Sleep problems are more present in today’s society than you might think, with stress and anxiety as the biggest triggers regarding insomnia. So if you are looking to relive those sleepless nights full of nightmares Kava (scientific name Piper methysticum) will be the best answer for driving sleep, this tall shrub in the pepper family grows in the Pacific Islands. And to your knowledge, Pacific Islanders have traditionally used kava in ceremonies to bring about a state of relaxation. So, who better than an expert scientist to put on the table all things Kava?

Q&A with Professor Jerome Sarris, Independent Scientific Adviser to Fiji Kava

Q

Is Kava Proven To Be Effective?

Research shows that kava may be an effective solution for people experiencing general short-term anxiety, sleep disorders, or muscle tension. Off the back of short-term clinical studies, kava has been shown to improve the mood and reduce anxiety symptoms of individuals experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety.

Q

How Does Kava Work For People Trying Driving Sleep Better?

People with insomnia often present with higher levels of stress and anxiety which can be reflected in a higher adrenaline and cortisol levels, causing them trouble relaxing and therefore, drifting off.  If consumed safely, Noble Kava can have an effect in priming the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system, which is the inhibitory part of the nervous system, ultimately resulting in a relaxing and sleep-inducing effect.

While there is a range of brain chemical pathways that may be affected by substances such as alcohol and sedatives, Kava achieves its relaxing effect in a different way. It works mainly on the ‘inhibitory’ GABA system in the brain which has the effect of slowing down CNS function and providing a mental and physiologically relaxing effect.

Q

How Is Noble Kava Different?

People often think of kava as the bitter liquid water they drink on holiday in the South Pacific, however, that is a different experience from having it in a capsule form. The Noble variety of kava is considered traditionally as the most pleasant and enjoyable, with the most notable effects.

Q

Is Kava Safe? Can It Cause Harm To The Liver?

Compared to over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol, kava has a preferable safety profile. There have been liver issues in an extremely rare number of people, although definitive causation was not proven, and it is not known whether the quality of the kava was a consideration, the dosage they used, or whether in combination with other medications or alcohol was the issue. However, in scientific studies, there have been no serious adverse effects reported to my knowledge, when Noble kava types have been used and given at normal therapeutic dosages.

Noble kava, in my opinion, is the highest standard of Kava and products are advised to use a water extraction method on the raw kava material. While there are a number of species of kava – not all are best to consume either medically or recreationally. Some particular types can cause a drowsy hangover effect, whereas the Noble variety of kava has been regarded traditionally to provide the best physical effects for consumers.

Based on our data, Kava has shown an absence of any withdrawal effects, unlike other medications that may have that issue. Further to this, our research has shown that in individuals taking kava in regular doses, there is also no indication of addiction to the supplement.

In my opinion, Noble Kava – used in a therapeutic dose – has the potential for far fewer adverse effects than other remedies, such as certain prescription medicines and alcohol, which individuals may commonly choose to use to relieve anxiety and stress.

Q

How Many Pills Should I Take Per Day?

It is important to follow the advice on the bottle and/or recommendations from your health practitioner as to the right dose for yourself.

Q

What’s The Best Way To Take Kava, Also Would You Recommend Taking It am Or pm?

It depends on the individual, some people like to take it at night and find it relaxing and a good sleeping aid, other people make take it regularly a couple of times a day as part of general stress management, while others take higher doses specifically just before an anxiety-provoking event such as public speaking or flying.

Q

Is Kava Considered As An Adaptogen, If So Why?

No, it isn’t. Adaptogens work via the neuroendocrine system in a way which enhances the body-mind non-specific resistance to chronic stressors

Q

Can I Take Kava During The Middle Of The Night If I’m Having Trouble Sleeping?

Yes. It maybe better to have it in a tea so it absorbs quickly to allow for a potentially quicker sleep-inducing effect

Q

I’m Feeling Stressed, Is It Kava A Good Option To Handle My Stress?

It can be, however it is important to also make sure you have adequate social support, are making healthy lifestyle choices, and receiving psychological care and access to medications if needed.

Q

Can I Mix Kava With Any Other Supplements Or Is It Better To Take It Alone?

Kava can indeed be used with other supplements, however, it is always wise to receive professional health advice before combining any supplements, especially in combination with pharmaceutical medications.

Credits

TALENT: Taylor Anne Castro