Finding your Zen sounds luxurious, almost heavenly. Just hearing the word “Zen” brings to find thoughts of relaxation and rest. Yes, that is what you want. That is what you need. It's important to be able to find your zen, and know the different techniques to do so.

Your day is full of stress. From the time you wake up to the time you fall asleep, your mind is constantly overloaded with the many activities you must complete throughout the day. You wake up thinking about your work schedule, getting the kids to school, driving through traffic and how your boss or co-workers will treat you.

After work, you think about what you will cook for supper once you drive once again through heavy traffic to pick up the kids from school. When you get home, you must clean up, do laundry, help with homework and finish any work you couldn’t complete during the day.

When you finally get to bed you realize you haven’t even had a chance to bathe. So, you take a quick shower, sleep for a few hours and do it all again the following day.

If any of this sounds familiar to you, then you need to find your Zen. First, let’s discuss what the term Zen really means.

What is Zen?

This is not the easiest answer because Zen can mean many things to many people. Overall, it is a way of being. It is a state of mind that is reached through total focus.

Closely associated with Buddhism, Zen is compared to enlightenment gained through meditation. It’s a process of connecting mind and body to achieve a greater learning of the meaning of your life.

How Does Kava Help You Find Your Zen?

The best way to reach Zen for beginners or for advanced meditators is with the use of kava. Keep reading to learn how kava kava can help you find your Zen.

Relaxes the Body

Tension in the body can prevent you from focusing completely on reaching Zen. If you are tense, you will focus on the area of tension and nothing else.

For instance, if there is tightness in your neck, or a muscle spasm in your neck due to stress, you are likely to only focus on that pain when you are attempting meditation.

Drinking kava releases that muscle tension so you can find your zen and focus on being enlightened instead.

Aids in Mental Awareness

Kava is great in that it relaxes your body but allows you to maintain mental alertness. In fact, some claim kava makes the more aware of themselves and their surroundings.

In ancient times, village leaders in the South Pacific used kava to open their minds so the Gods could speak more clearly to them. They wanted to be able to hear what the Gods offered them, and they did this by drinking kava.

Being more mental alert does not mean you will be more aware of your stressors. Just the opposite. Combining kava and meditation can help you cleanse your mind so you are open for positivity.

Makes You Feel Happy

You cannot find your Zen if you are in a negative mood. The two just do not go together. If you are feeling negative from the day’s stressors, drink kava before practicing meditation.

Kava has been proven to make you have pleasing thoughts. It also makes you feel peaceful and tranquil. Users also claim kava makes you feel a good will towards others and yourself.

These are exactly the feelings you need before beginning your journey to Zen.

Helps You Slow Down

Finding your Zen can mean slowing down your mind and body. It is not healthy to be in a constant state of go, go, go. Your body needs time to recuperate. The best way to do this is by getting a good night’s sleep.

There are varieties of kava that offer a stronger effect to help you get rest through sleep. This allows your brain to heal your body during the important stages of sleep, especially deep sleep.

Kava can help your mind and body relax just long enough to allow for healing.

Helps Develop Rituals and Simplicity

Zen can be found by incorporating rituals into your routine. Your goal of Zen is to find inner simplicity while living in a complex world.

Preparing kava is a ritual. Over time, you will start to feel the stress leaving your body while you are preparing your kava. Then relaxation will continue over several hours. Following kava preparation immediately with meditation can set you up for good mental and physical health.

You deserve to benefit from using kava to help you find your Zen.

Your body goes through so much each day. Stressors from work, family and social commitments can take a toll on both physical and mental health. If these stressors are not dealt with, they can start to do damage to the body over time. You can reduce this everyday tension with herbal remedies. 

Damage such as consistent headaches, overeating, and digestive issues are quite common effects of everyday stress related health issues. Memory loss and inability to concentrate are also signs of daily health problems.

Eventually, this minor damage can lead to more serious problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

To combat such damage, there are steps you can take to improve your everyday health. There are herbal remedies that have proven to heal and prevent poor health.

An herb is a part of a plant or tree. The parts can very different, but all have beneficial properties. To make herbal remedies, parts such as roots, bark, leaves, stems, seeds and even the fruit of the plant or tree can be used. Below are some of the best herbal remedies and how they can help.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is gaining popularity as one of the best herbal remedies today now that people are realizing how beneficial it can be. Native to India, this herb is known to relieve stress and strengthen the immune system.

It has been used for over 3,000 years and each part of the plant can have different benefits. The seeds are said to rid excess water in the body. The leaves have anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. The root also offers sedative effects, in addition to strengthening the immune system and analgesic aspects.

Being able to relax, relieve minor aches and pains and strengthen immunity will help improve daily health.

Kava

Kava is also one of the most popular herbal remedies today. It comes in many forms such as supplements. But drinking it as a tea is one of the best ways to consume it.

You should only purchase kava that has been harvested from the root of the piper methysticum plant from the South Pacific Islands. The root of the plant is pounded into a powder form, mixed with water and strained. The liquid is then consumed.

In a brief period, kava produces a calming and sedative like effect. All the stressors of the day fade away and allow you to feel completely relaxed. However, you do not lose mental clarity. That means you are alert and high functioning while at the same time feel relaxed.

There are kava varieties that are produced to help you have a good night’s sleep. Getting quality sleep has been proven in many studies to improve daily health.

Rhodiola

A native of Siberia, rhodiola can act as a natural anti-depressant. It has cellular benefits on the body, aiding in getting oxygen throughout the body. Furthermore, it can sharpen the mind and increase memory capability.

There are a variety of stress types. Many claim this herb can fight these stress types by helping the body and mind adapt to all types of situations.

Chamomile

One of the most well-known of herbal remedies, chamomile is native to several locations around the world. Some varieties come from Asia, while others come from Africa.

Chamomile is used by many people today. It can be purchased as a tea, tincture or supplements. It is an herb that can help those who suffer from digestive problems. This can include anything from heartburn to irritable bowel.

Chamomile has cleansing properties that help rid bacteria and inflammation from the body. You can even find it mixed with other herbal remedies.

Korean Ginseng

When using Ginseng, like kava, make sure it is from the root only. This is the most beneficial part of the plant.

Korean Ginseng users claim this herb can offer mental and physical alertness while also fighting stress. When you are feeling tired from a long day of work, or when you wake up feeling like you haven’t slept at all, this herb can give you the energy boost you need.

It can also boost your immune system and act as an anti-depressant.

There seems to be herbal remedies for almost every health-related issue. Whether you are suffering from digestive problems, blood pressure or any other results from stress, you can find herbal remedies to help relieve your symptoms.

Herbs such as kava seem to have more of a wide range of positive effects, offering relaxation, deep sleep or mental alertness. However, improving your well-being and everyday health is the most important goal. And whichever herbal remedy works best, that’s the one to use in your daily regimen.

If you have experienced kava or are thinking of consuming kava, you may also be wondering what makes it so great. You may be interested in learning just how kava works on the brain and the body and why. To do this, it's important to understand kava chemotypes.

Learning about kava chemotypes can help you understand exactly which strands of kava to drink based on the specific affects you desire.

What is a Chemotype?

Chemotype simply means the types of chemicals that can be found in a plant. In this instance, chemotypes are referring to the piper methysticum plant, in which kava comes from.

Chemotypes are important because they help you determine the difference between two plants that may look identical, but offer two totally different effects.

The first few kavalactones that make up kava chemotypes determine what effect the kava can offer.

Kavalactones

In piper methysticum plants, kava chemotypes are differentiated by kavalactones. These are the chemical compounds that make up the chemotypes in the kava plants.

When kavalactones are soaked in water, their psychoactive elements are released. When consumed, a person can experience relaxation while maintaining mental clarity.

To date, there have been eighteen kavalactones identified. However, only six of give the beneficial effects to those who consume it. The order in which they combine determines the effect they will give the user.

It can also help you determine which part of the South Pacific harvests that specific chemotype of kava.

Thereare six different kavalactones that make up kava chemotypes.

Six Types of Kavalactones

Desmethoxyyangonin is labeled with a “1”. Brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin increase when triggered by the kavalactone desmethoyyangonin. It can make you feel happier, even giving you a feeling of euphoria. It does this without interrupting your ability to focus and maintain attention.

Dihydrokavain is “2” in the list of kavalactones. This component enhances GABA chemicals in the brain. Gaba is responsible for enhancing immunity and relaxing you during periods of feeling overwhelmed.

Yangonin is listed as “3” and Kavain is “4”. These can work on the central nervous system to produce relaxing and calming effects. These also help you get a good night’s sleep.

Many believe that Kavain is one of the best types of kava to mix for drinking. Meaning, kava powders with the number “4” in the first two or three numbers identifying the chemotype will likely give you the best effects.

Dihydromethysticin is “5” and  Methysticin is “6” in the lineup of kavalactones. Both increase serotonin chemicals in the brain. Many of the best kava varieties include either dihydromethysticin or methysticin in the first few numbers of the lineup.

Depending on the order of the kava chemotypes, you can feel anywhere from slightly sedated to a deep sleep to a relaxed socially happy effect. Each chemotype has distinctive characteristics and knowing the difference between them all can help prevent any surprise effects.

Chemotype Characteristics

Chemotypes can also tell you where a plant was harvested. For example, kava chemotypes that begin with a “4” and “6” are usually Hawaiian kava. This means that Hawaiian kava has kavain and methysticin. From there you can determine that this strand will help you feel relaxed but also make you interested in socializing due to feelings of being happy.

In Vanuatu, the chemotype sequence mostly likely begins with a “2” and a “6” or “5”.

It can be quite beneficial for you to determine which physical and mental affects you want to have before drinking kava. Then you can narrow down your choices by using island varieties that meet your expectations.

Kava Chemotypes to Avoid

When choosing kava, stick with the noble varieties. Stick with those that have the numbers “2”, “4” or “6” in the beginning of the chemotype variety.

Keep in mind there are tudei or bad kava varieties out there. Knowing the best kava chemotypes before you make a purchase can help you find the best kava for you.

Tudei kava can give you negative interactions such as hangovers, nausea and vomiting that can last a couple of days. It has an initial strong effect which some people like, until they begin to feel the negative after effects.

Conclusion

It doesn't have to be a guessing game when you buy kava. It is a natural herb that when used appropriately, can offer you a wonderful experience, both physically and mentally.

Whether you want to relax and unwind for the day alone, or want to ensure a happy attitude while hanging out with a group of friends, choose the right chemotype to get the desired effect. 

Physical and emotional balance is important in everyday life. As everyday stressors of life influence you, you start to lose this balance. Emotional balance is the ability to maintain equilibrium, especially during trying or challenging times. Once faced with emotional pain, it's common for individuals to experience physical pain as well. By maintaining this balance, not only will you be more susceptible to change, but your quality of life will increase as well. 

One way to regain physical and emotional balance is with the use of kava. Kava is root harvested from a plant native to Polynesia. While it’s known for it’s sedative effects, the combination of vitamins and minerals make it a great herbal treatment for a number of disorders.

How Kava Promotes Physical and Emotional Balance

Because of kava's many benefits, it is becoming increasingly popular. Many agree that the use of kava significantly helps to promote relaxation to regain this balance.

Here are a few of the ways that including kava extract as a part of a sensible diet and exercise regimen can ease and maybe even eliminate some of your physical and emotional woes. 

A Great Anti-Inflammatory

Many people who use kava report that it helps ease various bodily aches and pains. From the stress created on the back from sitting in front of a computer all day to minor aches in the legs, a daily dose of the extract is said to relax muscles and prevent cramping. A dose of extract in green tea or any other non-alcoholic beverage you enjoy will do the trick. Using kava can not only help to regain physical balance, but but doing so, it helps with emotional balance as well.

Easing Tension

People who have a lot of stress in their lives sometimes like to add kava extract to liquids or to take a dose using a spoon. One of the more commonly known qualities of kava is the sedative effect. The nice thing is that while it does help drain the tension and everyday stress away, it does not dull the mental processes. Thanks to that attribute, kava is a wonderful way to ease physical and emotional tension without getting that cloudy minded feeling. 

Helping With Everyday Stressors

People who suffer terribly from everyday stressors but don’t tolerate prescription medication well might want to try kava extract. Among those who prefer to manage their conditions using herbal supplements, the kava is often touted as a wonderful way to slow the mind racing that’s so common after a long day filled with stressors. This is because kava allows both the body and the mind to relax, without feeling sedated or groggy. It allows you to take deeper breaths, enjoy the company around you, and helps to promote deep relaxation. This relaxation in turn promotes physical and emotional balance when consuming kava.  

More Restful Sleep

Nothing is quite as maddening as crawling into bed and finding that sleep is elusive. For people who can’t seem to settle down and get to sleep, kava a half-hour or so before bedtime could help. Enthusiasts report that along with helping ease tension in the muscles, the extract makes it easier to stop replaying the days activities over and over in the mind and drift off to a deep and recuperative night’s rest. Because your mind, and your body is relaxed and at rest, you can enter a more soothing sleep with kava. 

Dealing With Mild Despondence 

There are many reasons why an individual feels despondent. The condition creates a sense of muted emotions, lethargy, and in general having no zest for life. It can be enough to make life pretty tough. Many people find that using kava to get through the difficult weeks and months after the event helps immensely. While it doesn’t make the pain go away completely, the emotional balance that the extract can provide makes it easier to cope, heal, and eventually be able to move on. 

Recovery From Surgery

Any type of invasive surgery does mean additional stress on the body. During the recuperative phase, there can be quite a bit of discomfort. Kava is used in a number of cultures to soothe the trauma the body recently experienced and ease that discomfort. With carefully measured doses recommended by a professional herbalist, it’s possible to enjoy some respite from the stiffness, general fatigue, and soreness while the healing process is underway. The improvement of physical balance helps to regain emotional balance as well.

Kava has many benefits, and they include physical and emotional balance. This in turn can help to ease everyday tension, promote greater sleep, and improve overall quality of life. 

As with any type of natural or herbal supplement, be aware that interactions with other herbs or prescription medication is possible with kava. Talk with a medical professional who is knowledgeable about those potential interactions. Know the signs that a negative interaction is taking place. Doing so enhances the odds that you will enjoy all of the benefits associated with kava. It helps to ensure you still get the most benefit from the other supplements or medications you take as well.

Vanuatu is in the South Pacific Islands and has been inhabited since 500 B.C. It is comprised of islands and islets with volcanic and mountainous regions.

Vanuatu relies on many forms of agricultural subsistence living including fishing and hunting. They make money through exporting certain agricultural products. One that is very popular is kava, taken from the root of the piper methysticum plant that is found throughout Vanuatu. Vanuatu kava tradition expands throughout centuries, and has greatly influenced the culture of today. We have adopted many of these traditions, including nakamals -- also known as kava bars. 

Vanuatu Kava Tradition & History

Kava is said to have originated in Vanuatu over three thousand years ago. Many believe that kava was initially popular because of its medicinal uses.

Harvesters clone parts of the piper plant families to form the piper methysticum plant. Travelers took strands of the plant to other islands in the South Pacific, each creating their own version of kava.

Vanuatu remains the leader in having the most varieties of kava. They have more varieties of kava than anywhere else in the world.

The use of kava can vary from islanders. Some think it's best to consume daily while other islanders, such as Malekula, associate kava with a cult of death.

There are also many legends surrounding kava.

Kava Legends

Varying legends exist and some are quite mythical. Some believe good kava was found by two sisters who were washing themselves by the ocean after gathering yams for food. The story states a sister touches the kava plant. Noting its pleasurable sensations, the sisters took the root and began to cultivate this new kava plant.

Other legends state kava was given by the Gods. They also include spiritual qualities or the mixture of spirit Gods and humans. The Vanuatu kava tradition and legends have been a part of Vanuatu culture for years. 

Southern vs. Northern Vanuatu

Historians claim the origin of kava began in Northern Vanuatu, specifically on the island of Maewo. This is spectacular, that all kava that exists today can be traced back to a single plant in Northern Vanuatu.

From this location, kava was then shipped to Fiji, where it was named Yaqona, and from there, to other islands. Some chose to keep the name kava, others chose to create their own name.

Most reports state kava did not originate in Southern Vanuatu. The residents of the southern part of the islands had to import the kava plant and learn its uses just like every other user in the Pacific.

In ancient times, both southern and northern Vanuatu kava tradition is similar. They prepare and drink kava in the most traditional ways, which includes chewing and spitting practices. The location where locals drink and celebrate with kava are also the same. These structures are nakamals.

Nakamals

In Vanuatu kava tradition, special huts were built in ancient times just for drinking kava. These are nakamals. You know them today as a kava bar. 

Traditionally, nakamals were built for chiefs and village leaders to meet and make important decisions. Every community in Vanuatu contains nakamals. While the shape and construction of the nakamal can vary, many have a similar A-frame style.

Some communities decorate nakamals to represent the community. Other nakamals remain simple with nothing drawing attention to its existence.

With a resurgence in the popularity of kava, nakamals are popping up all over the world.

Kava Today

Kava is extremely popular today, and not just in the Pacific Islands. Nakamals, or kava bars, are accessible in most major cities including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and many more.

Kava has so many benefits and people consume it for many different reasons. Some use it to achieve relaxation after a long day at work. Others use it to alleviate aches and pains.

Kava’s benefits also include mental alertness while feeling completely at ease. Muscles relax and an overall feeling of good will or happiness encompasses the person consuming kava.

Many people today are choosing to replace alcohol with kava. They do so because kava is a terrific way to relax and calm down after a long day at work, but without the hangover the next day. In addition, their mind stays clear.

While nakamals may look quite different in cities versus rural areas, they are consistent in in the fact that you will reach your desired effect easily.

If you wish to experience Vanuatu kava, you are in luck. You can purchase it from kava suppliers who work directly with Vanuatu harvesters. Or, you can visit your local kava bar for a low key, yet social experience.

Kava is an excellent product for those of you who need a little extra help relaxing at the end of the day. Drinking kava can not only help you feel calm, it can make you feel euphoric while still letting you maintain mental clarity.

Before you run out to the next kava supplier or kava bar, look at the kava safety tips below.

10 Kava Safety Tips

Kava has many benefits, however it is still important to understand how to use kava safely. These 10 kava safety tips will help you properly consume, and benefit from kava.

• Do Not Mix With Other Medications
• Use Kava Root
• Understand Reverse Tolerance
• Learn Your Dosage
• Do Not Mix With Alcohol
• Don't Mix With Other Herbs
• Avoid Driving
• Know How to Prepare Kava

Below, we go into detail about each of these 10 kava safety tips to ensure you have the best possible experience with kava.

Don’t Mix with Other Medications

If you are on prescription medications, avoid drinking kava until you have consulted with a physician. The reason is because kava can enhance the effects of some prescription medications. Sometimes, too much of something can be dangerous.

For instance, narcotics such as opiates have sedating effects. Kava also has sedating effects. If you take two potent substances together, you will become overly sedated and possibly unable to function. It's important to understand the effects of current medication, and how it will interact with kava.

Make Sure it is From the Root

Good kava is extracted from the root of the piper methysticum plant. It is harvested in the South Pacific Islands by farmers. They pound the root into a powder form and prepare it for shipping around the world.

To ensure kava safety, you want to consume kava that is prepared from the root. You will know if you consume bad or ignoble kava because you will experience nausea, headaches, even vomiting.

Know About Reverse Tolerance

Reverse tolerance may happen with beginner kava drinkers. It basically means you may not feel any effects the first few times you drink kava.

In some, kava needs to build up in your system before you begin experiences the full effects. This can take a few days or weeks. Don’t give up on kava, though. Once you start feeling the effects, you will realize it was worth the wait.

Not all kava drinkers experience reverse tolerance, and it's important to understand what this is before trying kava for the first time. If you do not feel the effects of kava after the first use, continue to be patient. 

Learn Your Dosage

Your kava dosage may be different than others. It is recommended to start with no more than 300 milligrams at first until you know how kava affects you. When you become a regular user, you will be able to adjust your dosage based on the effect you are seeking. To ensure kava safety, you want to learn how much kava to consume to reach your desired effects. Although it is extremely unlikely to become addicted or overdose, it's still best practice. 

Kavalactones are the components within the kava root that determine the effect you will receive. There are many combinations of kavalactones. Reactions can include relaxation, sedation, mental clarity, alertness, euphoria, and deep sleep, to name a few.

Do Not Drink with Alcohol

Many people compare alcohol and kava but the truth is, they are totally different. Alcohol alters your brain which impairs your thinking, judgments and overall decision-making skills. Alcohol can cause hangovers due to dehydration and sometimes due to drinking in excess.

Kava gives you a relaxed, euphoric feeling. It helps you become sociable without hindering mental abilities. In fact, you remain mentally alert while drinking kava.

Do Not Mix with Other Herbs

There are many great alternative medicines on the market today that are readily available. Benefits vary but each can have a positive effect on your body.

However, just because they are beneficial, does not mean you should mix them with kava. Make sure you are aware of the effects that your alternative medicines and how they may interact with kava. Talking to a naturopath may be a wise step to sure kava safety before using.

Do Not Kava and Drive

Kava gives you an excellent experience. It can help you sleep better at night and can make you feel euphoric. Kava boosts your mood while easing muscle tension. It helps you feel relaxed and calm.

All these are great benefits. However, they are not good if you get behind the wheel. Being overly sedated or sleepy and choosing to drive a vehicle is simply dangerous. Do not drink kava and drive.

Correct Preparation

If you choose to purchase kava in root form, there is a specific way to prepare it. In fact, in root form, there is only one way to prepare it so you receive the best effects.

For the last three thousand years, the root has been pounded into powder form. How you choose to pound it is up to you but quality suppliers offer tools to help you.

Once the root is pounded into a powder, wrap the powder in a kava strainer bag or cloth and dip it into a liquid. Most use water or coconut milk. Squeeze the mixture to strain the liquid from the mixture. What is strained is what you will drink.

For more tips and advice on drinking kava, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Asking questions gives you knowledge and helps with kava safety. This knowledge can help you determine if you are using good kava and at the right dosage for your desired effect.

The more you know, the safer your kava drinking experience will be.

We live in a society where it is people are constantly working towards improving their well-being and health. When a person has a stress-related disorder, anti-anxiety medications are given by a doctor.

When a person has trouble sleeping or has insomnia, a physician is likely to prescribe a man-made sleeping medication.

Many medications prescribed by doctors to manage or improve well-being come with an array of side effects, leading to the need for additional medications.

Your overall well-being can be managed using alternative, all-natural herbs and treatments. One proven way is with the use of kava.

Below are some of the ways you can include kava in managing or improving your well-being.

Relaxation

Everyone today is stressed out and over stimulated by many career and personal responsibilities. For most, their day begins before dark and ends after dark, leaving only a few hours to wind down before going to sleep again.

Weekends are just as busy, running errands, visiting friends and family and catching up on household chores. When does anyone just take time to relax?

If you speak with most people, they will tell you they constantly feel stressed and overwhelmed.

Being able to relax is important for your overall well-being. A stressed mind and body can lead to physical and mental illnesses. The illnesses most associated with stress and tension include depression, anxiety, obesity and ulcers. These issues can lead to bigger issues.

Drinking kava at the end of your day, or sometime through the day, can reduce the symptoms of tension and nervousness. It lifts your mood and allows you to feel calm when everything around seems chaotic.

Sleep Improves Health

Sleep can mean the difference between having a good day and a difficult day. So many positive things happen during sleep, like restoration of any ailing parts of our brain and body.

Lack of sleep leads to poor moods, weight gain and lack of concentration. Sleep deprivation, over time, can have serious negative effects on the body and can hinder memory and lead to more stress on the body. This can lead to heart disease, diabetes and other physical illnesses.

Drinking kava before bedtime can help you get a more peaceful rest. Kava relaxes your mind and your body and allows you to drift into a deep sleep which in turn improves your well-being. When you wake up the next day, you do not feel groggy.

Relationship Building

Connecting with others has been proven scientifically to improve mental health. It gives you self-confidence and a sense of belonging, both of which boost our overall well-being.

Healthy relationships tend to lower stress, lower anger emotions and give you a support. This support helps you get through challenging situations. Research shows healthy relationships encourage you to develop better habits that can lead to longer life span.

Kava can help to enhance social interactions. It can relax you physically and mentally. It loosens you up so you can become more socially interactive.

Kava is a better drink than alcohol for social occasions. It relaxes you without altering your thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

Exercising the Mind

To improve well-being and stay healthy physically, it is important to stay healthy mentally. Making efforts to improve mental awareness can help you retain memory, concentration and focus.

You need a healthy mind so you can recognize any weaknesses that need to be improved. A healthy mind can help you maintain relationships, make important decisions, and make spiritual connections.

Kava was used in ancient times to allow leaders to receive messages from the Gods. It offers a relaxed physical state with a heightened mental awareness. Today, people rave about kava’s ability to increase mental awareness without having jittery feelings or hyper reactions from caffeine and other drugs.

Furthermore, taking kava before you practice meditation enhances your experiences and creates a much more beneficial spiritual time.

Exercising the Body

Not all exercise requires you to run to get a good workout. All forms of yoga can provide heart healthy workouts, making you sweat and work muscles just as well. There are many levels of yoga, Pilates, and any type of stretching can be a superior way to exercise your body. Similar to meditation, combining kava yoga can help you reach a deeper relaxation.

Bodybuilders report kava helps relax the muscles just enough to boost their workout. Muscle tension can hinder a workout. Using kava helps the muscles to relax so they can be stretched while also preventing overworking.

Drinking kava before you begin your workouts, whether bodybuilding or yoga inspired, can take you to a deeper level.

As you can see, kava can benefit your overall well-being in a variety of ways. Start managing your health today by implementing kava into your daily routine.

Many herbs have similarities, including how they are consumed and the benefits they offer. While some, like kava and damiana are similar, they are not the same.

Every herb comes from a different part of the country and from various parts of the plant. Some are extracted from a root, like kava kava, while others are made from leaves, stems or flowers.

With such an easy access to herbs and alternative therapies, at-home users are becoming more like scientists. They mix and match herbs in hopes to produce a certain effect. This can be dangerous is the wrong herbs are mixed.

Some people are mixing kava and damiana. If you only use kava, then you know you do not need to mix anything with it for it to benefit you. Damiana users are claiming to need a little extra, so they mix it with kava.

These two herbs are quite different, from their origins to effects.

Origins

Kava is taken from the root of the piper methysticum plant found in the South Pacific Islands such as Hawaii and Fiji. It has been a well-respected plant in Oceana for thousands of years. It was first used before important ceremonies and rituals.

Kava is now enjoyed around the world. It can only be harvested in the South Pacific, making it more special than other plants.

Damiana grows sub-tropically in areas of the southeastern United States, specifically Texas. It can also be found in Africa and Mexico.

Damiana comes from the turneraceae plant family and is often called turnera diffusa. It is derived from the dried leaves of the plant.  It was also used before ceremonies and events. Damiana was traded among the Aztecs and Mayans and is still used today.

Damiana can be grown in your back yard if you are living in the right growing zones.

Chemistry

Kava contains kavalactones which determine the potency of the effects. Kavalactones have chemotypes that determine what types of effects it will deliver.

All damiana’s chemical components have yet to be identified. However, researchers do report it contains flavonoids, volatile oil, essential oils, and cyanogenic glycosides. It also contains tannin, arbutin, thymol and a little bit of phosphorous. These are not nearly all the components.

Effects

Kava is well known for its ability to relax the mind and body, while still allowing you to stay mental alert. Kava eases muscle tension and gives you an overall feeling of goodwill. Many report feeling sociable and in a great mood.

Kava is replacing alcohol around the world due to its ability to calm you down after a stressful day at work, without leaving you with a hangover.

Damiana is mostly known for its aphrodisiac effects. There is very little research on damiana so most of the claims of effects are from personal accounts. There are a few studies claiming damiana reduces tension and has a calming effect.

Other damiana users claim it is good for use as a laxative and digestive issues, as well as for cleansing the liver and bladder.

Benefits

Both plants are known for their relaxing and calming abilities. If you are feeling nervous, kava can ease this symptom. There are many benefits of kava, as it is also used to lift your mood when you are feeling sad, as well as help you get a good night’s sleep.

Both kava and damiana are associated with losing weight, according to some reports.

It seems odd that an herb can act as both a laxative and a sexual stimulant, but that is exactly what damiana claims it does. Its relaxant qualities are associated with easing menstrual cramps and asthma. It also has antiseptic qualities that help eliminate some infections.

How it is Prepared and Consumed

Kava tea is the most common way kava is consumed. If you are in the South Pacific, kava is prepared by pounding the root into a powder form. You then mix the powder with water and strain through a cloth. The liquid that is strained is what you consume.

Kava can be purchased in powder, liquid, capsules and even edible forms. It can be bought in ready mix packages that make it simple to use on a regular basis.

Damiana can be smoked as well as consumed. You can purchase the dried leaves and either smoke them or drink them in tea form. Or, you can buy infusions, tinctures or capsules.

Following the instructions offered on the packaging is the best way to take both kava and damiana.

Mixing Kava and Damiana

There are people who claim when they take damiana they don’t feel as strong effects as they would like. Instead of taking more damiana, they are choosing to mix it with kava.

People who use kava will likely tell you they do not need anything else mixed with their kava drink. Kava offers just the right potency for users to experience all the beneficial effects.

While it is unlikely to harm you, mixing damiana and kava can be done, but is not necessary if you are drinking kava only.