With many drinks available on the open market, it is not unusual for Australians to give the ones that they might not have previously been aware of a try. One of those might be kava, a traditional beverage originating from the Pacific Islands, where it has been consumed for centuries in ceremonial, social, and cultural settings. Made from the root of a plant, it plays a huge part in the lives of local people.
Root & Pestle can provide the very best kava, so that soon a buyer can indulge in the preparation and consumption can be followed in the same way that Pacific Islanders follow established customs that emphasise respect, community participation, and social harmony, rather than it simply being a casual drink. The following paragraphs look at what kava is and whether it might be the right drink for you.
Education continues to expand, with different channels showing how people around the world live and how their ways might be different.
This can be followed up by reading online and getting information, which is often how different recipes and cuisines are tried out. Kava is no different, with people becoming interested in it because of its deep roots in Pacific Island cultures, as learning about kava involves learning about the history, values, and social structures of these communities. It might be finding out about ancestry that develops such an interest, while others might be looking to find a drink that treats the nervous system and offers relief from stress.
The phrase, buy kava online Australia, makes this easy, with suppliers of quality products delivering across the nation. To get the most from it and follow tradition, it is best consumed in group settings that encourage conversation and storytelling, making it a collective experience, rather than alcohol, which, in some cases, can be a lonely pursuit. Indeed, one of the attractions of kava is that its consumption leads to calm, mellow feelings without the effects, during and after, of alcohol.
Anyone interested in ritualised practices that slow down social interaction and encourage reflection has certainly found the right drink in kava, which is also associated with cultural preservation and revival.
Quality Australian kava might appeal to those looking for a more holistic and alternative lifestyle, as they choose natural means to look after themselves. Its memorable and unique flavour, compared to sweet or flavoured drinks with an acquired taste, has led to kava’s popularity, along with a feeling of relaxation after consumption. Those wanting to slow down rather than looking for stimulation are suited to it, offering an alternative to alcohol in social settings. Because kava is often prepared and consumed in a structured way, it appeals to people who value routines and deliberate experiences rather than quick or impulsive consumption, especially when wanting to enjoy conversation rather than being in an environment of high energy.
Kava’s popularity continues to grow with those wanting an alternative to alcohol that calms the senses and can be enjoyed in group gatherings.
Kava Can Help Decrease Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are currently among the most common psychiatric disorders. They are commonly treated with talk therapy, medications, or both.
Many types of medications are available, but they may come with unwanted side effects and can be habit-forming.
This has increased the demand for presumably safe, natural remedies like kava.
The first long-term study investigating the effects of kava extract in people with anxiety was published in 1997.
Compared to a placebo, it significantly decreased the severity of participants’ perceived anxiety.
The researchers also noted no side effects related to withdrawal or dependency, whereas these effects are common with other drugs often used to treat anxiety.
Since this study, several other studies have demonstrated the benefits of kava on anxiety. A review of 11 of these studies concluded that kava extract is an effective treatment for anxiety.
What’s more, another review of a specific kava extract came to a similar conclusion, reporting that it could be used as an alternative to certain anxiety drugs and other antidepressants.
Recent research has continued to find evidence that kava is effective for anxiety.
Kava Side effects
While kava may be beneficial for anxiety, many people are concerned about its potential side effects.
In the early 2000s, several cases of liver toxicity related to kava consumption were reported.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later warned about the risk of liver damage associated with products containing kava.
Its use has even been banned or restricted in many countries, including Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Kava is thought to harm the liver in many ways, one of which involves how it interacts with certain drugs.
The liver enzymes that break down kava also break down other drugs. Thus, kava can tie up these enzymes and prevent them from breaking down other drugs, causing them to build up and harm the liver.
Adulteration, i.e. being mixed with other materials in processing, is another reason kava products are thought to be unsafe.
Some companies use other parts of the kava plant, such as the leaves or stems instead of the roots to save money. The leaves and stems are known to harm the liver.
Still, several analyses of studies on the topic have found no evidence of liver damage in people who have taken these supplements in the short term, or about 1 to 24 weeks.
Therefore, people without liver injuries and those who are not taking medications that affect the liver may be able to use kava safely in appropriate doses for about 1 to 2 months.
Conclusion
Kava has a long history of consumption in the South Pacific and is considered a safe and enjoyable beverage.
The plant’s roots contain compounds called kavalactones, which have been shown to help with anxiety. Consult your doctor if you’re considering taking kava, as it may interact with some medications.
Also, make sure you read the labels of the kava products you’re interested in to confirm the kavalactone content in each dose.
Lastly, check whether the kava was derived from the root or other parts of the plant that may be more harmful to the liver. With these cautions in mind, it’s possible for most people to safely enjoy the benefits of kava.
