 |
What is Kava Kava? `Awa or
Kava (Piper methysticum), is a member of the pepper
family Piperaceae and has widely been used by South
Pacific societies for more than three thousand years. In
many of these societies, the term "kava" means bitter,
sour or sharp.
The first well-known encounter of Europeans with kava
kava was during the first voyage of Captain James Cook
in 1768-1771. J.G.A. Forster, a botanist on Cook's ship,
is credited with giving the plant its binomial, Piper
methysticum, which means "intoxicating pepper".
Kavalactones appear to produce a wealth of physiological
effects in people who use kava. Because of the
botanical's complex psychoactivity, kava kava is
difficult to categorize in terms of common drug
classifications and has been described by researchers as
a narcotic, hypnotic and sedative.
In South Pacific societies where social use of kava kava
is prevalent, users commonly experience mild euphoria
characterized by elevated mood, lively speech and an
increased sensitivity to sound. As a medicinal
botanical, kava is reported to reduce anxiety, relax
muscle tension, produce analgesic effects, act as a
local anesthetic, and have a potential antibacterial
benefit. kava kava has been used for more than a century
as a treatment for gonorrhea, vaginitis, leucorrhoea,
nocturnal incontinence and other aliments of the
genitourinary tract. Kava kava also is said to be a
diuretic, useful in the treatment of gout, bronchial
congestion and rheumatism.
What is Kava kava used for? Its primary uses in the
United States and Europe, however, are as an
anti-depressant, stress reliever and muscle relaxant.
Kava kava also is gaining popularity as a sleep aid. In
Europe, Kava kava is being used as a natural alternative
to Prozac, Valium and Xanax. Several European countries
have approved kava kava for the treatment of anxiety,
depression, insomnia and restlessness on the basis of
extensive pharmacological data and positive results in
clinical trials.
Hawaiian Kava Kava
Hawaiian Kava kava species
are gaining the reputation of being one of the strongest
Kava’s available with twice and sometimes triple the
amount of Kavalactones than many of the varieties found
elsewhere in the world. There are several theories as to
this phenomena, but none to be proven as of yet. One
theory is that when the Hawaiians first brought their
Kava kava cultivars to the islands as their canoe
plants, they choose the best of the best. The isolated
nature of Hawaii has possibly enabled the Kava kava to
maintain its original form, which can no longer be found
throughout the planet. Theoretically, it never underwent
the mutations that created new and sometimes less potent
species of kava kava. Perhaps, Hawaiian Kava kava
mutated into it’s own unique potent species. We will
never know as the species found in Hawaii is not found
anywhere else in the world. Another theory is that
Hawaii’s kava kava is the first being cultivated with
the implementation of the latest research and
fertilization. The third and growing theory is higher
exposure to sunlight and the lack of pesticides and
herbicides will accentuate the growth as well as
increase the Kavalactone levels. In any case, the
revitalization of this ancient Hawaiian plant variety is
a wonderful event.
Our Varieties
Kava Kava Mahakea is variety of Kava kava with dark
green stems with purple nodules and surrounding spots.
Purple strips running up the stem. A light powder with a
yellowish tinge. Very little aroma and almost sweet
tasting. Highly recommended for relaxing sore muscles
and bad backs, there are many other broad based uses for
Kava's medicinal properties. Surprisingly potent with a
very nice calming effect. Name is from Mahakea, Kau,
Hawaii. Sister of the spotted Makea.
Chemo type 426315 or Kavain, DHK (Dihydrodavain), M (Methysticum),
Y (Yonin),
Demethoxyangoin, Dehydrometysican.
Approximate Kavalactone levels- 13.0
Honokan'iki is variety of Kava kava with long
internodes. Stems are greenish yellow, sparsely speckled
with dark raised spots and erect growing habits. Taste
is very smooth and almost sweet. Root is deemed very
potent. We have a private reserve of this treasured Kava
Kava. If you are interested, please inquire.
Chemotype-463251 or Kavain, M (Methysticum), Y(Yonin),
DHK (Dihydrokavain)
Dehydrometysican, Demethoxyangoin
Approximate Kavalactone - 14.1 |
