Kava Tea
The Benefits and Side Effects of Kava Tea
Kava tea has been used for many centuries as a means to soothe certain medical conditions as well as encourage relaxation. It was brought by boat to Hawaii several centuries ago by the Polynesians, who endeavored to bring only the best kava roots on the voyage. Since that time, the popularity of kava tea has grown quite a bit in the North American area. We are going to take a look at why this plant seems to be getting so popular as well as what side effects to be aware of.
The word “kava” refers to an herbal plant whose roots are used primarily for a relaxing or numbing effect. It is considered to be a legal intoxicant which means that drinking kava tea and then driving could result in a DUI charge. While the tea form of this root is most popular, one can also obtain kava in a pill form, although this form is often viewed as being hazardous due to the increased chances of causing hallucinations. The kava pill also has a history of being abused for its tranquilizing effects.
In a word, kava really is a tranquilizer. Kava tea, in moderation, can encourage feelings of relaxation and even euphoria in a person. Many people compare the effects of kava as being very similar to alcohol or marijuana in that it physically relaxes the muscles and the mind. Don’t let this put you off! Kava certainly can be abused, as can any intoxicant, but it can also offer terrific benefits to those who use it responsibly.
As mentioned before, the most common use for kava tea is to obtain relaxation, and it certainly can do the trick! Feelings of anxiety or stress, muscle tension, and headaches brought on by stress can be soothed with a nice cup of kava tea. It is also used as a mood enhancer to encourage an overall cheerful attitude and combat feelings of depression. Although this tea does induce the body into a state of relaxation, the mind should still remain clear (unlike the pill form, in which it is much easier to develop hallucinations). In fact, many people have reported an improvement in cognitive performance after drinking kava tea.
This tea contains six major lactones (also called kavalactones) which can prove beneficial to several conditions other than stress. For instance, many drink this tea because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for those suffering from conditions such as gout, bronchitis, or rheumatism. It can also be used a general pain reliever, especially for mouth pain, headaches, and a sore throat.
The recommended limitation for this tea is one cup per day for a period of no more than four consecutive days. A beginner may want to consider drinking one cup a day for four days and then abstain for the next four days. It is important to give your body regular breaks from kava. While it is not likely to have any long-term cognitive effects, prolonged use can lead to liver problems that may or may not be permanent. Herbalists are also concerned at the potential kava has for becoming addictive to long-term users.
A moderate-strength brew of kava should begin to produce effects within the first half hour of consumption. For a standard size of tea cup, these effects can be expected to last anywhere from two to three hours at full strength; however certain effects can linger up to eight hours after tea consumption. Some of the more noticeable effects include tingling or numbness of the mouth and lips, enhanced sociability and talkativeness, calmness, and an overall sense of well-being.
Kava can be a terrific method to easing tension and helping one to relax at the end of the day. When drank responsibly, there is very little to fear from this herbal tea. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or people with existing liver issues.