Kava Kava

Kava is a relaxant, a sleep aid, and is used in cultural and religious ceremonies to achieve a higher level of consciousness. It is reported to induce a feeling of relaxation, peace and contentment, along with a sharpening of the senses. Kava Kava is used as a nonprescription dietary supplement to reduce anxiety, is effective as a pain reliever and sometimes used instead of aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Kava Kava is the most relaxing botanical herb with exception of the opium poppy.
Recent clinical studies have shown that the herb kava is a safe non-addictive anti-anxiety supplement, and as effective as prescription anxiety agents containing benzodiazepines such as valium. While benzodiazepines tend to promote lethargy and mental impairment, kava has been shown to improve concentration, memory, and reaction time for people suffering from anxiety. Kava Kava has been clinically demonstrated as a means of achieving a state of relaxation without the adverse side effects.
The active ingredients in Kava Kava are the kavalactones. There are six major lactones (kavalactones) known to provide psychoactive activity: kawain, methysticin, demethoxy-yangonin, dihydrokawain, dihydomethysicin, and yongonin.