Kava Herb
Kava is an ancient herb that is indigenous to the western Pacific regions and shares the name of the beverage it is made into. In western medicine Kava is used medicinally as a relaxing agent. The beverage Kava is a legal intoxicant and if drank before driving can result in a DUI.
Kava has been used in ritual and is ground by chewing and spitting it into a ritual basin that is mixed with water and then strained through cloth like fibers from a Coconut tree. The Kava juice is used to promote vision quests.
Kava is used today for its medicinal value and made into pill form that is standardized. The Kava pill has led to some problems and reported abuse and false sense of wellness and euphoria and has also been reported as causing hallucinations.
Kava is not available everywhere but can be found in liquid, pill and powdered form.
Kava Tea
Herbal Tea Recipe
Kava herbal tea is prepared by placing 3 – 4 tablespoons powdered Kava root in a cloth coffee filter and immerse this ‘bundle’ in 1 quart of warm water. Massage the ‘bundle’ for 2 minutes or more for stronger tea. Massaging will release the active ingredients.
Kava Uses & Herbal Remedies
Traditionally Kava was used to cure whooping cough in children and was used to treat asthma and tuberculosis.
Kava is considered by many to be an alternative to alcohol and cannabis with much of the same effects.
Kava produces topical numbing effects and will numb the mouth, tongue and throat when drunk. Used in a compress Kava has been known to numb a painful area or muscle.
Kava Dangers & Cautions
Excessive use of Kava has been shown to cause health problems such as liver damage and caution should be taken when using Kava.
Kava should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Do not drive or operate machinery after drinking Kava.
Kava should not be used for prolonged periods of time to avoid dependency.
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