Kava, a tall scrub, a member of the pepper family piper methysticum, usually Found in the Pacific islands is used by the natives for special occasions and ceremonies. It was historically grown in Samoans, Fiji, Micronesia, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Hawaii but now for business purposes, it can be r globally.
What is Kava?
Kava is a drink prepared by grinding the roots of the cover plant and mixing them with water. In olden times the roots were ground with someone’s teeth but now with the advent of modern techniques and keeping hygiene in mind it is processed with machinery and does not involve someone’s saliva.
Before consuming a kava drink, It is advisable to give it a quick stir. The cover lactones that aren’t water-soluble will sit at the bottom of the glass and you will drink only the grey-brown water.
Kava means bitter which perfectly describes its taste.
Effects of Kava
The effects of Kava are precisely opposite to that of alcohol. In the case of alcohol, the tolerances lower initially increase with time but in the case of power, the tolerances are higher initially and decrease over time.
Kava is usually used as an anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, local anaesthetic, and spasmolytic; it also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The exact mechanism of these is unknown.
Also, there are many varieties of power and the side effects of kava depend on the array consumed. For example, the Vanuatuan strain barogu affects the body and the head equally. Some other trends mainly affect the head while others have more physical effects.
Some strains of Kava will make you feel calm and relaxed while other strains will make you feel sleepy (if you have consumed enough of it). Some effects are similar to marijuana which is a tingling sensation on the cheeks and fingertips are usually felt.
Also, the effects of Kava depend on the strain that is the variety and the person’s tolerance which decreases over time.
Kava also has some medicinal properties. It is a natural anxiolytic drug. It is preferred to other pharmaceutical pills for the treatment of insomnia.
Anxiety
Kava is widely used as an anxiolytic. Although there is some controversy about how effective the drug is. Some believe that the drug can be used safely for a short-term treatment while others believe that it has more harmful effects than the benefits it provides.
Insomnia
It has better effects in the treatment of insomnia as compared to any over-the-counter pharmaceutical pill.
Side effects of Kava
There are a lot of controversies when it comes to using Kava because the harmful effects always outweigh the benefits it provides. Even with short-term use, the following side effects of Kava are seen.
● Indigestion is mainly seen after consuming Kava the person experiences diarrhoea and muscle cramps.
● Mouth numbness is another common side effect of kava.
● Rashes are common. Itchy body and scalp mainly occur.
● Headache can also occur depending on the variety of Kava chosen. It also depends on the person’s tolerance.
● Drowsiness and dizziness are seen.
● Visual disturbance and other disturbances are common. Mostly meiosis is seen.
The above effects of kava are common with short-term use of Kava but using cover for the long term can have catastrophic consequences. The most common long-term effect of kava is liver damage.
Most people often link the effects of Kava toxicity with hepatitis failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and sometimes death also. Even though some believe that these effects have occurred only because of pre-existing liver diseases yet some blame kava for it.
It is still unclear whether the liver toxicity is a result of the kavalactones or whether it is because of the low-quality extracts or because of the contaminants found in kava. Even though WHO has said that it is safer to consume water-based beverages yet consuming them in huge quantities can increase the liver enzymes.
Kava should not be consumed by people under medication, known hepatotoxic substances, or with known liver disorders.
Is Kava safe during pregnancy?
Significantly less information is available regarding the use of Kava during pregnancy. It is usually contraindicated during pregnancy because of uncertainty. It has severe hepatotoxic effects on the mother and foetus. It also can have some hazardous effects on the central nervous system of the unborn Foetus.
How safe is the use of Kava?
Always consult your doctor before taking kava. If you have any liver related problem then avoid it completely. Some studies have found that its consumption increases the risk of liver damage. This is why it has been banned in many countries. Pregnant and lactating women should also not consume it. If you are taking other medicines, taking it with them can be harmful.