Kava is also known as Kava-kava, (Piper Methysticum) and it’s a South Pacific psychotropic plant medicine to reduce anxiety. Recent studies show the benefits of Kava to reduce anxiety or situational anxiety. However, there’s some concern regarding health safety and usage. It would best to drink Kava tea than consuming extracts, which may be too potent and not accurately labeled. 

Studies show that a night time cup of Kava reduces anxiety and stress, and promotes peaceful sleep. Kava has been studied to increase gamma-aminobutyric acid, (GABA) which plays a role in reducing the central nervous system. It’s advised to drink kava at night or before boarding a plane if you often get nervous in those conditions due to it’s affect on slowing down the central nervous system. Kava shouldn’t be combined with alcohol as it similarly affects the central nervous system without the damaging affects of alcohol. 

General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic mental health disorder that is common affecting about 20% of Americans. Studies show that Kava is beneficial for those with generalized anxiety disorder to reduce stress and muscle tension. Kava is also a popular dietary supplement as a recreational drink to replace alcohol as well as it’s anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.