Kava! Kava! Rah Rah Rah!

Kava from Mass Spectrum Botanicals

Kava is definitely one of my favorite herbs. I like consuming it as a tea and prefer the Yogi Tea brand (you can get Yogi Tea at most grocery stores and specialty health food stores). I like Yogi Tea Kava because it is blended with cinnamon and other herbs that mask the intense (not palate pleasing to most) flavor of Kava.

Kava Kava (Piper Methysticum)

  Kava grows as a shrub in the South Pacific Islands and has large heart shaped leaves. It has been used for centuries to treat painful stomach cramps, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. Because of Kava's medicinal qualities, it is valuable to Healers and Shamans and used during religious rites. 

Kava ceremony in Fiji

The Kava plant is part of the pepper species and thrives in tropical locations like Hawaii, the Philippines, and the Samoa Islands, along with other tropical locations. Kava Kava is non-addictive, which makes it a great substitute for chemical relaxants or alcohol. It is actually known for providing relaxation and euphoria without compromising mental alertness. In many cultures it is custom to drink a mug before sunset to insure a restful sleep.

Kava: Nature's Relaxant by Hasnain Walji, PhD.

In addition to its relaxing properties, Kava is also great for treating menstrual cramps in women, reducing anxiety, and to ease arthritic and rheumatic pains. The root is processed into elixirs, powders, pills, pastes, teas, and candies. If you are in a region where Kava grows, you may even buy the fresh root at markets (we probably won't be seeing the fresh root for sale here in Oz). It is important to remember, that like all herbs, if used in excess, Kava can have side effects, so always stick to the recommended doses. 

Kava powder

I love the rich, earthy, and pungent smell of cinnamon spiked Kava tea. After a long day, it is exactly what I need to slow the endless thoughts running through my mind and take a load off. Run a hot bath, light some candles and sip a mug of Kava. Heaven. 

~ Love & Light ~

P.S. Tomorrow is the final day to enter the NPLH October Book Giveaway! Enter to win now! Good luck.