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Also known as Ava, Ava Pepper, Kava Kava and Intoxicating Pepper, the kava is an evergreen shrub that is a native of the islands of the South Pacific. It is commonly cultivated in Hawaii and Australia. Kava is easily identified as a drink that causes intoxication. Native islanders have also been using kava for thousands of years as a medication to treat pain.  Description of Kava
The kava plant has tender fleshy stems and was renamed ‘intoxicating pepper’ by westerners who stumbled upon the slightly numbing effect of the plant when chewed. Traditionally, islanders usually drink kava at dusk just before their evening meal. The preparation of the drink is an intricate and traditional affair. The resulting brew is a thick and potent concoction. The name kava means ‘sour’,’ bitter’ or ‘sharp’, and it refers to the strong and almost nauseating taste of the herb. Consuming the herb causes localized numbing. Thus the plant has anticonvulsant and relaxing properties. It is therefore a mild but effective sedative that is capable of inducing mental as well as physical relaxation. Ironically, the sedative properties of the plant do not impair the mental clarity and other faculty of the patient. Instead, it helps to improve memory and sensory perception. Use of Kava
Many of the chemical ingredients found in kava interact with the receptors in the brain. That helps to tranquilize and soothe. But unlike prescription drugs, they do not induce associated feelings of depression and are not habit-forming. In fact, they actually help to improve the mood of the patient. It produces a sense of contentment and a feeling of well-being.
In Hawaii, kava is used to treat a number of ailments like anxiety, asthma and arthritic pain. Kava also induces sleep and is used to get over fatigue. Therefore, it is extremely useful in the treatment of insomnia. Since kava has been proved to have diuretic properties, they are often prescribed by herbalists for people suffering from difficulties in the urinary tract. Kava is used to treat bladder infections, gallbladder complaints, prostate gland inflammation and even gonorrhea. It also helps to reduce water retention, and is therefore considered to be helpful for people who want to reduce weight. Kava is effective in the treatment of symptoms like hot flashes, nervousness, anxiety and depression associated with menopause. Kava is considered to possess a mildly aphrodisiac effect. In small doses, kava is able to induce a state of euphoria. By stimulating the nervous system, kava makes the body physically flexible. It also helps to reduce pain associated with cramps, muscle tension and muscle spasm. When taken internally and applied topically, kava is supposed to be an amazing painkiller. The painkilling effect of kava is supposed to last for a day. As an effective analgesic, kava even helps to ease headache and toothache. Cautions when using Kava When used in excessive quantities, kava can cause diplopia and photophobia. It can even lead to unconsciousness. Heavy use of kava over long periods of time can cause yellowing and flakiness of the skin, as seen in the islanders who use it continuously. When used excessively, kava can also lead to intense itching, redness of the eyes, loss of appetite and changes in the red and white blood cell counts. People who suffer from chronic depression and Parkinson's disease should not use kava.
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