In today’s rapid-pace, information-driven world, discerning folks are using the power of the internet to better inform themselves of how to live “the best life”, whatever their definition of that best life may be. Many seek to live a healthier, more fruitful life; others, faced with the continual drama of the human experience, simply want a way to unwind from it all. To that end, many people have begun drinking Kava tea. But what is the Kava Plant, and what has led to its recently spike in popularity? The Piper Methysticum plant, also known as the Kava plant, has rapidly grown in popularity within health-conscious circles for its variety of extremely beneficial properties; however, it is far from a recent discovery in its own native lands. Evidence for its use stretches back to at least 1500 years in places like Vanuatu, New Guinea, and other Micronesian islands – though New Zealand is too cold for it to prosper.
The word “Kava” has its roots (no pun intended) in the Polynesian word “awa”, meaning “bitter”, and is famous for its somewhat bitter taste and mouth-numbing qualities – but more famous for its extreme effects on stress and anxiety. Kava tea and kava powder are high in “kavalactones”, the naturally-occurring chemical that gives the Kava plant its relaxing properties. Studies seem to suggest that someone drinking kava tea or brewing kava powder will reduce their acute anxiety symptoms; however, kava tea is also used to reduce symptoms from benzodiazepine withdrawal, as well as assist insomnia sufferers in finding restful sleep. What’s more, preliminary studies in mice seem to indicate kavalactones may assist in mitigating neurological degeneration – the way kava tea interacts with GABA receptors seems to indicate some positive interaction, although as should be noted, this is not medical advice and the author is not a medical professional. Always speak to a certified health professional with any specific questions about how kava tea and kavalactones may interact with your unique physiognomy.
Beyond any potential holistic health benefits and self-reported assistance with those symptoms mentioned above, kava tea is also known to simply be a good social lubricant. The dangers of alcohol are well-documented and widely-discussed, so many health-conscious folks have begun to use kava tea as a “replacement” for alcohol; it’s something that people can go out and consume with friends, laugh and have a good time, and at the end of it all, report feeling better than alcohol makes them feel – especially in regards to hangovers. Noble kava does not have the sort of “hangover” that alcohol has, distinguishing it from what is known as “tudei kava”; almost all vendors in America seek to sell Noble Kava, and avoid the tudei variety.
The most interesting aspect of kava tea, beyond all the listed benefits, seems to be the lack of withdrawal symptoms after quitting extended use. Most anti-anxiety medication carries with it a litany of symptoms and side effects and potential long-term hazards; this is not to say kava tea has no long term problems, but what studies do seem to suggest is that the body does not form a chemical dependence on kava tea. In this way, people who have acute symptoms of anxiety may have an alternative method of dealing with it – though it must be noted that drinking kava tea over time seems to exacerbate symptoms of GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) rather than reduce them. As mentioned above, seek professional medical advice for specific questions. However, for the best prices and most consistent quality kava tea, the discerning customer chooses (Kratom and Kava Online/South Pacific Kava).