The earliest known scientific interest in Kava dates back to the 1700s, when naturalist George Forster, who accompanied James Cook on his second Pacific voyage, collected specimens of the plant and brought them back to Europe. In this way, Kava became known as Piper methysticum, which means “intoxicating pepper.” Although the customary name kava has remained the same, modern language includes the plant’s common name. Commercially available products are labeled as Kava root.
The potency of Botany Kava
While there is some controversy surrounding the potency of Botany Kava, it has been used for centuries as a health drink in Hawaii and Polynesia. Native historian Kamakau notes that certain Hawaii locales were known for kava with higher potency. Different stages of the plant’s growth yield varying degrees of potency. The greener the stem, the stronger the drink. The following is a list of the various stages at which kava is harvested and served.
The kava that is used in Fiji is called “Isa” in Papua New Guinea. In Hawaii, it is called “Tuday.” In Vanuatu, it is called “Tudei” and is grown on the islands. It is highly potent in the compound kavalactone dihydromethysticin. It has multiple light to dark green stems with raised dark spots on each one.
Side effects
Despite its popularity, Botany Kava can cause adverse effects, including liver damage. It has caused the withdrawal of the drug from several countries. In addition to this, the herb is believed to interact with several other drugs. Toxicologists in Germany first identified kava’s acute and chronic effects. Because of this, it is important to discuss the side effects of Botany Kava with your doctor before changing your dosage or changing your medication.
Some studies have found that kava has neuroprotective properties and can be used in the treatment of central nervous system disorders. A review of 10 studies in 2020 reported that kava extracts reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. This could make it a useful alternative or complementary therapy for patients with such disorders. The plant may also extend a patient’s life by preventing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Safety
In 2002, a study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal looked at the safety of Botany Kava. The authors compared the risk of kava with that of paracetamol, a popular non-prescription drug. They found that kava posed no more risk than paracetamol. However, the New Zealand government is considering a warning label standard for kava. It may be a good idea to consult a physician before using kava.
The findings of this study were reported in several publications. A meta-analysis of seven clinical trials published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology showed that kava was safe. However, an unpublished report by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggested that there were some risks associated with kava. Some patients also experienced liver toxicity, and it is unknown how much of a risk this herb poses.
Origins
One of the most popular kava drinks originated in the South Pacific and is related to the pepper family, Piperaceae. It is a large-leaved, swamp-loving plant that typically grows about 6 feet tall. Some strains grow up to ten feet tall. Native to the South Pacific, kava is also grown in Polynesia and New Guinea. It has evolved into up to 21 different varieties.
It is thought that kava originated in Vanuatu, which has the longest relationship with the sacred plant. The distribution of three “cultivated” varieties suggests that it was first cultivated in Vanuatu. The other two varieties are limited to Papua New Guinea and the Marshall Islands, while the third type is primarily found in Polynesia. This is significant, as it indicates the plant’s ties to Polynesia.
Precautions
Despite the time-honored practice of using herbs to treat health problems, there are certain precautions to consider when drinking Botany Kava. While the active substances in this herb are not known, they are believed to interact with other drugs and herbs and produce unwanted side effects. Additionally, it is not recommended for pregnant women, the elderly, or anyone under the age of 18. These warnings are not meant to encourage the misuse of this herb.
Although the risk of liver damage from Kava consumption is relatively small, it should be avoided by people with liver diseases. It is also recommended to seek medical advice before consuming the herb, as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Several large studies involving more than 1500 people have found no risk of liver toxicity. However, a conservative dose is recommended for people who suffer from liver disease or are aged. There are also no dose-response studies, so use caution.
