There are many herbs I use for anxiety and stress. This class of herbs are called Nervines. I use a variety of nervine herbs. One is Kava kava
Kava or kava-kava (Piper methysticum) (Piper: Latin for 'pepper', methysticum: (Latinized) Greek for 'intoxicating') is a crop of the western Pacific. The roots of the plant are used to produce a drink with mild sedative properties. Kava is consumed throughout the Pacific Ocean cultures of Polynesia (including Hawaii), Vanuatu, Melanesia and some parts of Micronesia and Australia. Kava is sedating and is primarily consumed to relax without disrupting mental clarity. Its active ingredients are called kavalactones. A Cochrane Collaboration systematic review concluded that it was likely to be more effective than placebo at treating short-term social anxiety. Safety concerns have been raised over liver toxicity largely due to the use of stems and leaves by supplement makers, as opposed to solely the root of the plant as dictated by traditional uses, although the ultimate long-term safety of the herb is not settled.
Historically Kava kava is the name given to the drink which is made for religious ceremonies. The important compounds in the kav kava are the number of lactones known as kava pyrones. The most important is kavaine but there are many compounds that are active. I prefer to use kava in increasing doses.
I think the historical aspects of kava are interesting to read :
"Kava seizes one's mind. This is not a literal; seizure, but something does change in the process by which information enters, is retrieved or leads to actions as a result. Thinking is certainly affected by the kava experience, but not in the same ways as are found with caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or marijuana. I would personally characterize the changes I experienced as going from lineal processing of information to a greater sense of 'being' and contentment with being. Memory seemed to be enhanced whereas restrictive of data inputs was strongly desired especially with regard to disturbances of light, movements, noise and so on. Peace and quiet were very important to maintain the inner sense of serenity. My senses seemed to be unusually sharpened so that even whispers seemed to be loud while loud noises were extremely unpleasant." - RJ Gregory
There are numerous studies to show beneficial results from consuming kava. Studies reveal that the sedative effect is achieved with 180 - 210 mg two to three times a day.
Until tomorrow