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Saturday, April 12, 2014

K is for Kava Kava


A-Z Challenge
My theme is Herbs
K is for Kava Kava

 Kava Kava comes
from the root of
Piper Methysticum
a member of the
black pepper
family. It is
native in the
South Pacific
Islands.

The plant is
ground and
pulverized and
made into a
cocktail.  It is a depressant  but it's not fermented,
doesn't contain alcohol and is neither an opiate or
hallucinogen. It doesn't seem to be addictive, either.

Medical Use:
Kava is used for anxiety, depression,  muscle
spasms, pain, psychosis and seizures.

Long term use may cause side effects.

Posted by at

28 comments:

  1. RiverApril 12, 2014 at 3:19 AM

    I've heard the name and it is in my book, but i know nothing about it apart from what I read on the page. My book says only the root of the plant is used and the preparation is a tonic, stimulant, diuretic.
    When fermented the root forms an intoxicating drink.

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    1. ManzanitaApril 12, 2014 at 5:58 AM

      River
      I know nothing about it either.... only what I could research and that wasn't much..... (just to fill in the K). See how articles differ.... mine said it was not intoxicating and yours said it is.

      Delete
    2. RiverApril 14, 2014 at 2:27 AM

      Only when the root is fermented. I would imagine that unfermented extracts are non-intoxicating.

      Delete
  2. Bish DenhamApril 12, 2014 at 6:06 AM

    Reading the above 2 comments... that's the problem with herbs and such, there just hasn't been enough research done on so many of them. And that's a shame because I have a suspicion there are cures for just about anything available to us in the plant and animal world.

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    1. ManzanitaApril 12, 2014 at 5:50 PM

      Bish
      How right you are. I'm afraid the natural cures from herbs will be soon lost entirely.

      Delete
  3. cleemckenzieApril 12, 2014 at 9:48 AM

    Pass the Kava. I'm in sore need of an anti-depressant with no side effects unless used over a prolonged period.

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    1. ManzanitaApril 12, 2014 at 5:52 PM

      C Lee
      Well step right up..... here it is. But it seems to be one of those herbs that has scant information.

      Delete
  4. JJApril 12, 2014 at 9:58 AM

    I make it a habit not to take anything - not even aspirins. I do believe in herbs, if necessary. My preference, however, is to strive for happiness in everything I do. That's my plan to avoid depression. It is a choice and it works!

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    Replies
    1. ManzanitaApril 12, 2014 at 5:57 PM

      JJ
      I agree. Avoid depression at all costs. I truly know a lot of depression is caused by a deficiency in diet. I know this first hand from within my own family but I won't go into it now. If people would give up the sugar, flour and processed food, poof would go the depression.

      Delete
    2. RiverApril 14, 2014 at 2:30 AM

      True, cut back the sugar and in some cases the dairy products and notice the difference. For myself, I notice I feel better physically AND mentally when protein is increased. For me that means red meat, so I eat a small steak once a week.

      Delete
  5. mail4roseyApril 12, 2014 at 10:58 AM

    Side effects make me nervous. :)

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    Replies
    1. ManzanitaApril 12, 2014 at 5:59 PM

      Rosey
      Have you ever read the side effects on the prescription drugs or heard them listed on TV for certain drugs? That really makes me nervous. But still, people gobble them up like they are bon bons.

      Delete
    2. mail4roseyApril 14, 2014 at 9:23 AM

      Yes, those make me nervous too. I don't even like to give the kids cough medicine. Hubby is Mr. OTC and I'm Mrs. Not-OTC, which is fine until the kiddos get sick...then we usually debate (not argue ;) ).

      Delete
  6. Su-sieee! MacApril 12, 2014 at 11:23 AM

    Years ago, I read about folks drinking kava kava as a means to mellow out. Recently I gave in and took aleve for a few days to tolerate severe pain. Kava-kava might be a better alternative. Something for me to check.

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    1. ManzanitaApril 12, 2014 at 6:00 PM

      Susieee
      Let me know if you find more info on it. I couldn't find much.

      Delete
  7. klahanieApril 12, 2014 at 1:00 PM

    Dear Manzanita,

    Finally made it over today. Hello :) I might be needing some of that Kava Kava. One of the side effects might be double vision. Could of sworn I say the name twice :)

    Have a restful Sunday, dear lady.

    Gary

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    Replies
    1. ManzanitaApril 13, 2014 at 4:35 AM

      Funny Gary.
      I think I have it too. I just saw double too. Ha
      Thanks, Gary

      Delete
  8. bettyApril 12, 2014 at 7:06 PM

    Isn't there another herb that is also good for depression? I'm drawing a blank on its name though and you might have already featured it.

    betty

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    1. ManzanitaApril 13, 2014 at 4:42 AM

      Betty
      There are quite a few and some will be coming up but the most common one that you are probably thinking of is Valerian Root.

      Delete
  9. Pat HattApril 13, 2014 at 7:50 AM

    That one sounds as bad as the antibiotic crap. Well at least it just said side effects and not a whole list of 50 things lol

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    1. ManzanitaApril 13, 2014 at 2:03 PM

      Pat
      Some may make one a little sick if the dosage is too high but it will still heal. Not at all like the antibiotic that lodges in the cells and eventually causes the serious diseases. I'd take my chances with the plant, any day.

      Delete
  10. AnonymousApril 13, 2014 at 8:02 PM

    a young friend of my step daughter gave Kava kava to me to try once - pleasant enough too. love your herbal lore - I love herbs and their healing -growing some making ointments or tinctures of a few favs.
    Sandra

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  11. UnknownApril 13, 2014 at 10:34 PM

    I thought kava kava was a harmless way to get high :)

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  12. Arkansas PattiApril 14, 2014 at 3:55 PM

    Hum, wonder if that would work with my shoulder pain. Can't hurt. Think I will try. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  13. RobinApril 14, 2014 at 4:41 PM

    A depressant used for depression? I can see anxiety... Well, it's a strange world.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Eat To LiveApril 15, 2014 at 2:13 PM

    For some reason, I thought Kava had something to do with coffee.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Zara H.April 16, 2014 at 5:39 AM

    I feel like I am attracted to this plant! First, because of its tasty name...
    Kava Kava... sounds lovely! :)) I wonder how Kava cocktail would taste?

    ReplyDelete
  16. 'Yellow Rose' JasmineApril 16, 2014 at 8:44 PM

    Sounds like smoking weed is not the only 'recreational' drug out there, that you could grow yourself if you wanted to I guess.
    I sure hope it doesn't make people stupid like the Maryjane does!

    ReplyDelete

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