Kava – Nature's Perfect Relaxant for Massage

What is Kava?

KAVA ROOT MARKET ON VANUATU

Kava (Latin name Piper Methysticum) is a non-addictive medicinal South Pacific plant; also known as Asava pepper or intoxicating pepper. It can grow to an average height of six feet, with heart-shaped leaves that stretch 10 inches wide. 

For centuries, Pacific Islanders have used kava as a medicinal plant because of its sedative, anesthetic, and relaxing properties. (In other words: It will calm you down and make you feel good.)

What is iT used for?

The herb has been used to everything from migraines, insomnia, ADHD, and arthritis. In some cultures, it’s used for religious and cultural purposes including weddings, political events, funerals and royal events. Studies have shown that Kava eases anxiety, relieve stress, and relax muscle and nervous tension. That’s why many people who consume kava use it a natural alternative to anti-anxiety medication. The moment you drink it, you’ll have an “Aha moment”.

A 2013 world-first clinical study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found it significantly reduces symptoms in those diagnosed with anxiety disorder. 

How It Relaxes Muscles

Kavalactones, the active ingredients in kava is insoluble so it passes through the bloodstream into tissues when absorbed, causing it to act as a muscle relaxant. There are six major kavalactones found in Kava, with “the most interesting one” being kavain that’s responsible for the feeling of relaxation.

But you don’t lose focus or alertness! Kavalactones don’t affect the brain directly, so although it has sedative-like properties, it’s not an actual sedative. If you drink enough, a mild euphoric feeling comes from desmethoxyyangonin, another of the major kavalactones that boosts dopamine levels. When you drink kava, there is no alteration of your perception of the reality.

How Do We Serve It?

The best way to consume kava is by drinking it. We steep dried Kava root into cold water in order to extract its active components. The drink then has to be shaken or stirred before consumed. Kava is an unstable emulsion, which means the molecules don’t dissolve in a water and would quickly separate, like oil and vinegar.

Drinking kava in moderation doesn’t produce any discernible side effects. For muscle relaxing properties, one 4 ounce cup is usually the perfect amount. If one drinks too much though is not recommended to drive for at least an hour.

Kava is an acquired taste so we add some Chai Tea to our servings so its a lot more palatable. the moment you drink it, you’ll get some numbness on your tonque, which is indicitave that the kavain is working. This will disappear in a few minutes.