Kava Defined

You may have seen Kava bars opening up around Central Florida and thought “Hmmm...maybe the sign maker got confused and meant ‘J-A-V-A’?” Well, no the sign maker had it right — “Kava.” As people have become increasingly interested in natural remedies and herbs to deal with various conditions and ailments, kava has become more popular and well-known.

So, What is Kava?

Kava is a somewhat controversial, “muddy” or “unpleasant” tasting substance, that comes from a root native to the South Pacific region. It is sometimes referred to as “Nature’s Xanax.” Kava is like chamomile on steroids. Native Islanders have used it for centuries as everything from a pain reliever to a ceremonial drink. In fact it is STILL being used there for celebrations and social events. A potent anxiety reliever, Kava offers a non-alcoholic way to wind down at the end of the day, especially if you’re working late or you have trouble falling asleep.

The secret lies in kavalactones, the psychoactive parts of the kava plant. The kavalactones in a cup of kava tea, or a few drops of kava extract, can put you into a relaxed state of focus. In the brain, they operate on non-opiate pathways to offer a natural and non-narcotic action against anxiety. Some clinical research even suggests that they're as good or even better than pharmaceutical drugs like benzodiazepines.

DID YOU SAY, "JAVA?"

NO, IT'S "K-A-V-A"

BY IJY STAFF

Benefits of Kava

Kava has been used to treat a number of conditions, including: • Anxiety • Stress • Trouble sleeping • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

How Do I Take Kava?

• Kava Tea

This is the most common method to take Kava for anxiety. Kava tea has very earthy taste and appears like mud. You can add milk or cream and honey to reduce the muddy taste of the tea.

• Kava Tincture/Liquid

The liquid form of Kava is very potent and it has a whiskey-like taste. It is sold in small bottles; size ranging from 2-6 ounces. And, if you don’t like the taste of whiskey, it can mixed in juice via dropper to mask the whiskey taste. Ensure that you take a very small dose of Kava tincture as it is highly concentrated.

• Kava Capsules

These contain Kava powder and they are easily ingested. Persons who do not like the taste of Kava can take it in the form of capsules.

Is it Safe?

Like any other supplements you should always do you homework and make sure it is safe and right for you. You can check out what the National Institute of Health says about Kava at nccih.nih.gov

CENTRAL FLORIDA KAVA BARS

• Kava Cove

Winter Park kavacove.com

• Pacific Rootz

Orlando pacificrootz.com

• Bula Lounge

Cocoa Beach bulacocoabeach.com