Kava is most frequently used to ease stress, insomnia and anxiety (as a treatment for panic disorder, social phobia, PTSD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder etc) but has many other benefits. Kava can also be a great-antidepressant, helps with muscle tension and muscular pain, neuropathic pain such as sciatica and even as an anti-craving substance that has helped many people come off benzodiazepines, alcohol and other drugs.
Therapeutic Uses, Effects, Addiction
Effects
The effects of Kava can be felt within 5 minutes, and last for about 3-5 hrs on average can be felt for up to eight hours. Some report longer-term effects, including a feeling of mental clarity, patience, and an ease of acceptance for days after ingestion.
Effects include:
Kava has been demonstrated to be a very effective treatment for anxiety; equal to Buspirone and Opipramol and more effective than valerian or St. John's Wort, without the side effects associated with benzodiazepines such as tolerance and negative cognitive effects and sedation.
Effects include:
- Relaxation
- A sense of well-being
- Increase in alertness
- Pain relief
- Muscle Relaxation
- Relief from Insomnia
- Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Treatment of Elevated Anxiety Disorder
- Treatment for Depression
- Treatment for Social Phobia and Specific Phobias
- Increase in Sleep Quality
- Perimenopausal symptoms
- Reduction of Colon Cancer risk
Kava has been demonstrated to be a very effective treatment for anxiety; equal to Buspirone and Opipramol and more effective than valerian or St. John's Wort, without the side effects associated with benzodiazepines such as tolerance and negative cognitive effects and sedation.
How does Kava Work?
Current Explanation of Kava's effects.
"Kavalactones exert their anxiolytic effect through an array of neurobiological activity, primarily from modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors via blockade of voltage-gated sodium ion channels reduced excitatory neurotransmitter release via blockade of calcium ion channels, and enhanced ligand binding to GABA type A receptors. Other neurochemical effects include reversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase B, inhibition of cyclooxygenase, and reduced neuronal reuptake of dopamine and prefrontal cortex noradrenalin."
Savage, Karen M., Con K. Stough, Gerard J. Byrne, Andrew Scholey, Chad Bousman, Jenifer Murphy, Patricia Macdonald, et al. 2015. “Kava for the Treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (K-GAD): Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial.” Trials 16 (November): 493. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-0986-5.
"Kavalactones exert their anxiolytic effect through an array of neurobiological activity, primarily from modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors via blockade of voltage-gated sodium ion channels reduced excitatory neurotransmitter release via blockade of calcium ion channels, and enhanced ligand binding to GABA type A receptors. Other neurochemical effects include reversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase B, inhibition of cyclooxygenase, and reduced neuronal reuptake of dopamine and prefrontal cortex noradrenalin."
Savage, Karen M., Con K. Stough, Gerard J. Byrne, Andrew Scholey, Chad Bousman, Jenifer Murphy, Patricia Macdonald, et al. 2015. “Kava for the Treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (K-GAD): Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial.” Trials 16 (November): 493. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-0986-5.
Is it Addictive?
No. Kava is absolutely not addictive in any way and has been shown to have absolutely no withdrawal. In every clinical trial and research paper withdrawal was never an issue.
Will it impair my functioning?
Due to kava's unique pharmacological profile, it does not impair mental functioning despite its relaxing properties. A study was conducted to establish the safety of kava (compared to a benzodiazepine and placebo) in operating a motor vehicle. The study found that "A medicinal dose of kava containing 180 mg of kavalactones does not impair driving ability, whereas 30 mg of oxazepam shows some impairment." However, if you have to question your ability to operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery after drinking kava we always suggest you err on the side of caution and refrain from doing such. The safety of kava consumers is paramount. Be alert. If you're not, let someone else be and stay in the passengers seat.
What is kava dermopathy?
Kava dermopathy is a reversible skin condition that occurs in some kava drinkers after prolonged use. It results in dry, scaly skin and may itch or hurt. Some users have found straining most or all of the sediment out of the prepared kava to be helpful in preventing it. The dermopathy may actually continue to spread after use is discontinued, but should begin to recede and disappear within 2-3 weeks (most recover sooner).
Some users have found Alpha Hydroxy Acid therapeutic lotions (specifically AmLactin) to be the most aggressive treatment and seems to improve the condition the quickest. These lotions can cause irritation and discomfort if the skin is broken. However, for mild symptoms and/or when dermopathy first appears, it seems to be the most effective treatment. Moisturizing lotions have also been found to help in treating the symptoms of dermopathy (pain, dryness, etc). For more information on treatments, see link above.
Some users have found Alpha Hydroxy Acid therapeutic lotions (specifically AmLactin) to be the most aggressive treatment and seems to improve the condition the quickest. These lotions can cause irritation and discomfort if the skin is broken. However, for mild symptoms and/or when dermopathy first appears, it seems to be the most effective treatment. Moisturizing lotions have also been found to help in treating the symptoms of dermopathy (pain, dryness, etc). For more information on treatments, see link above.