Traditionellt, Fijianska kava konsumerades för en mängd olika religiösa, ceremoniella och sociala syften. I vissa beräkningar, användning av kava går tillbaka mer än 3000 år.
Kava-Kava is a beverage made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant which grows on islands throughout the South Pacific. Because of its calming and pro-social effect, it has also been prepared in the form of liquid tinctures, herbal teas and oral supplements to use as a natural health product.
Idag, research is showing certain therapeutic effects of kava extracts. I kliniska prövningar, kava has shown anti-inflammatory, nervskyddande, anti-ångest, anti-stress, sedative and analgesic properties.
While many people worldwide enjoy drinking kava just to relax and unwind; others use it for headache, vanlig förkylning, kroniskt trötthetssyndrom, muskuloskeletal smärta, och allmänna hälsa och välbefinnande. [1]
There have been safety concerns raised about certain processed preparations of this herb. Emellertid, when used in its traditional form the World Health Organization has rated it as having an “acceptabelt låg hälsorisk.”



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Fijianska Kava Drink
The ceremonial Fijian kava drink is called yaqona, or grog. Fijians drink kava publicly and privately at various times of the day or night.
Many Pacific Islanders drink kava like those in China drink oolong tea, or those in the US drink coffee. Men and women both drink kava commonly in Fiji.
Other cultures drink kava too. Till exempel, on the island of Futuna, it is consumed in a ceremony to swear in a new Chief.
In Hawaii, more than thirty varieties of kava have been used traditionally for various medical, religious, political and celebratory purposes. In Hawaii, the plant beverage is commonly called ‘awa. [2]
Fijian Kava Ceremony
The traditional Fijian kava ceremony involves the roots of the plant being placed in a porous bag, and then into a carved wooden bowl called a tanoa. Nästa, water is poured over the sack, into the tanoa, from a long bamboo stalk. [2]
The crushed rhizomes of the kava are kneaded by hand to release bioactive plant chemicals into the water. These chemicals are called kavalactones.
The resulting beverage is traditionally served in halved coconut shells called bilos. It is said to look like brown river water and taste earthy; some say like dirt. Others find the taste of kava naturally to be delicious, but it is a matter of personal preference.
The ceremony leader is served first, clapping his hands briskly in front of his face once before drinking. Other guests drink subsequently while sitting in a circle on the floor.
Kavalactone concentrations vary from plant to plant, meaning different kava preparations may induce different physiological effects. [2]
Some users report feeling intoxicated similar to the consumption of alcohol, but without the strong mental haze attached. The relaxing effects of kava tea and other beverages are said to include stress reduction, improving the mood and decreasing anxiety. [2]
Fijian Kava Root Powder
In many areas of the South Pacific, Fijian kava is desired for its fragrant aroma and smooth taste. Fiji kava kava root is available dried and ground into powder, which makes it easier to prepare for consumption.
If you are shopping specifically for Fijian kava kava root powder, then do the research to be sure that the products you consider are organically sourced.
Make sure that no above-ground parts of the plants are used because they contain a toxic chemical called pipermethysticin.
Plants should be at least 5 years of age at the time of harvest and older plants are preferable. This allows for kavalactones to accumulate as the plants mature.
Kava capsules, tabletter, flytande extrakt and other supplemental forms are also available. För närvarande, Det finns mer än 280 dietary supplements available commercially that contain this plant extract as the active ingredient. [1]
Fijian kava root powders can be mixed easily with purified water in a kitchen blender or shaker cup. For a smoother taste and feel, it is recommended to strain the mixture through a cheesecloth before drinking it.
One common powder-to-water ratio for mixing is 3 tablespoons of powder to 3 koppar vatten. Kava users experiment with their own recipes, often adding lemon, honey and other flavor/nutrient enhancers. People enjoy these beverages hot and cold. [2]
Fijian Kava Effects
The effects of Fijian kava are attributed to its content of active phytochemicals known as kavalactones. Also called kavapyrones, some of these include kawain, dihydrokawain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin and yangonin. [1]
The concentration of kavalactones in an extract will depend on the soil in which it grew. Different kavalactones induce different physiological effects.
Till exempel, yangonin is believed to antagonize dopamine receptors and kawain is thought to inhibit norepinephrine release. [1]
The mechanisms of action associated with individual kavalactones are not understood well yet. Researchers continue to study their physiological effects and therapeutic outcomes.
Most people who use kava for their first time report feelings of stress melting away, muscular relaxation and a general sense of contentment. Some report feeling in a better mood and more willing to engage in social situations.
The biological and neurological effects of kava continue to be studied. Researchers are interested in understanding if and how kavalactones affect health conditions including cancer, psykos, depression, trötthet, epilepsi, venereal disease and others. [1]
För närvarande, Fijian kava is rated as Possibly Effective for treating anxiety av den naturliga läkemedel omfattande databasen. More research is needed to evaluate its efficacy for other uses. [1]
Fijian Kava Side Effects
Many online sources report that Kava is unsafe and should not be used. NMCD stater, ” Tills mer är känt, tell patients to avoid kava.”
Kava has previously been banned from countries like Switzerland, Canada and Germany due to a perceived high risk of side effects.
Emellertid, recent research suggests that the negative effects were not due to the kava plant itself but rather due to the use of low-quality extracts prepared with unsafe solvents.
High-quality water extracts of the herb have been well-tolerated in research studies and are being introduced to markets where this plant extract was previously banned.
Levertoxicitet (leverskador) is a concern associated with kava kava supplement usage. The University of Maryland says that no one should use this plant without having regular liver enzyme tests conducted. Ytterligare, they say that anyone with any degree of liver dysfunction should avoid kava altogether. [3]
Less serious possibilities for Fijian kava side effects include dry mouth, illamående, headache and dizziness. Most people do not experience adverse side effects from using kava in normal amounts. [1]
NMCD states that kava is Possibly Safe for use with medical supervision for up to 6 månader. Emellertid, UMM recommends that usage should be limited to 4 weeks before cycling off.
It is best to speak to you doctor about the benefits and possible side effects of Fijian kava supplements. Tell the doctor about pre-existing health conditions, and about all medications and herbal supplements you may use.
- Naturliga läkemedel omfattande databas
- Chua, Han Chow et al. "Kavain, den viktiga beståndsdelen av ångestdämpande Kava extrakt, Potentierar GABAA receptorer: Funktionella egenskaper och molekylära mekanismer. " Ed. Steven Barnes. PLoS en 11.6 (2016): e0157700. PMC. Webben. 14 Nov. 2016.
- University of Maryland Medical Center
Artikel senast uppdaterad på: 8 juli, 2018 genom Nootriment