Posted by Neal on April 7, 2001, at 1:54:13
I was recently at a lecture given by one of the premier ethno-botanists in the country. Ethno-botany is the study of the uses of plants by native peoples.
Anyway, one of the plants he discussed was Kava, or Kava-Kava as it is sometimes called. He showed slides, so I got to see how it is made by islanders in the South Pacific. The islanders use it to promote harmony and peace during social occasions, and at other times.
He also showed a graph of a German study comparing the use of Kava and Serax (Oxazepam) for anxiety over a period of weeks. Both reduced anxiety, in fact the lines on the graph were identical. Also Kava so far has a reputation for having few side effects. I can say from purely personal experience that Kava does have calming effects.
Note: Being psychoactive, taking Kava while also taking another antianxiety agent should be approached with extreme caution.
poster:Neal
thread:59007
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010403/msgs/59007.html