Kava Kava(Piper methysticum)
Other Names:
awa, ava, malok or malogu, sakau, and yaqona
Range:
Non-Native Plant
Family:
Piperaceae – Pepper family
Parts Used:
Root
Uses:
Culinary Uses:
None KNown
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics
Taste: Pungent
Thermal: Warming
Humidity: Drying
Medicinal Uses:
Amenorrhea, Anxiety, Asthma, Cystitis, Insomnia
Traditionally a drink is prepared by a group of people chewing the fresh root and spitting the resulting liquid into a bowl or cup. This liquid is then consumed for its psychoactive properties. The cause of these psychoactive properties are the kavalactones contained in the root of the plant. This drink has been used in religious rituals, and for medicinal treatments much longer than recorded history.
Western societies typically use a 1:4 tincture prepared from the dried root and high proof ethyl alcohol. Aside from the hypnotic, nervine, relaxant, and sedative effects, this plant is a wonderful natural analgesic, or pain killer. This provides an excellent option for those who suffer from chronic uncontrolled pain. There are however some drawbacks to using this plant. The instances of dependency are well documented. Care must be taken when using this plant. Do not operate machinery, including automobiles, until you know how this drug will affect you. I have found that when taken on an empty stomach, the narcotic effects are greatly increased, and quite quick to take hold. However these effects are relatively short lived. It has been my experience that cognition returns quite quickly. The trick of using this drug medicinally is to find a dosage which will alleviate your symptoms without a reduction in cognition.
Cautions According To WebMD
Possible Side Effects:
None Known
Possible Interactions:
Taking P. methysticum with barbituates could result in life threatening complications
Medicinal Actions:
Analgesic,
Anticonvulsant,
Antimicrobial,
Antispasmodic,
Anxiolytic,
Hypnotic,
Nervine,
Relaxant,
Sedative,
Soporific,
Tonic: Kidney,
Tonic: Nerve
Herbal Preparations For Piper methysticum
Tea
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Fresh is best, but it is not readily available
Place 2 tsp of fresh, or 1 tsp of dried, chopped or powdered root in a large mug. Pour almost boiling water over the leaves. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain to remove sediment.
Dosage: One cup
Cold Infusion
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Fresh is best, but it is not readily available
To make your infusion, you simply place 2 ounces of the chopped root into a quart mason jar, and fill the jar with clear, cold, water. Cover the jar, place it in a sunny location, and let it sit for 8 to 24 hours. If refrigerated, the infusion will last a couple of days.
Dosage: 2-4 oz at a time
Tincture
Tincture is not recommended, as they leach out harmful glycosides.
