kava

[Guest guest]

Hey folks,

 

Thanks for the vote of confidence Todd. I read Subhutis' article and my only

question is that I wonder why there was so much attention placed on the chemical

make up of kava. Any way, he admits this in the conclusion, but to what end. I

am in full fledged agreement concerning his comments at the end of the article,

there were many times during the ten years of writing my book where I questioned

my qualifications to write such a book. But in the end I wittled the manuscript

down to 59 plants and feel quite good about it. There will undoubtedly be

additions and revisions in years to come. So with no further adue I give you my

monograph on Kava, enjoy. Feel free to ask questions, but be aware I am

preparing for an extended trip to China in two weeks so it may take me a while

to respond, but I promise I will............

 

 

 

Kava

Piper methysticum

Piperaceae

Radix et Rhizoma Piper Methystici

Qi and Flavor: slightly acrid, slightly sweet, slightly warm

Channels entered: heart, liver

Actions: anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant

Functions & Indications: Rectifies qi and calms the spirit for patterns where

over-thinking leads to qi stagnation, dampness and phlegm which further impede

the qi dynamic and adversely effect the spirit, leading to symptoms such as

mental restlessness, nervous anxiety and the feeling of being stressed all the

time.

Dispels wind and dampness for the beginning stages of wind-damp impediment with

symptoms of aching muscular pain with tightness of the muscles and sinews. Also

for the treatment of traumatic injury with soreness and spasms of the muscles.

Transforms phlegm for a variety of phlegmatic conditions including phlegm in the

lungs, stomach and liver channel. Although this herb is warm it can be used for

warm patterns when combined with the appropriate herbs.

Rectifies qi, transforms damp and relieves pain for strangury patterns

associated with qi stagnation and dampness with symptoms of difficult, painful

and/or turbid urination.

Relieves pain when applied topically to gums and teeth for temporarily relief of

toothache.

Cautions: Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing. Because of Kava's warm

acrid nature long-term use can damage yin and blood causing symptoms of dry and

cracked skin and blurry vision.

Dosage and Preparation: 2-4ml in tincture, 3-15g in decoction, 2-4g in solid

extract. Though the traditional practice of chewing the root before consuming it

is rarely done today, there are some details in its extraction that should be

taken into consideration. The best extract is made using a fat to emulsify the

“active constituents. An emulsion using coconut milk and lecithin works very

well. Also, by adding a small amount of peppermint tincture/oil to this

preparation the effect seems to be intensified, likely due to faster/greater

absorption. This is unfortunately not particularly stable and therefore of

little value in the clinic, except in the clinic.

Good quality is the peeled rhizome and is dark gray or black on the outside and

whitish on the inside. The inside is pithy and striated. Although the roots are

used, the rhizome is traditionally the most important part used. It has a mild

characteristic odor and is acrid and numbing to the mouth. Stems, leaves and

peel of the root should be avoided due to possible liver toxicity.

Major Combinations: Combine with California Poppy for disquieted heart spirit

with symptoms of vexation, insomnia, anxiety, and susceptibility to fright.

Combines well with gan mai da zao tang for restlessness and anxiety due to over

thinking.

Combine with Oat and Skullcap for anxiousness and depressive states due to

withdrawal from tobacco or marijuana.

Combine with Black Cohosh and St. John’s Wort for sore and tight muscles due to

overwork, strain, or trauma. For severe spasms add Lobelia.

Combine with Yerba Mansa, Sassafras, and Black Cohosh for wind-damp impediment

with aching sore muscles and joints. Add Turmeric for more significant joint

involvement. Add Lobelia for spasms associated with this syndrome.

Commentary: Kava has gained a significant reputation in the West over the last

decade or so. A recent report of liver toxicity has delivered a big blow to the

sales of the herb. Although this medicinal has a long history of use in the

South Pacific, recent use in the West has led to phytochemical isolation and

products being marketed at high concentration. It is these products that have

led to problems. I am not aware of any problems being associated with the raw

herb or the simple extract.

This is a native medicinal to the Polynesian, Micronesian and Melanesian

Islands of the South Pacific. It is said to relieve anger and frustration,

stress, and bad mood, amongst other things. It is a very commonly used

medicinal, one that has special ritual significance. To spite its ritualistic

use, Kava is found sold at “bars” something like how alcohol is consumed in many

other places in the world. Unfortunately, there is some evidence that using Kava

in this way may lead to similar problems to those associated with alcohol abuse,

along with skin disorders. These problems are not as severe as alcohol abusers

and one must consume much more than a normal therapeutic dose for extended

periods of time for these problems to arise. Although some consider Kava an

intoxicant, it does not seem to have to toxic effect on the nervous system as

other intoxicants.

Kava came into use in the late 19th Century and was used in both the United

States and Europe in the early 20th Century. It is currently official in the

British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, the German Commission E Monograph, and the

Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the USA.

The genus name comes from the Sanskrit pippali meaning peppercorn, which

species name comes from the Greek to mean to intoxicate, intoxicating drink, or

simply intoxicating.

 

 

Message: 24

Wed, 14 Jul 2004 20:30:34 -0000

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kava

 

Take a look at this for interest in kava, but also for a very cogent

critique of the sloppy way many writers have classified herbs into

the TCM materia medica. I think 's approach addresses

all of Subhuti's issues and I look forward to his book on the topic.