Kava is an herbaceous plant used frequently in herbal medicine to treat anxiety and insomnia. It is native to the South Pacific islands, and its root has been used ceremonially, recreationally, and medicinally for centuries. Consuming kava extract produces a feeling of mild euphoria, and is known for its relaxation and anti-convulsant effects. In Western culture, it is commonly prescribed by herbalists and alternative medicine practitioners for all types of anxiety disorders.
Scientific Evidence for Kava Extract
Aside from the strong anecdotal evidence available for the use of kava-kava extract, there is also a growing body of scientific studies which back its efficacy for the treatment of anxiety. A recent study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews states that kava extract is an effective symptomatic treatment for anxiety, and is relatively safe for short term treatment.
Another study published in a 2002 edition of the scientific journal, Life Sciences, found that kava is very effective in treating anxiety without causing a loss of mental acuity. It is shown to have minimal negative side effects and may even cause positive effects, such as an increase of cognitive processing and reaction time. According to the study, kava-kava is non-addictive and well tolerated by most patients.
How Kava Extract Works
The active ingredients that make kava extract so effective against anxiety are kavalactones which are found in the plant’s roots. They have the ability to improve mood by increasing dopamine levels. It is unclear exactly how this process works. However, when an individual consumes kava-kava in any form, the kavalactones affect the neurotransmitters, or chemicals that carry messages between cells, in the blood.
How to Take Kava Extract for Anxiety
Commercial preparations of kava extract are available with a concentration of kavalactones from 3 to 30 percent. The recommended dosage of kava extract to fight anxiety is 50 milligrams of kavalactones up to three times daily. Mix the extract with fresh juice or water to make it more palatable. There are also other ways to consume kava-kava for anxiety, if the extract doesn’t appeal to you. Kava tea is one such popular method of consuming the herb.
How to Make Kava Tea
To make kava tea, combine one tablespoon of dried kava powder with one cup of boiling water. Stir, and allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes, or until cooled to room temperature. Sweeten with honey, if desired, and drink immediately. The dried root may also be used to make kava tea. Simply boil one ounce of dried kava root in one pint of water for 20 minutes, strain, sweeten, and serve.
Kava tea has a peppery, bitter taste at first. However, the tongue will become numb a few minutes after drinking the tea, and the bitter taste will no longer be noticeable. The standard dosage is 1-3 cups per day, taken as needed. The tea can be taken as an anxiety preventative, or as a treatment at the onset of an anxiety attack.
Kava Side Effects and Precautions
There are a few minor kava side effects that may be experienced when taking kava extract or kava tea for anxiety. These include numbness of the mouth and tongue, mild gastrointestinal upsets, and allergic skin reactions in some individuals. Some accounts of muscle weakness and skin and hair discoloration have also been reported. If you’re unsure, take a half dose and wait 24 hours. If no serious side effects are observed, continue with a normal dosage.
Kava-kava should never be taken with alcohol or drugs, as it can increase the depressant effects of these substances. It should also never be taken with pharmaceutical anti-anxiety or sleep medications. Make sure to always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before administering any of these kava anxiety remedies on your own.
References:
Koocher Gerald P., John C. Norcross, and Sam S. Hill. Psychologists' Desk Reference. Oxford University Press US, 2005. Print.
DiSano, Dave. Holistic Mental Health: A Comparison of Traditional And Alternative Treatments for Mental Disorders. iUniverse, 2005. Print.
Gladstar, Rosemary and Pamela Hirsch. Planting the Future: Saving our Medicinal Herbs. Inner Traditions / Bear & Company, 2000. Print.
Pittler MH, Ernst E. Kava extract versus placebo for treating anxiety. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD003383.
Anna Rita Bilia, Sandra Gallori and Franco F. Vincieri. Kava-kava and anxiety: Growing knowledge about the efficacy and safety. Life Sciences 2002, Volume 70, Issue 22.
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