Kava: Nature's Answer To Stress, Anxiety And Insomnia
by Hyla Cass MD & Terrence McNally
The Book
Finally, an answer for the millions suffering from anxiety, depression,
and insomnia. Used for thousands of years in the islands of the
South Pacific, kava has the remarkable ability to promote relaxation
without a loss in mental sharpness, making it the perfect natural
supplement for today's frantic, stress-filled lifestyle.
 Like
St. John's wort, the media has suddenly "discovered" another remedy
that has proven successful for centuries in traditional use. Stress
kills. Experts attribute almost 60 percent of doctor visits to
stress-related ailments, including heart disease, high blood pressure,
arthritis and cancer. Modern research confirms that kava, already
commonly prescribed in Europe, is as effective as prescription
drugs, like Valium and Xanax. Scientists have found that patients
experience dramatic relief from anxiety with no side effects, and
unlike the drugs, kava actually sharpens concentration and memory.
Kava wakes you up while it calms you down, allowing you to increase
productivity while reducing stress. This unique herb:
- Relieves anxiety and relaxes muscles
- Calms without drowsiness
- Is safe and natural, with no side effects and no addiction
- Is inexpensive and available without a prescription
With a long traditional history of promoting connection, communication
and conflict resolution, kava also works socially as well as individually.
Featured on "Dateline,""20/20," and in a Wall Street Journal front
page story, "The Making of an Herbal Superstar," kava is rapidly
becoming the next blockbuster herb. Like St. John's wort, the media
has suddenly "discovered" another remedy that has proven successful
for centuries in traditional use and for years in Dr. Cass' holistic
psychiatric practice.
In Kava: Nature's Answer To Stress, Anxiety And Insomnia,
readers learn:
- The signs and symptoms of stress
- How to use kava to avoid or combat these
- The best forms to take it in
- Recommended doses and delivery systems (capsules, tinctures,
etc.)
- The history, chemistry, pharmacology, and cultivation of kava
- Specific herbal combinations ("kava cocktails") for particular
conditions
- An "anti-stress lifestyle", which includes other herbs and
natural remedies
What The Experts Are Saying
Authoritative, fascinating, and richly
readable, this book tells you what you want to know about Kava
and guides you in using it.
— James S. Gordon,
M.D., author of Manifesto for a New Medicine
This book makes a valuable
contribution to the body of kava literature, sharing a seasoned
clinician's positive experience with this beneficial plant.
In doing so, it casts a deservedly cool light upon Valium and
its chemical cousins, and lets kava emerge as a safe, effective
remedy for stress and anxiety. It's about time. Well done!
— Chris Kilham,
author of Kava, Medicine Hunting in Paradise
Combining over 20 years of Dr. Cass'
extensive holistic psychiatric experience and McNally's engaging
communication skills, this dynamic team presents a practical
guide to understanding and using a remarkable herb to ameliorate
the effects of our stressful lives of the 21st century.
— Janet Zand,
N.D., L.Ac., O.M.D. author of Smart Medicine for a
Healthier Child
Teamed with organizational consultant,
Terrence McNally, holistic psychiatrist, Hyla Cass offers a
wonderfully informative guide to understanding and using kava,
the "newest" traditional herbal remedy for dealing with the
stress and anxiety of our high pressure lives.
— Jack Canfield,
co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul Series
A must-read for anyone interested in
conquering stress. Kava is Nature's answer for anxiety.
— Dharma Singh
Khalsa, M.D. Author of Brain Longevity
What a pleasure it is to finally have
an answer to an often asked question, "What is Kava?" Here
is the complete story of a most remarkable plant, from its
historic origins to its present day use as a valuable medicinal
resource, all presented accurately and entertainingly in a
single reference source.
— Alexander
Shulgin, PhD., author of PIKHAL, and TIKHAL; researcher,
and former consultant to the FDA
Kava
Facts
- The kava root has been used for thousands of years in the
islands of the South Pacific for medicinal purposes and as a
social and ceremonial drink.
- The scientific name for kava is Piper methysticum (Latin for "intoxicating
pepper"). It is a member of the pepper family.
- Kava relaxes without sedating.
- Kava eliminates signs of stress and anxiety.
- Kava relieves muscle tension.
- Kava calms nerves, quiets the mind, and alleviates restlessness.
- According to both scientific research and clinical experience,
it not only is not sedating in moderate doses, it actually enhances
mental functioning.
- Kava can sharpen physical coordination.
- At higher doses kava promotes restful sleep.
- Kava takes effect rapidly, usually within 30 minutes.
- Kava produces no side effects. In very high doses of native-style
kava, it can cause a skin condition know as "kava dermopathy",
which clears when kava is stopped.
- Kava is a natural alternative to prescription sedatives.
- Kava is not addictive and can be used continuously. Research
shows that over time, it works even better.
Table Of Contents
1. Kava: The Route Ahead 1
2. Stress and Anxiety 11
3. Stress and Disease: The Mind-Body Continuum 29
4. Anxiety: Psychological Factors 41
5. Medications: The Antidepressants and Tranquilizers 53
6. What Is Kava? 67
7. Chemistry and Actions 81
8. Clinical Uses of Kava 91
9. Sleep and Insomnia 111
10. How to Take Kava 133
11. Safety and Contraindications 141
12. Herbal Combinations 155
13. Diet and Supplements 171
14. Managing Stress 191
15. Listening to Kava: The High Road from Doing to Being 205
16. Growing Kava 217
17. The Economics and Regulation of Kava 229
18. Closing Thoughts 243
Appendix A: Recommended Reading 251
Appendix B: Resources 253
Appendix C: Kava Beverage Preparation Recipe 257
Notes 258
Terrence McNally, a Harvard-educated organizational consultant,
facilitates communication, collaboration, planning and conflict
resolution. He has developed a theoretical and practical approach
to understanding and managing stress, individually and in the workplace.
His popular interview program, "Free Forum" on KPFK-Pacifica Radio/Los
Angeles, focuses on new models of management, media, politics,
and health.
Read an Excerpt from the Book
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