Key Kava Benefits, Backed by Science: Mood, Focus, Sleep & More

Life can be stressful, so it’s no wonder we all need a little boost now and then. But we don’t always have time for a yoga class, meditation, or a peaceful walk in the park. 

It’s also not always the time or place for an alcoholic beverage, a dose of cannabis, or some other popular substance. 

So what can you do when you need something quick or on-the-go that’ll help you unwind and feel more focused? Many health-conscious individuals are turning to the joys of kava! 

What Is Kava?

Kava is a 100% natural drink that’s been enjoyed by Pacific Island cultures for at least 3,000 years. 

From Fiji and Vanuatu to Tonga and Hawaii, Pacific Islanders have been using kava, made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, for all kinds of social, medicinal, and even spiritual reasons. 

Today, kava is enjoyed around the world for a wide range of purposes. It’s a healthier, safer alternative to other products such as alcohol, CBD, or over-the-counter pills for anxiety, stress relief, or muscular aches.

How Is Kava Made? 

Historically, Kava was made as a group activity by grinding up some Piper methysticum root, mixing it into cold water, then straining the concoction through a cloth or other type of fiber. 

The result? A batch of muddy-looking drink that tasted mildly earthy and bitter, but connected people in social situations—similar to tea and coffee, but with a more calming effect. 

What Are Kava’s Benefits?

The most common uses of kava have traditionally been to relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety, boost focus, and ease restlessness to promote better sleep. 

How does one drink do all these things? Let’s explore a little of the science behind kava’s amazing benefits! 

How Kava Works to Improve Our Lives

Kava contains a unique, healthy compound known as kavalactones, which affect our central nervous system in a variety of fascinating ways. Here are just a few of them:

Natural Mood Booster and Stress Reliever

Our brains contain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Their job is to send messages between our brain cells, influencing how we act and feel. 

Neurotransmitters fall into a few broad categories, such as amino acids, monoamines, peptides, and so on. One type of amino acid is called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is a little different from the rest because it’s an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and is famous for reducing our excitability. 

Where does kava fit in with this? Kavalactones boost our brains’ GABA! This, in turn, causes a mild sedative effect without a loss of cognitive focus. 

Another way kava functions is by slightly increasing dopamine—a monoamine neurotransmitter that stimulates our brains’ “reward center,” thus elevating mood. 

It does this, in part, by mildly blocking MAO-B (monoamine oxidase B), a pesky enzyme that disrupts dopamine. In other words, kava stops MAO-B from being a buzzkill, so the dopamine keeps flowing! 

Better Focus and Clarity

Some kavalactones inhibit ion channels, literally slowing down how fast our neurons fire. This keeps us from feeling overstimulated, so we can focus without feeling frazzled. By calming us, kava actually allows us to focus better.

Studies also show that kava modulates norepinephrine, another monoamine neurotransmitter that affects attention and alertness. By gently regulating norepinephrine, kava lowers stress and nervous energy without any drowsiness, leaving kava drinkers in a calm, focused state of mind. 

Note: For those taking medication for anxiety or depression, it’s a good idea to check how kava might interact with those.

Better Sleep 

By default, Kava’s effect on GABA promotes a mild sedative effect which can help slow your racing thoughts and relax your body. This is an ideal state for falling asleep faster and overcoming stress-related insomnia. 

And unlike substances like alcohol, drinking kava won’t leave you with a hangover in the morning. It’s also nonaddictive and low calorie—so it won’t cause weight gain! 

Muscle Relaxation

Kava’s not just for relaxing your body before bed; it’s a great all-purpose muscle relaxer for any time of day!

Sore after a workout? Got a nagging backache? Kava is well-known for its soothing, tension-reliving effect on tight or achy muscles. There’s even evidence to suggest that kava can ease premenstrual cramps.

Kava also promotes mild anti-inflammatory actions, which can further ease tension and mild aches. Unlike over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen), kava won’t overburden your liver or kidneys, as long as you use it responsibly.

Social Ease and Sociability

Unfortunately, it’s too common for people to turn to unhealthy substances to ease their nerves in social situations. 

For example, alcohol has long been labeled a “social lubricant” because it lowers our inhibitions. But it also impairs us, so we can’t function safely. It can also tempt us to make bad decisions. 

Kava, on the other hand, is also widely popular for reducing social anxiety in a safer, healthier manner. Kava eases tension, clearing the way to “break the ice” in group settings. It helps people feel open and more connected—without being impaired! 

Easing Withdrawal Symptoms

Some studies have indicated kava’s “potential to facilitate tobacco cessation,” easing agitation caused by withdrawal symptoms. 

By the same token, kava could also offer support for those quitting other substances. More clinical research is needed to prove anything conclusively—but for some, kava may already be a useful supplement helping them manage withdrawal symptoms. 

Neuroprotective Properties 

Last but not least, some kavalactones have neuroprotective properties proven to shield brain cells from oxidative stress. 

Oxidative stress harms our brain cells, speeds up aging, and may even contribute to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. By reducing this stress, kava might be great for long-term brain health! 

Is Kava Right For You?

Clearly, kava’s pretty incredible, with a ton of potential benefits! But should you try it? 

If you’re looking for a natural, safe alternative drink that can help you unwind, ease anxiety or tension, sooth muscle aches, sleep better, or feel more relaxed and engaged in social settings—kava might be the solution to your problems!

It’s a tasty, time-tested product that’s been used for centuries to support well-being and better living. And as science continues to find evidence of kava’s many benefits, it’s sure to keep growing in popularity!  

References

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