consuming Kava Kava can vary, many states that the root has both a euphoric and relaxing effect, similar to a stiff drink or medications like Valium. Medicines capable of causing euphoria are known as anxiolytic<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Though capable of reducing anxiety and stress in some cases, Kava Kava also has its downsides. High doses of the substance may cause hallucinations, and significant side effects which we\u2019ll discuss later in this article. Like any medical treatment, Kava Kava may be dangerous when consumed improperly.<\/p>\n

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Kava Kava Uses: What Can This Substance Do for Anxiety?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The primary use of Kava Kava is for the treatment of anxiety and stress. There are many potential treatments for these conditions, ranging from deep breathing<\/a> and meditation to medication. The right treatment for you will depend on your genetic makeup and circumstances.<\/p>\n

In a study from 2013<\/a>, scientists gave 75 people suffering from anxiety an extract from the Kava Kava plant. The researchers found Kava had a significant impact on anxiety treatments. Though some patients had headaches when taking the medicine, they didn\u2019t report any other issues.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the NIH states that research studies about Kava Kava uses often produce mixed results, making it harder to draw conclusions about efficacy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Aside from helping with anxiety, some scientists believe Kava Kava can also induce sleep. Currently, however, there are no reports showing any significant impact from the medication on sleeping patterns. Some people also believe Kava Kava can reduce pain, prevent seizures, and relax the muscles, but research is limited.<\/p>\n

How Do People Use Kava Kava?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Before using Kava Kava, it\u2019s crucial to get advice from a medical professional. Some people may react more negatively to this drug than others. Getting a DNA test can be a good way to evaluate your chances of responding poorly to certain \u201cnatural\u201d treatments.<\/p>\n

If Kava Kava is deemed safe for you to use, there are various ways you can take it. Usually, Kava Kava is taken in capsule, liquid, or powder form, and it frequently comes mixed into a tea. Most treatments are produced by extracting \u201ckavalactones\u201d from the root<\/a> of the plant with acetone or ethanol.<\/p>\n