Therapeutic Use of Kava

The University of Maryland states that the use of the kava plant dates back thousands of years where inhabitants of the Pacific Islands mainly used this herb for ceremonial purposes. While kava has been used for rituals, it is currently used for its calming and relaxing properties. Therapeutic uses for kava can range from treating anxiety, stress and insomnia, according to the University of Maryland. Prior to taking kava for any therapeutic purpose, speak with your doctor as this herb should not be used when taking certain medications.

Anxiety

• The University of Maryland states that kava can be used to treat symptoms of anxiety, stating that anxiety symptoms can be improved within one week of taking kava. This information suggests that kava may be just as effective as a standard anti-anxiety medication. Anxiety associated with premenstrual syndrome and menopause may also be reduced by supplementing with kava, according to the University of Maryland.

  Consume between 150 and 300 mg of kava up to three times per day for anxiety. Make sure that the supplement you choose contains at least 30 percent kavalactones, which is the active compound in the herb. Do not consume kava for longer than three months without taking a two-week break from the supplement.

Enhanced Mental Cognition

• If you feel your mind is not working as sharply as it used to due to an overload of work, stress or a combination of life situations, kava may be able to help improve your mental function, which includes cognition, thinking and mental performance, according to Vanderbilt University. When kava is ingested, it enhances the activity in the spinal region of the central nervous system and reduces the need for the higher thinking centers of the brain to work, states Dr. Hyla Cass, author and kava expert. This reduction in higher brain activity may promote relaxation and better mental performance. The recommended dosage, according to the University of Maryland, is between 150 to 300 mg of kava extract up to three times per day with eight ounces of water.

Insomnia

• The University of Chicago Medical Center states that insomnia is characterized by the inability to reach deep sleep throughout the entire night, difficulty falling asleep and waking periodically. The causes of insomnia can vary depending on the person; however, the University of Michigan Health System states that insomnia can be caused by stress, anxiety, stimulants (narcotics) as well as lack of exercise. The University of Maryland suggests that kava is able to assist those with insomnia by promoting the quality of sleep and reducing the time it takes to drift into sleep. The active ingredient, kavalactones, has been studied for its ability to promote sleep and relax the muscular system, according to the University of Maryland. Consume the standard dose of 150 to 300 mg of kava extract one to three times per day; however, visit your doctor to obtain the appropriate dosage to treat your insomnia.