Kava Kava = alchohol?!

[DeDao]

I have been getting bad headaches after taking my daily dose of kratom and was looking for a new herb to takes its place.

At my local herb shop they have kava kava. I asked the clerk that was there and asked his opinion about the herb. He said it was similar to alcohol and knowing what he does about me, that I wouldn't like it.

What are you guys opinions?

 

[jamie]

I dunno I would more concerned obout why you would take these herbs daily? Do you really need them for some kind of medical gain?

I cant imagine why kratom or kava daily would be healthy for the long term..kratom does have some medicinal alklaoids though..If you want the medicinal benifits maybe look into cats claw..cats claw is an herb used by amazonian curranderos and shares some of the same medicinal alkaloids as kratom but without the opiate like effects.

Kava does have some similar action to alcohol I think..If I remember correctly it acts on GABA receptors like alchohol. It is a downer.

 

[spinCycle]

IME Kava Kava does not have the stimulating and excitation effects that alcohol has in lower doses, not the relaxing of social inhibitions associated with alcohol. I find it is an excellent sedative/sleep aid, but personally do not think of it so much a pleasurable stand alone intoxicant. I have know a few people though who did not smoke MJ due to drug testing who found it to be a good substitute.

In low doses it does create a nice synergy with marijuana.

 

[D.REYx420]

Alcohol is just a recreational thing to compare it to. Kava is far superior then alcohol but only shares the similarity of making you relaxed and sociable. I don't see why daily dosing of it would have any negative interaction if in a traditional water preparation manner. Give it a try you might love it and kill some anxiety while you're at it too.

 

[DeDao]

Thanks for replying guys.

Jamie, the daily use of kratom is more of a comfort for me. Do you use coffee daily? It's similar to that for me. Although, if it continues to give me headaches I'll be ditching it.

Kava doesn't really interest me any longer due to your comments. Thanks for the replies.

 

[jamie]

Ive just talked to many people who seemed to get addicted to kratom and ended up having some trouble stopping. I stopped using caffine because it was making me feel burnt out.

A mix of passiflora and chammomile might help you. I drink that every night because they are relaxing and somewhat sedating..not really stoning but sort of hypnotic..but not enough to stop you from normal tasks..and they are both really great medicinal herbs also without any real side effects.

 

[obliguhl]

kava doesn't really interest me any longer due to your comments.

Kava feels nothing like alcohol. Depending on the strain, it relaxes your body, calms your anxiety or even give you an uplifting, social feel (tongan pride does this for instance). It feels not toxic like alcohol does. IT can be slightly euphoric but not as intense as Kratom. One difference to kratom is the fact, that it does not cut you off from your feelings, you'd be even more open but calmer. The closest a good dose of quality kava feels to is a benzodiazepine ... but as i said, some kavas have uplifting properties to it. A bit like some kratoms are both chilled and energetic.

You might also want to look into raw cacao beans.

 

[DeDao]

Nice! Yes, your description sounds much more pleasing. Thanks for writing.

 

[Ilex]

Kava does act on the GABA receptor system and has a sedative/hypnotic effect which is probably why it gets compared to alcohol. For me, I find it is relaxing a bit like alcohol, but way more clear headed (it doesn't make me feel stupid like drinking does). It also tends to loosen your tongue (some strains more than others) and so it can be a nice social drink to sip with friends and get into conversation.

You can get a bit intoxicated on it, but it takes a LOT to get there. On a high dose of kava, I wouldn't want to drive. For me, I mostly use smaller amounts as a sleep aid, on days where I feel my mind is racing and I can't get to sleep easily I will have some kava and then sleep like a baby.

It is also a fantastic muscle relaxant - probably the best herb for this use, and so it can be a nice thing to have after a strenuous hike, or if you've been out dancing all night. Just takes all the tension out of my body!

Also a useful herb for taking the edge of anxiety, I know in European herbal medicine it has been given to people who are afraid of public speaking, or getting on planes, situations where it can take the edge of your anxiety. Again, it is one of the most potent nervine herbs available and a good alternative to benzos or other pharmaceuticals.

If you use kava frequently you can build a tolerance, and it has some mild psychological habituating tendencies, but overall it is a safe herb if used responsibly. Probably better for the body than alcohol.

 

[DeDao]

Interesting, thanks for replying.

Yes, I don't like not being able to walk straight or think clearly and intelligently.