Facts About Kava

Kava (or kava kava), a supplement developed in the lands of Hawaii and the South Pacific, has been used to de-stress, relax and concentrate for thousands of years. It is compared to alcohol, as it reduces inhibitions and creates a sense of well-being. Its strong effects gain it both positive and negative reviews.

Why kava?

• Liquid kava, the most predominant, has been used to cure multitudes of ailments. It has been known to relieve asthma, cramps and rheumatism, cure syphilis and gonorrhea, restore strength and concentration and remove boils. An effective daily dose of liquid kava is 70 to 210 milligrams.

Ceremonial use

• Kava is widely used in ceremonies. Hawaiians drink it during divination ceremonies and when naming a 1-year-old child. In some cultures, sharing a bowl of kava cements friendships and settles unrest. Presenting newcomers with a kava root is a sign of welcome and peace. Former First Lady Johnson and Pope John Paul II drank kava on their visits to the Pacific.

How to use it

• South Pacific residents use kava during celebrations or at the end of the workday. Modern kava users employ kava like a cocktail pre-party, before giving a presentation, when boarding a plane or before bedtime. There are no known withdrawal symptoms from its use. It should not be used in conjunction with sedatives, tranquilizers, or alcohol.

Banned in some areas

• Kava has been banned in multiple countries for its negative effects on the liver, vision and heart. It also negatively affects patients with Parkinson's disease.

Where to get it

• When not in a country where kava is legally consumed, it may be difficult to find. Kava users may buy online from many sources; keep in mind that online herbal supplements are not regulated by the U.S Department of Agriculture.