Kava extract comes from a particular type of plant called Piper methysticum. This plant is native to the islands of the South Pacific region, such as the Islands of Tonga and Fiji. Native South Pacific islanders have used kava for hundreds of years to treat various health conditions and ailments. They also consume it at social gatherings as well.
Used in our Krush Night Time CBD Isolate, Kava extract is prepared by drying out the roots and then crushing them until they are a powdery substance. You can mix the kava powder with water or any other beverage to consume it quickly. The most common feelings associated with kava consumption are happiness, calmness, and relaxation.
Although kava is a non-addictive supplement, it is known to mimic the euphoric sensations of cannabis-based products. These effects are attributed to specific psychoactive compounds in kava that are called kava pyrones. However, unlike the psychoactive compounds in cannabis called THC, kava pyrones are not illegal to consume.
So, is kava extract worth consuming? Below are the top 10 uses and benefits of consuming kava extract.
1) Treats Stress and Anxiety Disorders
Numerous clinical trials have shown that kava consumption can reduce symptoms of general anxiety disorder, stress, and other anxiety-related symptoms, such as tension and agitation.
Medical researchers believe kava produces a calming effect in people because it activates specific brain receptors called GABA-A receptors. Once these receptors are activated, it sustains the production of “calming” neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
The results speak for themselves. Most people who consume kava extract supplements have noticed a positive change in their anxiety levels within 30 minutes after consumption. Kava may not be a cure for anxiety, but it could help reduce your feelings of anxiety if taken in moderation.
2) Lowers Risk of Cancer
Would you be surprised to learn that South Pacific islanders have few cancer cases? Many people would be surprised to learn it because South Pacific islanders are known for smoking tobacco religiously. But due to the high consumption of kava on the South Pacific islands, the kava extract used in our CBD Isolate could be what is preventing islanders from getting cancer.
The studies into the connection between kava and cancer cells vary. So, don’t solely depend on kava to reduce cancer cell growth. Instead, consider it a possible cancer treatment alongside other cancer treatments. Consult your doctor for more guidance.
3) Promotes Better Sleep
Most medical studies regarding kava’s effects on sleep performance have been done on animals rather than humans. However, the sedative and euphoric effects of the kava pyrones chemical compounds have the potential to help humans get a better night’s sleep.
Since insomnia and trouble sleeping are connected to stress and anxiety symptoms, kava’s ability to lower stress and anxiety is what can help you get a better night’s sleep. So, anyone with a sleeping disorder may find some relief if they consume kava extract in moderation. There are no guarantees, but it’s worth a try.
4) Regulates Blood Pressure
Kava may help regulate blood pressure because of its calming effects on the central nervous system. When you are less stressed and more relaxed, it will lower your blood pressure considerably.
Please remember to maintain a nutritious diet and exercise regimen to lower and regulate your blood pressure. Unfortunately, kava can only regulate blood pressure resulting from stress and anxiety. But it won’t do much for food-related high blood pressure problems.
5. Reduces Symptoms of Depression
The rise in dopamine and serotonin levels can significantly reduce your symptoms of depression. Kava will improve your mood considerably as you feel less anxiety and fatigue. Both animal and human studies have confirmed these results.
Of course, there are several reasons why someone might suffer from depression. But if you have a chemical-based reason for your depression, you may experience a temporary neurological correction in the chemical imbalance causing it.
Kava may produce better results against depression than the more popular Saint John’s Wort supplement. Saint John’s Wort doesn’t improve anxiety symptoms, but kava improves depression and anxiety symptoms. That is why you may find kava a better choice for you.
6. Kava Extract and Soothes Aching Muscles
Kava has some fantastic muscle-relaxing properties to ease muscle tension throughout the body. As a result, people suffering from chronic back pain, muscle spasms, or pulled muscle pain can find tremendous relief from consuming kava.
Many bodybuilders will consider consuming kava as part of the workout recovery (CBD Oil Workout Recovery), especially if their muscles are overtrained or overstressed. It may help the muscles heal faster when feeling acute or chronic pains.
7. Reduces Menstrual Symptoms
Women experiencing menopausal or premenopausal symptoms may find some relief if they consume kava. Say goodbye to severe night sweats, hot flashes, and the usual feelings of anxiety, irritability, and insomnia associated with these conditions.
Kava’s effects on menstrual symptoms can be attributed to the inhibition of the monoamine oxidase-B enzyme and the activation of dopamine and GABA-A receptors in the brain.
Menopausal women won’t all experience the same results. However, many women have vouched for kata’s positive effects on the physical and mental symptoms caused by menstruation.
8. Treats Erectile Dysfunction
There are many reasons why men might develop erectile dysfunction. In many cases, erectile dysfunction results from a mental issue rather than a physical issue, such as stress and anxiety. Some people refer to this as self-induced erectile dysfunction.
So, if you have this kind of self-induced erectile dysfunction, you may find relief if you consume kava moderately. Men who consume around 100 milligrams of kava extract before sex should experience more blood flowing to their penis. That allows an erection to form.
On the other hand, if a urologist or primary care doctor has diagnosed you with erectile dysfunction, you may have a more severe case of it. Kava may not work in this situation.
9. Enhances Brain Function
A small amount of kava extract can stimulate various parts of the brain that are responsible for sustaining brain function, such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and caudate nucleus.
For example, you could experience enhanced focus, attention to detail, and memory from consuming one 300 mg dose of kava extract. In addition, processing thoughts and visual elements in your mind will be easier and faster.
Make sure you don’t consume too much kava at once, or else it could impair your motor function rather than enhance it.
10. Kava and Reduces Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
The psychoactive properties of kava may help recovering drug addicts and alcoholics deal with their withdrawal symptoms. When dopamine levels rise in the brain, a person won’t have the same level of craving for a drug.
After all, people get addicted to drugs and alcohol because they provide temporary relief from stress and anxiety. The difference with kava extract is that it’s not an addictive drug, but it can still offer you the same level of temporary relief.
More clinical research is ongoing into the effects of kava on drug addicts and alcoholics. Kava extract is not meant to cure any drug or alcohol addiction, but it could be effective if used with a traditional recovery program.
Kava extract has different effects on everyone. People who have consumed kava in moderation have reported no severe side effects. However, it is best to seek the advice of a qualified doctor before consuming kava, especially if you are taking other medications or supplements.