Kava Kava: Effect and application of the root
Kava belongs to the pepper family and has long been traditionally used in Oceania. According to research, the strength of the anti-anxiety effect is comparable to that of benzodiazepines.
Kava - an anti-anxiety root
The root of the kava smoke, which is also called kawapeffer or intoxicating pepper, can weigh up to ten kilograms. It is used in ceremonial drinks and as a traditional remedy in Polynesia. In many countries there are products made from kava root that advertise with a calming effect.
- The root tastes bitter and pungent. It smells slightly of lilac, has a warming, sweat and diuretic effect, relieves pain, relieves cramps and locally numbs pain.
- In the folk medicine of her home country she is used internally for anxiety, tension, sleep disorders, urinary and genital infections, gallbladder problems, diarrhea, arthritis and rheumatism. Externally for joint and toothache and mouth ulcers.
- The root looks much stronger fresh. It is dried or freshly crushed and usually poured with hot or cold water in powdered form. It is chewed and spit out for the Polynesian ceremonial drink. In this way it is fermented before drinking.
- In most cultures in their home countries, men in particular enjoy kava root as a relaxing after-work drink. In Vanuatu there is lava cola, which advertises with its calming effect.
Prescription-only in Germany - products from the kava pepper
We had a legal dispute over the approval of medical devices that contain extracts from the root. From 2002 to 2015, kava products were not available from us. Products from the plant that have been used against anxiety are suspected of damaging the liver. Due to the suspected cases, we now have all kava products that require a prescription and are subject to strict conditions.
- In the case of social phobias, the Kavapyrone contained in the roots help particularly well, but also with other forms of anxiety.
- With us and in other European countries, these products require a prescription. Low dose homeopathic remedies are not affected.
- The reason for the cases of liver damage has not yet been conclusively proven by studies. A synthetic kava product, interactions with antidepressants and contamination of the products by fungi are suspected.
- In other countries, for example the USA and Australia, kava products are still freely available for sale.
- Do not use Kava during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is not suitable for patients with endogenous depression or damaged liver. Overdose leads to stupor, a rigid state of the body.
- With longer use, yellowing of the hair, nails and skin can occur. If you take the root in conjunction with alcohol or barbiturates, the effect increases.
