A – Z of Herbal Remedies

Other Names: Kava, Kava Kava, Ava, Asava Pepper, Intoxicating Pepper, Piper Methysticum
Traditional Usages: Anxiety, Insomnia, Stress, Gonorrhea, Vaginitis, Nocturnal Incontinence, Gout, Rheumatism, Relieves Pain, Aphrodisiac, Personality Disorders
Resources: Pacific Islands, US
Parts Used: Roots, Bark, Peeled Rhizome
Administration Method: Ground herb.
Herb Action: Anti-anxiety
Herbal Research: Kava
Health Warning: Avoid using when pregnant or breastfeeding or if being treated for depression. Use no more than 3-months without medical advice.

Please note: In the UK Kava is listed as a banned and restricted ingredient.  “It is not permitted in unlicensed medicines, except those exclusively for external use.” The herb is listed here for purely information purposes. Please take expert medical advice before using kava.

Also Note: Extended continuous intake of kava can cause a temporary yellow discoloration of skin, hair and nails.  In this case, further application of this drug must be discontinued.  In rare cases, allergic skin reactions can occur.  Also, accommodative disturbances, such as enlargement of the pupils and disturbances of the oculomotor equilibrium, have been described.  (Source: American Botanical Council).

Kava Kava - Herbal remedy for Anxiety: Kava Kava reduces anxiety, fear, tension and alleviates stress. It relaxes muscles, relieves pain, insomnia and promotes restful sleep. The part of the plant used medicinally is the root. Although the root was traditionally chewed or made into a beverage, kava is now available in capsule, tablet, beverage, tea, and liquid extract forms. Take one  tablet of 200 grams  twice daily  for 3 weeks.
Health Warning: Please note kava can cause liver damage. Kava should only be taken under supervision of a medical doctor.

Kava Kava – Herbal remedy for Bipolar Disorder: Kava kava may calm the central nervous system, helping you control anxiety and racing thoughts that occur during manic phases of bipolar disorder. It may also help relieve depressive symptoms.  One can make a delicious and healthy cold kava tea. Simply crush a one inch piece of kava kava root. Squeeze the juice and add to a liquid such as water or milk. Both water and milk are great for extracting kava. However the absolute best liquid to pull out the active ingredients of kava is anything with fat in it, whether it is cow’s milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
Health Warning: Consult your physician if you plan to use kava kava for bipolar symptoms because it may cause numbness, loss of appetite, daytime drowsiness and skin dehydration. Consult your medical doctor before taking kava kave for bipolar disorder.

Kava - Herbal remedy for Convulsion:  Kave is anticonvulsive and relieves stress and anxiety. It aids sleep and is a natural sedative. Follow the instructions on the label for the best results when treating convulsions.
Health Warning: Please note kava can cause liver damage. Kava should only be taken under supervision of a medical doctor.

Kava - Herbal remedy for Epilepsy:  Kava can be taken in the form of powder, simply add a teaspoon of powder to milk, water or juice before drinking.
Health Warning: Please note kava can cause liver damage. Kava should only be taken under supervision of a medical doctor.

Kava – Herbal remedy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Kava is an evergreen shrub found throughout Polynesia. It can be used to treat anxiety, stress and insomnia.  Kava capsules or tinctures are used for treating OCD. Follow product label for dosage instructions.
Health Warning: Do not use kava with alcohol, sedatives or antidepressants.

Kava Kava – Herbal remedy for Panic Disorder:  Kava kava may be helpful in relieving symptoms of anxiety that is mild or moderate. Take 100-200 milligrams four times per day.
Health Warning: You should check with your medical doctor before starting this herbal remedy and do not use kava kava to replace other forms of therapy.

Kava Kava - Herbal remedy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Take 500 milligrams in capsule form of the extract three times per day.
Health Warning: Please note kava can cause liver damage. Kava should only be taken under supervision of a medical doctor.

Kava - Herbal remedy for Social Phobia: Kava has been used in the Fiji Islands for many years. It has calming and relaxing effects. It can be taken three times daily. Take three cups of kava tea three times daily for two weeks.
Health Warning: Please note kava can cause liver damage. Kava should only be taken under supervision of a medical doctor.

Kava - Herbal remedy for Stress: Kava  has been used to treat the symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety. Its mild-sedative effect appears to target the central nervous system rapidly, consequently relieving some of the symptoms that depression and stress can create. Take a cup of kava tea twice daily for two weeks.
Health Warning: Please note kava can cause liver damage. Kava should only be taken under supervision of a medical doctor.

• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Convulsions
• Epilepsy
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Attack and Panic Disorder
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Social Phobia
• Stress