Feel better . . . more relaxed . . .
at peace with the world with Kava Kava
There may be a way for you to participate in
"Paradise on Earth!" where the images evoked in the above photo can be yours
whenever you want. A fantasy? Probably. But if there is something a little more serene
about the people of Polynesia, it may be due to a plant called kava. Long ago,
these people learned that when they ingested extracts of the kava, they soon felt better,
more relaxed, at peace with the world. According to recent archeological discoveries, many
Pacific societies have used kava as an integral part of the ceremonial culture. Fijians
even use it to help them stop smoking.
As one tranquil Polynesian islander recently
said, "Kava is a healthy, natural way of relaxing. We don't need television. . . .
Cares and worries disappear - carried away by the warm ocean wind."
Kava is derived from the root of a shrub known
as Piper methysticum, which grows in Polynesia, Malaysia and Micronesia. Typically,
the kava root is ground to a brownish powder, mixed with water and consumed as a beverage.
As kava has found its way to the civilized world, the active ingredients have been
extracted and formulated into capsules and tinctures.
First isolated more than 30 years ago, last
year a recent multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, conducted
in Germany, provided the best scientific support yet for its beneficial effects. In that
study, 101 subjects, who took either a kava extract or a placebo, were found to have
significantly improved mood, which became apparent in 8 weeks, continued to improve over
the long term, and actually became even more so with continued use. After 24 weeks, 75% of
kava-treated patients were improved, compared with only 51% of the placebo group.
From personal and historical anecdotes,
clinical reports and studies, kava appears to be an effective, yet safe, means of helping
reduce anxiety, and helping provide relief from menopausal symptoms, pain, and insomnia.
