Described by Dr. Hyla Cass and Patrick Holford as an “entheogen,” or spiritually-potent substance, kava-kava has been cultivated by Pacific Islanders for thousands of years. As a safe and legal substance, kava-kava extract is known to produce extraordinary feelings of mental well-being without any of the major side effects of substances such as alcohol or tranquilizers.
What is Kava-kava Extract?
Derived from a shrub native to the Pacific Islands, kava-kava extract contains powerful compounds called Kavalactones, one of which has chemical similarities to the psychoactive amphetamine MDMA. Kava-kava extract appears to calm the limbic system (the emotional center of the brain) and also acts to relax the muscular system, thus making it an appropriate remedy for headaches, backaches, and other tension-related pain.
While its total impact on the brain is still not clear, it's apparent that kava-kava extract works on the neurotransmitter GABA, which modulates dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These broadly impact our degree of motivation, energy, alertness, concentration, pleasure, and euphoria.
Kava-kava is grown in the South Pacific mainly for export, and is available in tinctures, capsules, pills and sprays, with tinctures delivering the fastest high. While it is sometimes consumed in high quantities by islanders, a moderate dosage of 60-250 mg will produce a significant effect.
The Kava-Kava High
Kava-kava qualifies as a sedative comparable in effect to tranquilizers such as Valium, but with none of the more noxious side effects. Kava-kava does not encourage addiction or habituation, and a user does not develop tolerance. Unlike alcohol, kava-kava does not induce a hangover, nor does it disturb blood sugar levels or reduce endorphin levels as alcohol does.
While it produces a sense of mental well-being and calming to the point of being useful as a sleep aid, it has also been shown to improve memory, focus, and enhances sensory perception (with sensitivity to bright lights and noise possible at higher doses). Other features of the kava-kava high can include increased empathy, sociability, friendliness, etc.
Kava-kava dosage should be gauged by starting at low doses and working upward.
Kava-Kava's Side Effects
Kava-kava's side effects are mild compared to many other substances; side effects are thought to possibly include liver damage, though studies have been inconclusive—in the vast majority of cases, liver damage with kava-kava use has been concurrent with regular alcohol and/or hepatotoxic (liver-damaging) drugs. Other negative side effects may include:
- Individuals with sensitive skin may develop a skin rash.
- headache
- mild stomach upset
- compounds the effect of alcohol—do not take with alcohol or other sedatives
- temporary impaired motor functioning at higher dosages
In addition, it has been recommended (in light of possible liver-damaging side effects) that kava-kava extract not be used regularly for extended periods of time; one German Commission capped usage at three months.
Other Supplements for Natural Stress Relief
All stress-relieving substances promote GABA, the feel-good transmitter of the brain. To lessen dependence on substances such as sugar and alcohol, consider safe and natural alternatives for enhancing GABA activity. For more, see Natural Stress Relief with GABA and Taurine and Relieve Stress Naturally with Valerian, Hops, and Passionflower.
Source:
Cass, M.D., Hyla, and Patrick Holford. Natural Highs: Feel Good All the Time. New York: Avery, 2002. Print.
Josefine Cole - Josefine is a BA graduate of Naropa University's Religious Studies program, which emphasizes self-transformation through practice of ...
