Kava kava

Piper methysticum

Relaxant, Pain

Anxiety – relaxes body and mind without losing mental alertness; restlessness; nervous tension; antispasmodic (internally and externally); mild depression; sleep aid; epilepsy; neuroprotective; enhances brain’s pleasure and reward signals

Pain – taken internally; relieves trauma pain due to anesthetic effect (heat up the leaf from and apply to trauma site); anti-inflammatory; rheumatic pain

Other uses – UTI; treatment of drug addiction; to paralyze hookworms before killing them; PMS; cancer (blocks tumor growth); sexual arousal; mouth wash for canker sores and toothache; eyes; 

Parts used: leaves externally; roots (best extracted in fat such as coconut milk)

Best is to be warmed up in fat (don’t boil else it looses its medicinal properties)

It can be also soaked in cold coconut milk.

SE: liver damage (obtain frequent liver tests); nausea – add digestion aid such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamon; euphoria (if taken in access); mouth can go numb (normal); driving impairment; skin issues (clears once use is discontinued)

Contraindications: don’t take longer than 3 months; pregnancy; breastfeeding; caution if taken with other sedatives; liver disease; if taking antiviral medications