Kava, a tropical plant native to the South Pacific islands, has been used medicinally since ancient times. But in recent years, it's become popular worldwide for its impressive range of health benefits. Scientific studies have found that regular use of kava can reduce anxiety, help improve sleep quality, decrease stress hormones, and aid digestion.
And while kava might not be an 'Instant cure,' if incorporated into a healthy lifestyle over time, these beneficial effects are likely to snowball into lasting results. In this blog post, we'll explore five powerful advantages of using kava so you can feel empowered with insight into what this particular plant extract can do for your overall well-being!
What Is Kava and Where Does It Come From?
Native to the Pacific Islands, kava is a plant that has long been used to make a beverage renowned for its calming and relaxing properties. There are various recipes for this beverage depending on where it is grown; Polynesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, and West Samoa are a few places where it can be found in large quantities.
It is usually prepared by grinding the root of the kava plant into a powder before adding it to cold water and drinking it as an elixir or tea form. Kava can also be made using white wine, coconut water, or other ingredients like soy cream and honey.
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5 Benefits of Kava
Kava Is a Natural Relaxant
Kava is a natural remedy that serves as an effective way to de-stress after a long day. Kava isn't a narcotic or sedative - it does not distort perception or cloud your mind. Instead, kava's relaxing properties can sway you into a less stressed and more comforting state without any harmful side effects.
For those needing mental relaxation at the end of the day, kava is the perfect answer because it promotes stress relief while still allowing the user to remain alert and productive during the day.
It's a Great Way to Combat Anxiety
Kava has become a popular herbal remedy for relieving anxiety. Kava helps people relax and unwind mentally and physically without causing any drowsiness or sleepiness, making it ideal for managing anxiety.
Furthermore, kava can be taken on its own or combined with other herbs to provide additional calming benefits. When used appropriately, kava can provide a natural solution for helping to control feelings of anxiousness.
Related Link: Kava for Anxiety Guide: Benefits & Dosage
Kava Can Help Improve Sleep
Due to its relaxing qualities, kava is frequently used as an alternative to traditional sleep aids. Kava was found to be more effective than a placebo for reducing stress and insomnia in a study involving 24 persons. However, the use of kava or placebo was known to the researchers and subjects.
This might have led to bias, which influenced the result. Despite these shortcomings, a later, better-quality investigation discovered that kava was more efficient than a placebo at enhancing sleep quality and lowering anxiety. Anxious people frequently experience sleeplessness brought on by stress. Therefore, kava may relieve anxiety in cases of insomnia, which may subsequently help people sleep better.
Kava Has Antioxidant Properties
Recent studies reveal that kava and its main phytochemicals also have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. More research is needed to understand kava's antioxidant capabilities fully, but the evidence thus far indicates kava could be an important factor in supplementing nutritional wellness for humans as well as others around the world.
Related Link: Kava Reverse Tolerance Explained
Kava & Anti-Inflammatory Properties
In recent years, research has suggested kava can have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation throughout the body. While kava contains kavain, which is believed to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects, further studies need to be conducted.
A 1965 study contained some of the first thorough evidence of kava's anti-inflammatory abilities in a laboratory environment. According to this study, UV light-induced skin inflammation and edema caused by formalin, serotonin, carrageenan, or dextran on the paws of rats were significantly inhibited by natural kavalactones, notably kavain.
To date, numerous studies have assessed the effects of kava and its isolated components in various inflammation models, as well as analogs produced based on the suggested active components' structures, models, varied dosages, multiple experimental setups, and possibly various kava products.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Taking Kava?
Although kava can provide many benefits, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with taking it before incorporating it into your health regimen. Most notably, drinkers often experience gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Additionally, it should not be consumed in large amounts or taken too frequently as it can cause headaches and drowsiness. While kava-related liver damage is rare overall, some people have experienced signs of liver toxicity due to kava use. These side effects are most strongly associated with kava concentrates, especially in individuals already predisposed to experiencing liver problems.
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Drinking Kava & Your Health
As with any dietary supplement, kava should be taken in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It’s been enjoyed by people for centuries, and there are many benefits to be had from drinking kava. If you haven’t tried it yet, we encourage you to check out our site and give it a try. You may find that kava is the perfect drink to help you de-stress after a long day or week.
Related Link: How Long Does Kava Stay in Your System?
