Kava... the Natural Supplement with Calming Properties

Kava is an herb native to the islands of the South Pacific and is a member of the black pepper family. The roots of the plant are used to produce a drink with medicinal and calming properties. Certain Polynesian cultures in the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii, Melanesia, and Vanuatu, also use kava as a ceremonial beverage. 

Kava, also referred to as kava kava, awa, kava pepper and kava root, is known to provide relief from:

• Stress/Anxiety
• Muscle Soreness 
• Insomnia
• Migraine headaches
• Cramps
• Stomach pain
• Unrinary tract infections
• Menopausal symptoms

Kava is available in the form of liquid extract, tea, and pill.  These are all available at health food stores like Vitamin Shop and Whole Foods and we recommend you ask someone who works there to help pick out the product that best suites your own needs. 

We have both used the liquid kava extract and Yogi kava tea to help relieve anxiety and fall asleep.  It definitely works and we much prefer to take a natural supplement than something like a sleeping pill.

*Check packaging warnings and check with your doctor before trying kava out.  There are certain associated risks with the use of kava.  See also: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm