The Kava plant originates in the Pacific islands and South Africa. This herbal plant belongs to the pepper family. The scientific name of Kava is Piper Methysticum. ‘Kava’ is a Tongan name, and it translates as ‘bitter.’ It is known for its sedative properties.
People of the Pacific islands have been using this herb for decades as beverages. Moreover, the supplement made by grinding the roots of kava is popular to produce euphoric emotions. Kava is beneficial for treating anxiety-related issues and has a calming effect on the mind.
What is Kava Tea?
Kava tea is made from a tall shrub that grows in South Africa and the Pacific islands. It has various names in various places like Hawaii, and it is called Awa, in Fiji, Yaqano, in Germany, Rauschpfeffer, and many other names. Kava is usually available in various forms like liquids, kava shots, soft gels, capsules, tablets, etc., but Kava tea is probably the best way to take the herb because it quickly absorbs into your body.
Kava tea is very beneficial in curing insomnia and sleeping disorders. Furthermore, it has fewer adverse side effects, and WHO (World Health Organization) also recognized this herb as having lesser levels of health risks.
Kava usage is similar to kratom and Ashwagandha in its mild to moderate defeat effects. It is still famous for its ceremonial use among Pacific islanders. Kavalactones (chemicals) are the critical elements of kava tea.
Kava Tea and its Health Benefits
This is used as a beverage; it is has become popular recently for its various health benefits. In addition, kava is also known for having rich analgesic and anesthetic elements which is further helpful in creating a soothing effect on the mind.
Following, we will discuss the various health benefits of kava tea:
- Reliving pain- Kava’s analgesic properly is beneficial in alleviating muscle sourness, pains, and spam. It is also good in other pain-related issues.
- Preventing Cancer- According to recent research Kava has the potency of Cancer treatment as it has many chemical properties which are helpful for cancer prevention.
- Stress Management- Kava tea effectively manages stress levels by reducing stress hormone release in blood and balancing hormonal activities.
- Healing Anxiety- The anxiolytic effects of kavalactones reduce anxiety by minimizing stress levels. And successfully eliminates hypertension and panic issues.
- Improving sleep and curing insomnia- Kava tea is also good at increasing healthy sleeping patterns, calming a hyperactive mind, and reducing body aches.
- Preventing Hair fall- Stress is one of the significant reasons for hair fall and balding. Kava tea prevents hair fall and balding by reducing stress levels and maintaining healthy hormonal activities.
- Promoting Weight loss- Like hair fall, stress also can cause unwanted weight gain. Kava tea can be an excellent herbal option to lose weight by healthily controlling appetite.
- Curbing ADHD symptoms- You can use Kava tea to curb symptoms of ADHD like anxiety, tension, forgetfulness, lack of focus, etc., as kavalactones have stress relief properties. Further, Kava tea is also considered helpful in quitting addictions.
- Improving Concentration- It is excellent in calming hyperactive children and adults by bringing the stability of mind and improving concentration.
- Numbing Pain- Kava’s anesthetic properties are effective in painful numbing sensations in the body and help in relaxing.
- Helping Stroke patients recover- Kava tea cures brain damage and helps stroke patients recover rapidly. Also, it can prevent the future chance of reoccurrence (of stroke).
- Beneficial for a bodybuilder- Kava tea is a diuretic and effectively removes excessive water in the body, which is very helpful for bodybuilders to get the right body tone.
- Treating kidney-related issues- Kava tea’s diuretic quality is beneficial in maintaining kidney health. It also works as a remedy for kidney ailments.
- Reliving Toothache- This can reduce toothache by numbing the nerves in the gum. People also take Kava tea after serious dental surgery.
- Treating sour throat- Kava tea is famous for treating cough and cold. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties help in treating sour throats and infections.
- Treating UTI- Kava helps treat UTIs and other infections related to the bladder for its antifungal property.
How to make Kava Tea?
- Kava tea powder is widely available in the market. You can easily choose your preferred brand and packages. Also, there are many types of Kava to select from. After this, mix the Kava powder with water and filter out extra root fibers according to your wish.
- You can also make your Kava tea filtered by using a strainer once you are done mixing Kava powder direct with water which can take up to ten minutes, use a strainer to filter out all the Kava fibers to get a smooth texture.
- You can also use a piece of clean cloth to get the texture of your Kava tea. First, you need to place the clean cloth inside a bowl. Then, pour Kava powder into it and knead the cloth in water. But make sure that no Kava fiber slips in the water. Finally, pull out the kneading cloth and squeeze it.
- Use Kava tea bags which are easy to get and not much time-consuming. With tea bags, you need to worry about straining or kneading. Teabags providing not only Kava root powders but also extracts are more beneficial.
Side Effects
Kava tea has multiple health benefits and is famous worldwide. However, intense, long-term heavy doses of Kava may cause various health hazards. Indigestion, liver problems, headache, and drowsiness are some of Kava tea’s common adverse side effects.
Conclusion
Humans are using herbs and herbal remedies to strengthen immunity and build a healthy body to defeat many diseases. But some of them also contain toxic components; hence taking any herb needs good research to avoid any health calamity. Similarly, Kava tea is no exception. Kava tea have certainly multiple health benefits, but there are some precautions one should keep in mind. Like you cannot have Kava tea in pregnancy. Also, too much intake can lead to kidney damage, etc.
