Pages

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.

28 comments:

  1. 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.

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

      Delete
  2. 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.

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

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

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

      Delete
  4. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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. Replies
    1. 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. 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. 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.

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

      Delete
  7. 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

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

      Delete
  8. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  15. 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. 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