Introduction to Kava Extract?

Kava extract comes from the root of the Piper methysticum shrub. This plant, part of the pepper family, is native to islands in the South Pacific. There, kava is used in both traditional social and ceremonial drinks. Kava extract may also be taken in capsule form for its potential medicinal properties.

Making the traditional, island kava drink, the root of the kava plant was chewed, spat into a large bowl, mixed with water, and consumed. Today the root is typically pounded into powder, rather than being chewed. When directly consuming kava, the drinker may experience certain side effects. For example, one may experience lethargy, euphoria, and a tingling tongue, as well as what might be called a 'fuzzy' head — a kind of mild disorientation.

These side effects are very unlikely to occur if the much less potent kava extract capsule is taken, instead of drinking the root directly. Capsules of kava often contain approximately 30% kavalactones. These are the active chemical component in kava roots. The extract is generally taken for its reported stress-relieving properties, as well as its potential for combating insomnia. Kava may also act as a mild diuretic.

It has been suggested that kava extract may be more effective in relieving anxiety if taken consistently for a few weeks. It is also generally thought that consumers do not build up a physical tolerance to its effects.Moreover, kava is not known to be addictive.