Vanuatu Kava kava root

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Vanuatu Kava Kava Root

Description

Vanuatu Kava kava root (Piper methysticum) is a root plant that is native to the western Pacific countries such as Vanuatu, Polynesia and Micronesia. This plant loves places where there are a lot of rainfall or places that have at least 70 to 100 percent humidity. It has heart shaped leaves with bright green colors and small flower spikes. The root of the Vanuatu Kava kava is basically used as a sedative and for its anesthetic properties.

Many Micronesian tribes still use Vanuatu Kava kava root in social gatherings to make visitors more relaxed and carefree. It is a popular herb in treating anxiety disorders, Stress and even mild to moderate Depression. There are also some tribes that use Vanuatu Kava kava root in religious ceremonies.

Vanuatu Kava kava root is used by chewing on the root and spitting it out into a bowl. Water is added and is made into a paste; then cold water is further added to make a drink. Some herbs may also be added to enhance the sedative properties of the Vanuatu Kava kava root.

History and Origin

Vanuatu Kava kava root has been widely accepted as a sedative ever since Micronesian tribes have discovered this herb’s medicinal effects centuries ago. It also gives a state of euphoria to anyone who uses it and thus it is often used in rituals and religious ceremonies. In Vanuatu in particular, no flavoring is used in drinking Vanuatu Kava kava root as a tea. Thus a strong and effective drink is made. Little has changed over the years in the use of the Vanuatu Kava kava root as well as the life and customs of tribal regions in Micronesia owing to the root crops preparation and uses.

Ancient Uses

During ancient times, Vanuatu Kava kava root has been used for many illnesses aside from sedation. It was chewed on or ground up in order to produce fine particles of the kava, which was then prepared as a beverage or a tea. It is used to relieve throat pains, enhance sleep and also elicit feelings of euphoria. Preparation of the Vanuatu Kava kava root may differ from one tribe to another plus it may also be called by different names. Ancient tribes have even mastered the effect of Vanuatu Kava kava root knowing how much to chew and prepare to get the highest state of sedation or relaxation to provoke a “dream state”.

Modern Uses

In modern times, the Vanuatu Kava kava root is still prepared the same way by Micronesian tribes. Studies have proven that this root crop is indeed beneficial in the treatment of anxiety, stress and depression owing to the relaxing and euphoric state that it brings.

Furthermore, there have been studies linking the use of Vanuatu Kava kava root as a treatment of ovarian cancer and types of leukemia. It has also been known to replace acetaminophen or ibuprofen in the relief of gouty arthritis, rheumatism and menstrual problems.

Side Effects

Although Vanuatu Kava kava root has many benefits and therapeutic effects, there have been side effects as well. Liver toxicity is one of the possible long term effects due to the use of Vanuatu Kava kava root. Research has also proven that Vanuatu Kava kava root may cause dependency and addiction. Large doses of this herb may lead to muscle weakness, dizziness, and serious visual impairment.

It is therefore important to refrain from driving or operating machinery when taking Vanuatu Kava kava root. Ask your doctor first if you would like to try out Vanuatu Kava kava root for its medicinal effects.

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