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Kava: Nature's Answer To Stress, Anxiety And Insomnia

by Hyla Cass MD & Terrence McNally

Dr. Cass at a kava plantation in HawaiiPhoto by 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. '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. '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. — 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! — 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. — 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 12. Stress and Anxiety 113. Stress and Disease: The Mind-Body Continuum 294. Anxiety: Psychological Factors 415. Medications: The Antidepressants and Tranquilizers 536. What Is Kava? 677. Chemistry and Actions 818. Clinical Uses of Kava 919. Sleep and Insomnia 11110. How to Take Kava 13311. Safety and Contraindications 14112. Herbal Combinations 15513. Diet and Supplements 17114. Managing Stress 19115. Listening to Kava: The High Road from Doing to Being 20516. Growing Kava 21717. The Economics and Regulation of Kava 22918. Closing Thoughts 243Appendix A: Recommended Reading 251Appendix B: Resources 253Appendix C: Kava Beverage Preparation Recipe 257Notes 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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