Kava Tea Benefits For The Brain

Kava is a plant known for its relaxant and medicinal effects as a pain reliever and muscle relaxant. Studies have shown a significant improvement in treating disorders such as anxiety, mood, and insomnia.

Primary Key Points

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Kava contains kavalactones that have shown potential in reducing inflammation, mainly through inhibiting inflammatory markers such as NF-kB and TNF-alpha.

Anxiety Relief: Kava is known for its anxiolytic properties, helping reduce symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders by activating GABA-A receptors and influencing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.

Sleep Improvement: Kava’s calming effects improve sleep quality by addressing underlying stress and anxiety.

Addiction Recovery Aid: Kava has been used in addiction rehabilitation programs, with studies suggesting it may help reduce cravings for substances like alcohol and drugs.

What is Kava?

Kava, also known as “kava kava,” is a perennial shrub in the pepper family Piperaceae. In social language and culture, the word “kava” denotes something bitter.

Kava has been grown throughout Micronesia, Polynesia, and Melanesia for its relaxing and medicinal effects. It is a pain reliever and muscle relaxant. It is also used as a remedy for anxiety, mood disorders, and insomnia.

A set of lactones is abundant and present almost exclusively in Kava; thus, it is called kavalactones. These kavalactones are also believed to be responsible for the health benefits of traditional kava preparations (1).

Kava and Inflammation

Inflammation plays a vital role in the pathology of various diseases, ranging from cancer to neurological disorders (2).

Its analgesic effects have partly stimulated studies on Kava and inflammation. Historically, Kava has been used to treat urinary tract infections and immune-related disorders, such as asthma (3).

Kavain and flavokawains A and B inhibited NF-kB and decreased TNF-alpha in cell studies, which play an essential role in inflammation (4) (5).

Neuropharmacological Functions of Kava

Kava is best known for its anxiolytic activity, including its potential against generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is an impairing disorder associated with extensive psychiatric and medical comorbidity and is usually characterized by a chronic course (6).

It has been concluded that Kava helps reduce anxiety and mood disorders, and it’s recommended as a symptomatic treatment of anxiety (7).

Kava activates GABA-A receptors, producing a calming effect. It also prevents a decrease in norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin levels by inhibiting monoamine oxidase and relaxing muscles by decreasing beta-adrenaline receptor activity (8) (9).

Several studies have further shown that Kava can be an alternative to Benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), especially in patients with mild to moderate anxiety (10).

Kava may also promote better sleep. Kava’s effects on insomnia stem from its effects on stress and anxiety (11).

Studies also suggest that Kava may reduce cravings associated with substance abuse, such as alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, and heroin (12).

Kava has been used as part of addiction rehabilitation programs in New Zealand with a reported 90% success rate (13).

Kava consumption appears to be clinically non-addictive. It has also been linked to mood elevation, improvements in short-term memory and visual attention, and enhanced accuracy and performance (14).

Safety and Side Effects

Kava must be taken in small dosages and only for short periods (no longer than three months). Any long-term usage is associated with several side effects like headaches, fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, and skin problems (15) (16)

If you’re considering taking Kava, you should talk with your doctor first.

FAQ

What is Kava used for?

Kava is traditionally used for its relaxing and medicinal effects. It helps relieve anxiety, improve mood, promote sleep, and reduce inflammation. It has also been used in addiction recovery programs.

How does Kava help with anxiety?

Kava activates GABA-A receptors, producing a calming effect. It also influences key neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, helping reduce anxiety and mood disorders.

Can Kava help with sleep?

Yes, Kava can help improve sleep quality by addressing stress and anxiety, which are common causes of insomnia.

Is Kava safe to use?

Kava is generally safe when taken in small doses and for short periods (no longer than three months). Long-term use can lead to side effects like headaches, dizziness, and skin problems. Always consult a doctor before using Kava.