Greta de la Montagne goes in-depth on Kava Kava! (Piper methysticum)

Within the realm of medicinal plants, one plant has deep roots, grounded in past traditions, while simultaneously growing toward a future in the modern world. This plant is none other than Kava Kava. Whether you know this species or not, it is truly making headway, and for good reason. The use of Kava Kava (whose scientific name means “intoxicating” in Latin) has grown increasingly in recent years due to its powerful properties of physical relaxation and mental stimulation. In this article, we want to go in-depth with this plant’s rich past and invigorating present.

Pacific Island origins

Kava Kava root (called “‘Awa” in Hawai’ian, “‘Ava” in Samoan, or simply “Kava” for short) originates in Polynesia, Micronesia, and the Philippines. This tropical plant belongs to the pepper family (Piperaceae), and needs moist, well-draining soils to flourish. Kava grows in the understory, and will propagate from stem cuttings, reaching 6-12 feet tall when mature. At 5 years old, the roots contain peak kavalactone content, the active component sought after by humans.

Kava Kava translates as “talk talk” or “chat chat”. Pacific Islander cultures use it as a sacred ceremonial offering, or as a peaceful social drink for formal meetings and social gatherings. Its analgesic qualities help humans feel good, ease their sorrows, lift their spirits, and take away their pain. Kava also mildly sedates the nervous system. Therefore, its ceremonial use increases camaraderie, decrease social barriers, and gets people talking without inhibition. Feuding families often drink Kava together, to help spark talk and negotiation. 

In larger doses, Kava acts as a tranquilizer, with relaxing psychotropic properties that make drinkers drowsy. However, drinking it doesn’t dull consciousness. In fact, drinkers report mild mental stimulation. For this reason, Kava’s traditional uses include divination, finding words for a song, and getting advice or holding congress with the dead. 

Research and Health Effects

In the Western world, Kava has attracted in-depth examination and research. Kava’s high kavalactone content affects the limbic system, the part of the brain dealing with memory and emotions. All 6 major kavalactones found in Kava differ in their psychoactive properties, how quickly they take effect, and their duration. These kavalactones bind to various neuroreceptors in the brain, including dopamine and possibly GABA-A receptors, and cause behavioral changes at low doses: most commonly relaxation, euphoria, and talkativeness.

Because of these kavalactones, Kava Kava can drastically reduce stress and anxiety. People often use it as an antidepressant. It may enhance serenity and well-being in drinkers, while leveling their emotions. However, in high amounts it can feel overly stimulating, so the dosage must be determined individually. Despite these strong properties, Kava doesn’t promote addiction, and doesn’t lose effectiveness over time. 

Kava also acts as a local anesthetic. When drunk, it sedates nerves and causes immediate numbness in the mouth, and can relax the jaw. Thus, some people consume it prior to having dental work. Kava Kava also helps in passing kidney stones and decreasing internal muscle tension, due to its antispasmodic and analgesic properties.

Choosing the Right Source

For the greatest benefit, one must choose the right cultivar, or variety, of the plant. Hundreds of Kava cultivars exist, despite domestication dates estimated at only 3000-3500 years ago. Of all strains, only “noble” varieties should be consumed, due to concerns about adverse effects from “non-noble” (tudei) varieties. The depth of cerebral effects can vary in different Kava strains, due to the variation in kavalactones. The Kava preparation method also influences this cerebral effect. 

Traditionally, a group masticates (chews) kava root for five or ten minutes, until the saliva and teeth begin to soften and separate the fibers—and to extract the water-insoluble kavalactone resins from the plant starches. They then spit the Kava out onto leaves, pound it, wrap it in cloth, and squeeze out the emulsified juice. Then they place a whole bundle into a bowl with cold or coconut water, where drinkers continually squeeze and scoop it out for drinking. All the while, people add more coconut water for each batch of drink. Fats, such as coconut water, help extract the kavalactones, thus creating a stronger Kava drink.  

Modern Uses and Precautions

In Kava bars in the US, large mechanical meat grinders mash up the root. People strain the juice, sometimes diluting it with water, which can make it look muddy. Other styles use powdered Kava, adding it to water and kneading prior to straining. Because of Kava’s potential deep sedative properties, many drink Kava in the evening. Half a coconut shell of well-prepared, strong kava will put a drinker to sleep within half an hour. Because of these sedative properties, don’t attempt to operate heavy machinery or perform dangerous activities while under the influence of Kava!

Regular Kava consumers should bear other cautions in mind. As with alcohol, the body filters Kava through the liver, and so drinking it for prolonged periods can impair liver function. Because of this, don’t mix Kava with alcohol or prescription medications, so as not to cause liver damage. Also, since it alters liver function over time, heavy and continuous Kava use can lead to skin problems. Overall, the “everything in moderation” applies when considering Kava. This powerful plant root—in moderation—can calm your mind, ease your body, take away pain, help you sleep, and promote togetherness.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve looked at Kava in-depth—or at least scratched the surface of all this intriguing plant has to offer—you may want to try some! Lake Missoula Tea Company offers a high quality strain of Kava Kava root powder, and our Catch Some Zzzz’s tea features Kava root in its ingredients.

Look for other articles on medicinal herbs and tea blends on our blog page!

Written by: Greta de la Montagne, registered herbalist; @MontagneGreta; with Gentle Strength Botanicals; Edited by: Boo Curry and Heather Kreilick

References: 

Hawaiian Herbal Medicine by Kahuna La’au Lapa’au; Practical Folk Medicine of Hawai’i by L.R. McBride; Materia Medica class notes, Southwest School of Botanical Medicine; The Essential Guide to Western Botanical Medicine by Christa Sinadinos; Pharmako-Poeia; Plant Powers, Poisons, and Herbcraft by Dale Pendell; Kava, the Pacific Drug by Lebot, Merlin, and Lindstrom; Wikipedia