Kava root may be one of the most important and yet most controversial herbal remedies on the planet. It’s widely used in the Pacific region of the world, and the seemingly innocent looking plant’s roots are an important part of politics, religion, culture, medicine and society in these areas. However, despite the incredibly abundant use of the root, it’s considered quite dangerous by some, and has been banned in countries like Canada, Germany and Switzerland. The plant has been associated with liver damage and even some deaths, which is what has led to the root’s ban in some countries, action that has taken a serious economic toll on the countries that typically export the root. With regulation and a better look at safety, the plant is enjoying a bit of resurgence in use, mostly due to kava root tea benefits for health, many of which are ancient uses for the herbal concoction.
All plants contain chemical compounds that are responsible for their healthful benefits, and kava is thought to contain no less than 25 different constituents. Of these, a mere handful is thought to represent the majority of the physiological effects observed in kava root users and these chemicals are known as kavalactones. Kavain, methysticin, yangonin, desmethoxyyangonin, and dihydrokavain are all suggested to be the source of kava root tea benefits which include the inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine uptake, inhibition of monoamine oxidase B, and much more.
There are numerous different ways in which kava root is prepared and each way represents varying levels in the strength of the effects of the plant. A standard kava root tea recipe involves little more than crushing the root via chewing, pounding or grinding the substance into very small pieces and then adding the root to water and drinking promptly. The root is almost always the sole ingredient of the brew however, and is almost never included in herbal tea recipes. For a mild beverage, filling a bowl with about three cups of water is a good place to start. Then, a cloth can be placed in the bowl and broken up kava root can be put inside. The cloth containing the kava can be squished and kneaded to release the moisture contained in the root, making a tasty concoction where the preparer can control the amount of kava being included. The root is potent, and as is evident from the following list of ten healthful kava root tea benefits, a little goes a long way.
1. Anxiety
Perhaps the most well known use of kava is in reducing anxiety and stress. The actions of the chemicals found in the plant on the nervous system are well documented, and the root’s effects on the brain are quite proven and founded in scientific fact.
2. Sleep Problems
Though the initial sensations from using kava can seem somewhat exciting or stimulating, when present they are often replaced with feelings of sleepiness. For this reason, kava root tea benefits have long included serving as a sleep remedy for those having a hard time getting rest.
3. Migraines and Headaches
It’s likely the effect that the root has on the nervous system that is responsible for its purported role in relieving pain from headaches and more specifically, migraine headaches. More research is necessary however to determine if this is a use for the root or merely a secondary benefit.
4. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Just how precisely kava root tea benefits may impact chronic fatigue syndrome is still unknown, however the plant’s purported ability to bring about dreamless and peaceful sleep may have something to do with it. Effects on the nervous system and stress relieving properties may also contribute to this application.
5. Drug Withdrawal
Though most evidence suggests otherwise, kava remains one popular herbal remedy for people coping with withdrawal symptoms associated with some drugs, such as benzodiazepine.
6. Preventing Cancer
Some of the chemicals found in the rhizomes of the kava plant may have a positive effect on keeping cancer at bay. Though these kava root tea benefits will require abundantly more study and research, it is a promising notion that the feel good brew of the South Pacific may have preventative, healthful uses.
7. ADHD
The sedative like sensations that can come with using kava are perhaps the driving force behind the herbal remedy’s use in controlling symptoms related to attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. This relationship has not been thoroughly studied however, and at this time there is still not enough evidence to support the root’s use for ADHD, although the link has been suggested.
8. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Normally associated with resin from the plant, kava root historically has been used to treat various sexual disease including gonorrhoea. Though most often attributed to external application of the plant, treatment of these and other conditions like incontinence may also be included in kava root tea benefits.
9. Depression
Neurological uses for kava root seem to be neverending, however not only has the plant been associated with reducing the symptoms of depression, but some studies have even found that the plant’s constituents may provide excellent alternatives to some popular pharmaceuticals used to treat neurological conditions today.
10. Water Retention
Most kava root tea benefits refer to altering the mind or the senses or relieving pain or bringing about sensations of calmness and relaxation. All of these can mean that some of the most basic kava root tea benefits get completely overlooked. The plant is considered a natural diuretic and is thought to be effective at relieving water retention and helping remove toxins from the body.
