SACRED KAVA

KAVA plays an essential role in the daily lives of many Pacific Islanders. Often thought of as one of the most precious gifts of the earth, it is a pleasant drink that can be used safely as an alternative to alcohol. Kava is a well known ‘folk-remedy’ to many Islanders and is used by tribal healers for it’s medicinal purposes. Ceremonial occasions are also marked with Kava such as weddings, festivals, holidays, and even funerals. It has become a status symbol in many cultures around the world and is still widely used in places like Fiji and Hawaii. Known as ‘AWA’ in Hawaii, native stories suggest the origin of Kava as being brought from the ancestral homeland of Kahiki (the ancestral homelands of various islands of lower and middle Polynesia), and was planted throughout the islands by gods Kane and Kanaloa.(Kane was the ancestor of the chiefs and commoners, forest, fresh water, sunlight and verdant growth; and Kanaloa was the Hawaiian god of the ocean, marine life, and healing. Some Fijian communities pound Kava root with a stone to make ‘yagona’ which may be passed around in a circle of gatherers by village elders using the sacred bowl or ‘tanoa’ . Each member of the circle then offers a toast ‘ Bula (meaning health or life). Traditionally a Kava drink or “tea” is prepared from the root (the only part of the plant that is used). The cloudy brew is made by pounding and grinding the root, a labor intensive task that is usually reserved for young eager males. Modern procedures usually involve power operated machinery such as a mulcher which turns the root into pulp. There are so many ways in which to drink your Kava but it is traditional to set a moment of the day aside “Kava time”, where a mood is set with friends and family to forget about your daily routines and sit back and relax. In the South Pacific Islands where coconut shells are abundant Kava is enjoyed from a shell but if a coconut shell isn’t handy it might be fun to use a special cup of your own choosing. Either way it is a time to share, appreciate and enjoy! So Drink up and Bula!          

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January 31st, 2009 by admin

Kava – A Natural Remedy for Anxiety

Did you know that Kava is a natural remedy for anxiety? Well it’s true, and has been for hundreds and hundreds of years! Now, we are not allowed to diagnose or treat your anxiety with kava due to FDA regulations. But we can share with you the common knowledge and personal experiences others have had with this magical herb. Please consult with your physician to determine if Kava is right for you and your personal situation. Now, first off Kava is NOT a drug, and in no way “drug like”. Kava effects people differently and the effects are not the same for all people who try kava, which is why the FDA has classified kava as a herbal supplement and not a drug. The natural anxiety relief can only be obtained from raw, fresh, high quality  kava root. Finding a source for fresh, raw, high quality kava root can be difficult. Look no further! Kava Island imports tons of the freshest high quality kava root every year strait from the small independent kava farmers on the islands! You can not get these natural effects from store bought kava products, for one… they are not fresh… for two, it is hard to keep a steady supply of fresh raw material in stock to do large manufacturing of kava products. The kava you buy in the store is absolutely worthless. You can only obtain the benefits of kava by purchasing fresh, raw, high quality kava root. Which we sell here on Kava Island! What Experts Say About Kava & Anxiety “Clinical Studies have shown that kava and kavalactones are effective in the treatment of anxiety at sub clinical and clinical levels, anxiety associated with menopause and anxiety due to various medical conditions. Herbal Remedies, including kava ( Piper methysticum ), have been shown to be effective as alternative treatments, at least in mild to moderate cases of anxiety.” “Three studies have assessed the short-term effects of kava on anxiety related to medical condition.” These studies were done in Germany in 1989,1991, and 2000 respectively. “In the first, 59 anxious preoperative patients were given 300 mg of kava extract (equivalent to 60 mg of kavalactones) the night before and another 300 mg of kava an hour before their operation. When compared with the control group, those receiving kava had significantly lower levels of anxiety. In the second study, +/- kavain 600 mg/day significantly reduced depression associated with anxiety in 60 patients with tuberculosis or who were awaiting a confirmation of its diagnosis. In the third study, kava significantly reduced the anxiety and related depression of 20 patients who were awaiting the results of a biopsy for possible mammary carcinoma. These studies indicate that kava may be a potent short-term anxiolytic for anxiety and depression related to a medical condition. In summary, current data suggests that kava extracts produce clinically effective and superior control of anxiety symptoms when compared with placebo and possibly benzodiazepines. In these studies, the extracts did not have the serious adverse effects associated with the benzodiazepines and thus may offer a viable alternative treatment for anxiety.” All quoted information above taken from the following source with direct permission from Dr. Yadhu Singh himself- Y.N. Singh and N.N. Singh. 2002. Therapeutic potential of kava in the treatment of anxiety disorders. CNS Drugs, 16(11), 731-743.

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January 30th, 2009 by admin