Kava, a South Pacific herb that WORKS!

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Kava (Piper Methysticum)

Native of the South Pacific Islands including Micronesia,

Melanesia, and Polynesia. Now grown commonly in

Hawaii and possibly soon in Florida and California.

The kava plant is a large, rangy shrub with deep green,

heart shaped leaves that grows 12'-15' tall. The

leaves and stems have some medicinal values but the

network of long, thin lateral roots supply kava’s

strength. It requires a minimum of three years

to produce enough roots to make a harvest worth-

while. However, Pacific Islanders often wait 5 to

8 years because the roots will be more abundant

and the older, more mature plants produce a stronger

beverage. In addition, unlike a fruit tree which

continues producing for many years, the entire

kava plant is used, because the roots are the

principal crop.

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Now, some history, then many uses.

Kava was first reported to Europeans in 1777 by the

naturalist George Forster of Captain Cook's crew on

his second Pacific voyage on a stop at Tonga. The

naturalist, and likely the whole crew, was outraged

by the method of preparing the Kava. The natives

chewed the root and spit the chewed root, saliva

and all into a pot containing coconut milk and water.

When the mix was considered charged with enough

chewed root juice, the roots were then squeezed

repeatedly in the fluid, strained and drunk from

coconut bowls.

Later european visitors (mostly missionaries and

speculators, all too often both in the same person)

demanded the islanders give up their culture and

behave as the europeans wished. The europeans

made it against the law to make kava drink in

this fashion and kava drink is now made by crushing

the dried root, placing the chips in a squeeze bag,

and squeezing in water or in a coconut milk/water

mix.

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ACTIVE INGREDIENT

kavalactones.

This herb has strong effects and IT WORKS!

CONTAIN THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS. Normally

this is caused by old roots that have exceeded a

reasonable shelf life or because they were leached

during treatment prior to encapsulation or shipment.

Some sellers put the stems and leaves rather than

the roots in the capsules. While this is technically

Kava, the leaves and stems contain little active

ingredient. We KNOW this herb works, Soozi uses

it every day and we have checked the use of it

with her doctor who very much approves. Without

Kava, Soozi would need to take a pharmaceutical

and we, especially she, really don't want to do

that.

Kavalactones, the active ingredients of Kava may

range widely from virtually zero (0.00) to as

high as 70 percent(0.70) in some extracts.

Testing of Kava in most studies I've seen tends

to use the higher percentage extracts. Purchases

over the counter have yielded Kava capsules with

NO active percentages shown on the label,

to the best I've found so far with 30 percent

certified kavalactones. Natural root

products range from 0.00 percent (in old, leached

root) to about 20 percent in fresh, well-treated,

dried root.

Fifteen lactones have been isolated from Kava to

date, there are six major lactones (Kavalactones)

known to provide psychoactive activity: kawain,

yongonin, demethoxy-yangonin, dihydrokawain,

dihydomethysicin, and methysticin. All Kavalactones

react with the chemistry of the human body, though

it is the fat-soluble Kavalactones derived from Kava

resin that have the principal effect on the central

nervous system.

An unusual aspect of Kavalactones found in the

studies showed that extracted Kavalactones

alone were less effective than similar dose levels

when given with the whole root. In our

science-oriented society, that seems counter to

what we'd like but for me (even with a number of

degrees in science), I like a more natural

approach when it's available and effective.

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HOW DO YOU FEEL? HOW DO YOU KNOW IT'S WORKING?

Within one hour after taking Kava you should feel

more relaxed, clear-headed, and filled with a

gentle energetic excitement as though you had

been exercising or meditating. Some people report a

wave of warmth and relaxation washing through their

body, akin to a flush from embarrassment arising

gently from inside. For the kava drink, you should feel

a numbness of the mouth area soon after drinking.

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SUGGESTED DOSAGE LEVELS

We suggest starting with a dose large

enough to cause these reactions, then lowering

until there is only a slightly noticed reaction

which will be a functional daily level. For

specialty times of great stress or reaction to

internal fears and anxiety, take enough to have a

noticeable reaction. Even more may be asked for

in ritual work and the practitioner is reminded to

use caution.

As noted, this herb does cause a physical and

neurological reaction. We have tested Kava from

various sources and those that don't have

an active ingredient listed and/or the percentage

given are normally empty of any usefulness.

The bottle or material you purchase must state a

certified percentage of active kavalactones.

Commonly, this will be 20 to 30 percent.

To test the activity at first, take approximately

100 to 150 mg of active kavalactone at one time.

If there is no reaction to this within one hour,

the activity of the herb has been lost. The

kavalactones are physically reactive. You WILL

have a physical reaction to those levels of

kavalactones if they are present in the herb

you purchased.

Observe carefully your reaction (and have

someone with you) to the first dose of kava.

A very strong reaction will need more adjustment

than a slight reaction. Cut down the dose (or

increase it) according to the observed level of

reaction. Test each new supply to get an idea

of the strength of the Kava.

Therapeutic doses commonly triple your body

weight in milligrams (mg) per day. Thus, a 120

pound human would use about 360 mg of active

ingredient per day. Divide this into four (4) hour

dosages (it does wear off quickly) and use

appropriately. This gives the 120 pound

person 6 doses of 60 mg each day. We have had

Kava capsules which gave almost no reaction at

all andothers from the same source that had a

stronger reaction. Thus, we used 6 to 8 capsules

one time and 2 to 3 capsules the next time.

Best is to get herbs that have a certified active

ingredient label.

HIGH DOSAGE CAUTION

There are side effects to watch out for from

large doses. These are as follows;

Loss of coordination

drowsiness

excessive sensitivity to light and sound

dry, scaly skin

Long-term effects of high doses could

possibly include;

Blood in urine

shortness of breath

increase in red blood cells vrs. platelet and

lymphocytes

However, these possible long term effects have been

questioned by researchers and could be caused by

outside habits, including smoking, alcohol, and stress.

Commonly suggested dosages range from 70 mg

kavalactones per day to more than 400 mg per day

kavalactones. To calculate your dose, get the

percentage of active kavalactones from the label,

multiply that times the mg per capsule

(eg; .30 X 150 mg = 45 mg of activeingredient for

a 30 percent formula at 150 mg per capsule).

A reasonable consideration might be not to exceed

three mg per body weight (in pounds) per day.

Remember, it is not always true that more is better.

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HERBAL HEALTH USAGE

Kava is reported to have four main

therapeutic properties.

1). One of the most powerful of all the herbal anti-

spasmodics especially useful for relieving

nervous tension.

2). It is an anti-anxiety herb that will dissipate

fears and apprehensions that are so much a part

of the hectic lifestyle.

3). It is an effective diuretic with anti-spasmodic

and anti-pathogenic properties making it useful

for genitourinary dysfunctions such as cystitis,

prostatitis, gonorrhea, vaginal leucorrhoea

(including yeast infections), nocturnal urination

and general fluid retention.

4). Kava is a carminative that improves appetite

and digestion.

The combination of these properties makes Kava

useful for the treatment of arthritic and rheumatic

conditions, a traditional medicinal use among

South Sea Islanders.

Topically, kava can be applied as a fomentation or

ointment for mild general anesthesia for the local

relief of sore muscles. It can also be chewed and

kept in the mouth for the temporary relief of

toothaches.

Besides the above described properties and uses,

among the many traditional medicinal uses for Kava

are as follows:

anxiety and depression

insomnia

to relieve fatigue and to increase energy

Genito-Urinary tract disinfectant for urinary and

reproductive organ infections

as a cure for rheumatism

for asthma

for worms and parasites, common in tropical climates

for obesity

as a poultice for headaches

as a sweat inducing tea for treatment of

colds and fevers

topically for various skin diseases re: fungal

infections and leprosy

muscle relaxant

chills, colds, headaches, stomach cramps, P.M.S.,

respiratory diseases such as asthma, congestion of

the urinary tract, and rheumatism

relief for stiffness, tension and fatigue

calming and relaxing

relieve nervous disorders,

induce a feeling of deep relaxation and contentment,

causing a sharpening of the senses.

As a sleep aid it promotes deep and restful sleep

analgesic, anti-convulsive, anesthetic and especially

relaxant properties

enhance menstrual flow

known to provide psychoactive activity

mild euphoric changes characterized by elevated mood,

fluent and lively speech and increased sense of sound.

treatment of ailments of the genitourinary tract

including vaginitis, gonorrhea and menstrual cramps

improve concentration, memory, and reaction time

remedy for insomnia

a diuretic

contains anti-inflammatory properties

effective as a pain reliever

useful for gout, rheumatism, bronchial

congestion, cystitis and prostatitis

can be used instead of aspirin, acetaminophen

and ibuprofen

modulates emotional processes (feelings of fear,

anger, sadness, and other emotions)

aphrodisiac

regulating not only anxiety and fear, but

sleep and appetite

induce profound dreams

treatment of anxiety disorders like test anxiety,

social anxiety,separation anxiety, or

performance anxiety

promoting deep sleep

Some people believe all of the above. I'm certain

all claims can be supported by the claimant.

However, use caution and think of herbal treatment

as additional treatment. Use all the methods you

can to stay alive and well. Pharmacy related items

may not be my first choice but alive and well is

better than righteous and dead. Pay attention to

the above four major therapeutic uses of Kava

and be wise in their use. This is not like

St. Johns Wort, it does not build up and

it works NOW. That actually makes St. Johns safer.

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RITUAL USE

A traditional ritual involves a large woven mat with

a tanoa (large, carved, hardwood bowl) placed at the

head position of the mat. From the front of the tanoa

is a short length of reddish cord made from the fibers

of the coconut husk. At the end of the cord is a pure

white cowry shell which will be directed toward a

chief or honored guest. The participants seat

themselves on the mat in a circle beginning

and ending at the tanoa. Behind the tanoa will be

the kava mixer and to the right, the kava server.

The Kava server is usually a young woman, very

often the prettiest in the village. The kava is served

in coconut shell cups. The tanoa is filled with

water or a mix of water and fruit juice or coconut milk.

The mixer places some kava in a strainer cloth, dips

the cloth into the water and begins massage it

strongly. The water takes on a tan color and after a

while begins to turn opaque. When the mixer

deems it to be the proper strength, a cup of kava

is passed to the honored guest to judge if it is too

weak or too strong. If too weak the cloth is returned

to the water for more massaging, if too strong, a

little water will be added. Once the proper

strength is attained the mixer runs both hands

around the rim of the tanoa, claps three times

and proclaims "the kava is ready, my chief".

NOTE:

First impressions of the solution commonly are:

1. It looks like mud.

2. It smells like mud.

3. It tastes like mud.

4. It's gritty like mud.

After the second or third cup however

most notice subtle pleasant changes.

It also doesn't cloud thought in the same way as

alcohol. It is genuinely calming and relaxing

The Kava is ready to drink. The mixer dips a cup of

kava and gives it to the server to pass to the first

participant. In turn each drinker will clap once in

acceptance and drink the content without pause.

Afterwards the drinker and the rest of the kava

circle clap three times in appreciation and the cup

is passed back to the server. This process is repeated

until all have had a cup to drink. During the

intervals between the rounds of the cup, the

partakers relax and talk. There is no standard

interval length, and at the mixers discretion

another round is served. The object is not to

simply empty the tanoa as quickly as possible,

but to enjoy each others company and the shared

mutual experience of the kava ceremony. When the

tanoa is empty, and if the group desires, a fresh bowl

is mixed and the party continues. Often many

tanoa are consumed as the hours slip by in the

pleasant conversation and the feeling of mellow

well being.

From this standard Polynesian ritual, you can make

your own to fit any of the sacred rituals you have

chosen. Simply fit it into the ritual sequence as

you desire and it will enhance the effectiveness

of your ritual flow.

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KITCHEN USE

Kava can be used as an addition to most cold or

room temperature foods. The kavalactones will

change chemistry at cooking temperatures and

will be rendered (at best) useless. Kava can be

mixed with selected spices and kept in a shaker

for table use. If added to cooked foods, add AFTER

cooking, at the table.

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RECIPES

Place approximately 3 to 6 rounded tablespoons

of kava (your preference) in a filter or

cloth and immerse in one quart of room

temperature water; there is no need to either

heat or chill the water. Fabrics that work well are

pantyhose, paint strainer bags, cloth tea bags, etc.

For 1 -2 minutes massage the cloth to thoroughly

extract the fine wet powder into the water keeping

the coarse left-overs in the bag. For stronger flavor

massage longer. You need to strongly squeeze and

work the kava in the strainer bag, don't just let

it soak like a bag of tea! Wring out

the cloth with the left-overs of excess water and

your kava is ready to drink. For larger amounts

use about 4 to 6 oz. of kava powder to 1 gal. of

water. Treat in the same way. This is the

Polynesian method. You can learn to enjoy the

unique flavor of kava, but you may wish add

sweetener as well as fruit juice or herbs such

as licorice powder, grated ginger, etc.

Kava is not soluble in water therefore it will require

frequent stirring. Use more kava for stronger mixes.

KAVA NUAI

Brew a pot of concentrated spiced kava to be

added to a desired amount of hot milk,

sweetened with honey to taste. To do this,

simmer a pot of water with a desired qantity of

kava. Add cloves, cinnamon, ground ginger,

allspice, cardamom, and nutmeg to taste.

Brew to desired strength. Pour the mixture

through a filter to remove solids. This leaves

a brew that you can add hot milk as desired.

You can make as much as you like and refrigerate.

Note: heating may remove much of the active

ingredient.

KAVA SMOOTHIE.

Mix Kava powder through a strainer bag into

your favorite smoothie mix. Blend to desired

grain and enjoy.

CRYSTAL LEMON KAVA

Mix roughly one half cup of kava brew with 32 oz of

water and flavor it with lemon flavored crystal light,

just enought to add a hint of lemon to the taste of

kava (about 1 tsp per quart made).

CINNAMON KAVA This is the recipe for 3 cups.

Fill fine mesh strainer with: 3 to 6 heaping teaspoons

Kava powder, 1 or 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon

powder. Dip strainer bag in water and be sure to

agitate contents strongly for good dispersion of the

Kava. You can make this as strong as you like.

Use caution.

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Federal regulations bar us from claiming that kava

can allay anxiety disorder. In fact, Federal

regulations, while certainly made in an effort

to stop wildly inaccurate claims, do stop us

from directly stating the fair functions of

many helpful herbal products. Such as Kava.

However, we have relayed our experience and

noted the uses made by others and their methods.

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A FEW LAST HINTS

Don't discard your old, squeezed out roots. They

contain kavalactones. Grind them fine in the

blender and reuse.

Use the old roots as soon as you can. They will

deteriorate quickly.

Don't get your mixture or kava hot. The kava-

lactones degrade in hot water.

Don't drink a lot of this and then drive.

Impairment from ANY source is a hazzard and

is illegal when operating a motor vehicle.

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