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Insomnia Guide
Kava As An Insomnia Cure
Kava is the name given by Pacific islanders to both Piper methysticum (a shrub belonging to the pepper family Piperaceae) and also to the beverage made from it.
Piper methysticum can be found growing in abundance primarily in western Polynesia, especially in Samoa and Tonga, and most of Melanesia, including Fiji. It can also be found on Pohnpei Island, in Micronesia.
Traditionally people prepare kava as a cold tea (an infusion made from straining a mixture of water and shredded and pounded dried or fresh root). One simple method of preparing kava tea involves putting two or more heaped teaspoons of kava root for each person into a clean stocking, tying a knot in it and then squeezing it repeatedly in a bowl of cold water.
The tea often produces a slight numbing of the tongue and lips initially, followed by mildly talkative and euphoric behavior, a sense of calm and well-being, relaxation and clear thinking. Sleep associated with kava is particularly restful and there are no after effects the next day.
Kava can be purchased at health food stores as a standardized extract and as a convenient method of anxiety relief as it is quick acting and extremely potent. You can also purchase kava in pill form.
Some vendors have packaged high-powered Kava mixtures in convenient mini spray bottles. These are handy to keep in a knapsack or purse and are highly effective for providing a quick burst of relaxation. Just one or two quick sprays under the tongue can do wonders for tension and jitters.
If you plan on purchasing the raw root, it is a good idea to purchase whole, top grade lateral root.
According to Michael Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D., Founder of the American Herbalists Guild – "Because of its relative safety, the effective daily dose of kava is wide ranging from 70 mg to 200 mg of kavalactones, which are recognized as the major biochemical anti-anxiety constituents. To promote a deep restful sleep one should take a dose of from 150 mg to 200 mg. approximately 20 or 30 minutes before retiring".
Some concerns have been raised recently about the safety of Kava following a small number of deaths from liver failure. As a result France and Switzerland have banned Kava, while Germany has made it available only on prescription. In the United States the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has expressed reservations over its use.
Controversy abounds, fuelled by the economic interest of the Kava exporting nations and disagreements between the medical establishment and proponents of natural medicine. At this time the ‘jury is out’ and only time will uncover the truth.
The author notes however that the Tongans have relied heavily on Kava for hundreds of years and that it is of great importance within Tongan society.
One side-effect associated with the heavy use of Kava is that of Kava dermopathy – a scaly eruption of the skin. This disappears if use is discontinued and is quite harmless. In the past, Hawaiians used to drink large quantities of Kava to produce just this effect as a way of cleansing the skin and giving themselves a smoother, clearer complexion.
The information contained here should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider.
The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and in no way should be considered as an offering of medical advice.
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