Kava kava - insomnia

Kava kava is a herbal remedy made from the root of the pepper plant methysticum, and has been used by South Pacific Island herbalists for thousands of years. Dubbed the anti-shyness herb because of its ability to lessen the symptoms of anxiety, beverages made from kava root are considered the national drink of Fiji.

The activity of the kava kava herb is attributed to a group of compounds called kavalactones - some of which, like kawain and methysticin, have been isolated by scientists investigating the medicinal properties of this root. However, it is believed that the combination of substances that occurs naturally in the root delivers the best remedial effect.

Kava kava, although widely used as both an anti-anxiety preparation and as an aid to relieving insomnia, also appears to exert a relaxing effect on muscles, and is therefore also commonly used for relieving muscular problems (such as menstrual cramps). It also offers pain relief in some conditions caused by muscle spasms, and is occasionally used for bladder and urinary tract infections as well.

Kava kava may, on rare occasions, cause liver toxicity; however, the European Pharmacovigilance Working Party, that assesses the safety issues for herbs, recently concluded that the benefits of kava kava outweighed the risks. It should be avoided by pregnant and nursing mothers however, and not used with antidepressants or alcohol.

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