An elixir for sleep; Kava kava

The root!

You may have heard of Kava kava (or Piper methysticum). Kava is a root that was originally used in the Pacific Islands as a sacred ritual and ceremonial chill-out drink. It is an herb that is becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason! It is a powerful medicinal plant, and we use it in clinic as part of a treatment for anxiety and insomnia. It is relaxing and calming. I personally have found it helps me have a really deep sleep so I feel thoroughly refreshed the next day. Of course, I think it is important to first address insomnia by looking at why you might not be sleeping and then adjust your habits and routines appropriately (as I wrote about in this article), but there is also a time and place for judicious use of something a little more. I do consider this powerful medicine, so use it deliberately and with care. 

Kava is a pretty unpalatable root, and this is my recipe to make it enjoyable. It is bitter, so pairs naturally with citrus, and the ginger and sea salt give the drink a sharpness and brightness that I think is quite tasty. This recipe was inspired by a similar drink served at Zend Lounge, an alcohol-free bar and restaurant in downtown Vancouver that serves Kava instead.

Recipe:

2 tsp. kava root
2 c. water
juice of 1 lemon
approx. 1/2" piece of ginger
pinch of sea salt

Blend kava and ginger with water in a high-powered blender. Add lemon juice and strain. Add a pinch of sea salt.

Makes 2 servings (drink one and share the other with a friend, or store it in the fridge for the next night). 

You should be able to buy Kava at any health food store that sells bulk herbs. Be warned though, Kava root will make your mouth slightly numb. This is not unpleasant, and I take it as an indication of the root having a powerful action in the body.

To increase the strength of your Kava drink, let the blended herb steep for 6-8 hours before straining, or, don't strain it at all and consume the both the root and the liquid. I will usually use one of these two methods, to make sure I get the full effect of the herb.

A note on safety:

Kava used to be banned in Canada due to concerns of liver toxicity, however this ban was lifted in 2012. It turned out that many of the reported cases of liver damage could not be specifically attributed to Kava, due to a combination of confounding factors such as other pharmaceutical drugs, co-morbidities (pre-existing medical conditions), and the Kava itself being adulterated with other substances that may have caused liver damage. It has also been suggested that a water extract (as is done traditionally) is safer than using an alcohol or acetone extract as is often used in Kava supplements that come in pill form. Of course, always better safe than sorry, and you should avoid Kava if you have any concerns with your liver health. Bottom line though, is that cases of liver toxicity are approximately 1 in 60-125 million Kava users, a toxicity profile that pretty insignificant compared to the adverse events associated with many pharmaceuticals. A second caution is that because Kava is very calming, it can further the effect of central nervous system depressants, including alcohol and medications such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. You should not mix Kava with any of these things.

Research:

If you are interested and want to read more about Kava, this is a great article (it includes extensive information on research into the toxicity profile of Kava). See a study on Kava and sleep disturbance related to anxiety here, study on Kava and depression, here, and a study on Kava and anxiety, here. 

Disclaimer, particularly important on this one: Information can be empowering, but we all have unique health profiles and needs. Health-related information contained in this post is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for a visit with a Naturopathic Doctor (the health professional best educated on herbal medicines and your health). The advice contained here is intended to offer only a general basis for individuals to discuss their medical condition with their health care provider.  Always consult your licensed Naturopathic Physician, or visit the Boucher Naturopathic Medical Clinic for individual care.