Mahakea Kava Kava Root
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Our fresh and potent mahakea root has matured for over four years, and has the most desirable 426 kavalactone chemotype line up. It is grown on a small, all-organic farm in Hawaii called Kona Kava Farm that has been family-owned for generations. Buying from us not only gets you direct from the farm prices, you get the strain of Kava that was chosen to prove all the reports of liver damage wrong. This is also least bitter of any variety we have tried!
As the elders use to say, "If you drink too much root, you must walk backwards, so the ground does not come up to greet you". The Hawaiian kava is unusually potent and suits the needs for long and pleasant ceremonies that are conducive to sociability and the telling of long stories. Recently, German Pharmaceutical University asked for large kava kava samples from numerous growers around the world, and only accepted kava kava from organic farmers. They wanted to see if kava kava was toxic to the body as some reports had said. The kava kava from Kona Kava Farm came up toxin-free no matter what they did, and they even found that whole root-only kava in its natural form has no toxins whatsoever. Anxiety panic attacks, phobias, anxious depression, and recurrent and persistent generalized anxiety occurs in increasingly more individuals. The author of this article* recommends kava root (Piper methysticum) as an alternative treatment to anxiolytic treatment for all types of non-psychotic forms of anxiety as well as for mild depression. The author also contends that an older root aged 3-5 years is medicinally stronger than the younger roots.
Kava root has been consumed in Polynesia since the earliest recorded history of that region. The root beverage has been drunk both ceremonially and also as a gift to and from visitors. The kava rhizome (subterranean plant stem) produces a fermented liquor, when it is chewed with saliva, then mixed with either water or coconut juice. Ingestion of the root prepared this way produces a numbing and astringent sensation in the mouth. This is followed by a relaxed and sociable state, relieving both anxiety and fatigue. Kava root is reported to have aphrodisiac qualities as well. The ritualistic use of this plant prevented individual abuse.
The primary effect of kava is stimulation followed by sedation of the central nervous system. Small doses produce a sense of well-being, while larger doses produce extreme relaxation, lethargy, and eventually induce a deep sleep. Kava may have to be taken several times before its effect is noticeable. The total extract of the rhizome yields higher levels of kavalactones than when isolated kavalactones are used. Several studies indicate kava affects the limbic structures of the brain (those areas that produce and process emotions) similarly to sedative drugs but without the side effects of addiction or tolerance. Kava does not interfere with GABA or benzodiazepine-binding sites in the brain, two mechanisms of action of some of the commonly available sedatives. As an anxiolytic, kava reduces feelings of anxiety along with physical symptoms of anxiety as well. Unlike prescription treatments for anxiety, kava does not impair alterness or interact with moderate alcohol consumption.
For anti-anxiety treatment, a recommended dosage of the root with 50-70 mg kavalactones is taken three times daily. For sedation, a single dosage of 180-210 mg kavalactones is recommended. For the dried root, 1.5-3.0 grams per day of the root divided into doses is recommended. This method of consumption can be quite efective since saliva reportedly activates the kavalactones. A 1:2 tincture dosage is from 3-6 milliliters each day in divided dosages. The safety of kava is indicated by several toxicology studies the author refers to. Human studies using kava at therapeutic dosages failed to indicate toxicity.
Alschuler, Lise. Kava root: Herbal treatment for anxiety conditions. American Journal of Natural Medicine. Vol. 4, No. 10:22-25.
Alschuler, Lise, N.D. December 1997. Kava Root: Herbal Treatment for Anxiety Conditions. American Journal of Natural Medicine, Vol. 4, No. 10, pp. 22-25.
More Information
Find lots of KAVA RECIPES at Kona Kava Farm. There is an interesting article that focuses more on the psychoactive properties of Piper methysticum - Kava Kava at Entheology.org. Or, if you want to keep up to date on all things related to this amazing and ancient plant, or if you wish to speak directly with the woman who has owned this family farm for generations, you can go to the Kava Kava Blog as well and join in on the discussion. |
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