Kava (kavalactones) is an herb and plant that is found in the western Pacific and is in the pepper family. The root of the herb is used to make a variety of different home remedies, herbal dietary supplements, natural medicines, homeopathic holistic health products, and home remedies. Kava has been banned in many countries such as Germany and Canada due to a few deaths that have been found to be related to kava use. Kava has been said to be useful as a sedative and anesthetic. Other names for kava include: Ava Pepper, Awa, Gi, Intoxicating Pepper, Kawa Pepper, Milik, Cannibales, Yagona, and Kew.
Health Benefits of Kava (kavalactones)
An active ingredient in kava called kavalactones is said to be effective in treating social anxiety. Kava is used as an herbal medicine or home remedy to relieve pain from a sore throat when chewed. People have also used the natural medicine to help go to sleep-especially for those suffering from restlessness and insomnia-and to combat fatigue.
In addition it has been purported to be a useful homeopathic or naturopathic medicine for treating ADD, epilepsy, depression, headaches, migraines, psychosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, tuberculosis, cold and infections in the respiratory tract, and some forms of cancer (as a preventative).
Kava has also been said to be have possible health benefits as a home remedy or natural medicine to treat asthma, UTI, symptoms related to menopause, venereal disease, and swollen uterus. Some have even used kava as a kind of sexual stimulant or to treat erectile dysfunction. Kava has also been used topically as a kind of naturopathic medicine to treat skin problems such as leprosy and to recover from a wound faster. It has also been used as a painkiller, and hygienically as a mouthwash.
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