The plant Kava Kava (Piper Methysticum) is a medicinal plant that has a tradition in the South Seas passed down for thousands of years. Its use is varied; it goes from medicine to stimulant. Kava kava is used as a drink in ceremonies and offered to guests as a welcome drink. Kava kava bars, where the drink is freshly prepared, are not uncommon – even parts of Western culture appreciate the effects of the plant.
Occurrence and cultivation of Kava Kava
Within five to six years, the shrub forms its strong rootstock, which is the most important ingredient for the use of kava kava as a medicinal plant. The Kava Kava shrub (Piper Methysticum), also known as intoxicating pepper, is common on all islands in the South Pacific. From Hawaii to French Polynesia/Tahiti, Vanuatu, Samoa, the Fiji Islands and Melanesia, kava kava is consumed as a stimulant and medicine. The largest cultivation areas are on Samoa and the Fiji Islands. The plant has been known to Europeans since the second circumnavigation of the world (by James Cook) in the period 1772-1775. There is a close relationship between kava kava and black pepper. The plants are also similar in appearance and taste. Kava kava reaches heights of up to three meters. The evergreen shrub has heart-shaped leaves (maximum size: 20 centimeters). Within five to six years, the shrub forms its strong rootstock, which is the most important ingredient for the use of kava kava as a medicinal plant. Since the plant hardly forms female flowers, propagation is done by cuttings. In the South Seas, kava kava is firmly anchored in social and religious life. Primarily the roots (rhizomes) are used. The freshly cut and peeled rhizome is crushed, dried and then chewed. However, the kava kava herbs are also used. The use of kava kava herbs is the more environmentally friendly option, since the plant does not have to be cut for harvesting.
Effect and application
In the South Seas, especially men drink drinks made from the powdered kava kava root. The drink relaxes and loosens the muscles. The ingredient kavaine is the active ingredient in the roots, which is the reason for the popularity of kava kava. It provides inner peace, a balanced mood and increases inner alertness – without numbing. Kava Kava pyrone has no narcotic effect. There is no need to fear withdrawal symptoms when taking it. Also a hallucinogenic effect is not known with the medicinal plant Kava Kava. The preparation of the drink is simple: the powdered roots of the plant are simply poured over with water or even alcohol. Chewing the fresh roots immediately after harvesting also enables the absorption of the extract. The stimulating and brightening effect of kava kava is recommended for any states of tension in the human body. The roots act as a natural antidepressant. Anxiety and restlessness are reduced – a healthy and restful sleep can take place. Taking the roots is less about specific physical problems and more about the effect on the psyche. Kava Kava puts its users in a happy and contented state. Compared to St. John’s wort and valerian, Kava Kava has less of a depressant effect and instead releases euphoria. Kava kava herbs, unlike kava kava roots, are popularly used for physical symptoms. The composition of the active substances is similar in the leaves and the ingestion is just as practical. South Sea islanders use kava kava herbs for menstrual cramps, abdominal cramps, back problems, stiff neck and other tensions in the body caused by stress.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The mood-boosting Kava Kava products can be a valuable contribution to general well-being during emotionally difficult times. As a natural antidepressant with no side effects, taking it can support and strengthen. The user is relieved as he can relax for a short time, which often has a positive effect on the general perception of stress in his life – even if the effect of the Kava Kava wears off again. For a long time, taking it was considered unproblematic and recommended. However, over the years, reports increased that side effects had occurred after all.In individual cases (a total of forty cases have been documented), severe liver damage occurred in users. In six cases, liver failure even occurred, whereby the users could only be kept alive by means of a transplant. Three deaths were also recorded. Politicians in Germany reacted. With the result that in 2002 the “Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM)” revoked the approval for products containing Kava Kava. Kava Kava is currently only available as a dietary supplement and in the field of homeopathy. But outraged voices wanted a differentiated assessment of the cases. Even parts of the commission advising the Federal Ministry were of the opinion that the risk-benefit ratio argued for a renewed legalization of the Kava Kava products. The liver damage was based on overdose, pre-damage to the liver or taking the kava kava for too long. Nevertheless, the ban in Germany was not revoked. In Austria, kava kava tablets are available without prescription in pharmacies and drugstores. But on there the roots are rare and exclusively available in specialty drugstores that specialize in herbal drugs.
