For centuries, people around the world have turned to natural remedies to address physical discomfort and pain. Among them is kava, a plant native to the South Pacific that has been used for thousands of years to treat issues such as headaches and muscle aches. But what exactly is kava? How does it work? And most importantly, can it help with your particular type of pain or discomfort? In this blog post, we’ll cover all you need to know about how kava works and whether it will be an effective solution in relieving whatever type of physical distress you may be struggling with. Keep reading on as we provide further insight into why kava could be a great option for finding relief from your pain.
What Is Kava?
Kava is native to the South Pacific islands where it has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries. It's made from the root of Piper methysticum, a member of the pepper family. The root is ground down into a powder and then mixed with water or milk to make a drinkable beverage. In its traditional form, kava can have an unpleasant taste and consistency; however, many modern versions are flavored with honey or other ingredients to make them more palatable.
Related Link: Kava for Anxiety Guide: Benefits & Dosage
How Does Kava Work?
Studies have shown that kava can be effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia, and muscle tension due to its calming effects on the brain. It works by increasing levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate our moods and relaxes us when we're feeling stressed or anxious. Additionally, kava contains an active compound called kavalactones which are believed to have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body.
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Does Kava Help With Pain?
Kava can be beneficial in treating mild to moderate forms of pain such as headaches, joint pain, and muscle tension due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, its calming effects on the brain can help reduce stress-related pain such as tension headaches or back aches caused by stress or anxiety. However, it's important to note that kava should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medications; rather it should be used alongside conventional treatments for maximum benefit.
Types of Kava
When looking for kava, it’s important to understand the different types of kava that are available on the market. There are two main varieties of kava: Noble and Tudei Kavas. Noble Kavas are traditionally used in Pacific Island cultures, while Tudei Kavas are considered inferior in quality and can be more difficult to find in North America. It’s recommended that people looking for pain relief opt for Noble varieties because they contain higher amounts of active ingredients such as kavalactones (the compounds responsible for providing analgesic effects).
Related Link: How Much Kava to Get Krunk? What About to Chill?
Potential Risks
Although kava is generally considered safe when taken in moderation, there are some potential risks associated with using it for pain management. For example, excessive consumption of kava can lead to liver damage or even liver failure, so it is important to be aware of your individual tolerance levels before you begin taking it regularly. Additionally, the FDA warns against combining kava with alcohol or other medications as this could increase the risk of adverse side effects such as liver toxicity or kidney damage. Finally, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking kava as there is not enough research available on its safety during these times.
Where To Buy
When shopping around for kava, it’s also important to do your research and go with a reputable seller who specializes in selling quality products. Many online retailers sell high-quality Noble Kavas from specific regions such as Vanuatu or Fiji. These vendors often provide detailed information about their products so you can feel confident that you’re buying something that is safe and effective for pain relief. Additionally, some stores may offer “Kavalactone 35% Extracts” which contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than regular ground kavas and can provide more potent results when used medicinally.
How To Prepare
Once you have your kava, it’s important to prepare it properly if you want to get the most out of its medicinal benefits. The traditional way to prepare kava is by grinding or pounding the root into a powder and then mixing it with cold water or coconut milk before straining out any solid particles with a cheesecloth or filter bag. This method ensures that all of the beneficial compounds are extracted and consumed during consumption. If you don’t have access to grinding equipment, many companies now offer pre-ground powders that can simply be mixed with water or coconut milk and consumed directly (although these may not provide as strong an effect).
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Using Kava For Pain Relief
If you’re looking for a new natural way to ease pain, kava may be worth trying. Though more research needs to be done on kava and pain specifically, the existing evidence shows that it can help alleviate some types of pain. And since kava has relatively few side effects, it may be worth giving it a shot – especially if you’ve tried other methods without success. If you decide to give kava a try, head over to our website and check out our pre-made drinks. They’re an easy and convenient way to get all the benefits of kava without any of the hassle.
Related Link: How Long Does It Take for Kava to Kick In?
