Kava Kava

Scientific name: Piper methysticum

Other names: 'awa,'ava, kawa, kew, yagona, sakau, tonga

Description:

Kava is a tall evergreen shrub in the pepper family that grows in the South Pacific islands and some parts of Micronesia and Australia. It has stout rhizomes, fleshy stems and big leaves shaped like hearts. The roots of the plant has been used for thousands of years as a folk remedy and as a beverage. It has sedative properties and is drank to relax without disrupting mental clarity.

Parts used:

The root is the part of the plant used medicinally. Traditionally, it is prepared by either chewing, or made into a beverage by grinding or pounding the roots then combined with a small amount of  cold water and consumed as quickly as possible.


Medicinal Properties and Uses:

The main active components in kava root are called kavalactones. It has been found to affect the levels of specific neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is a bitter, pungent herb that has anesthetic properties, diuretic effect as well as herbal aphrodisiac properties.

Kava is an effective folk remedy for back pain, anxiety and insomnia as it relaxes the muscles and calms the nerves.

* It also enhances mental alertness and concentration

* It fights mouth ulcers

In folk medicine it also used for gout, rheumatism and arthritis.

Kava if effective for both acute and chronic gonorrhea, vaginitis, syphilis and other genito-urinary infections.

It is applied externally for ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Precautions and Side effects:

Consult your doctor before taking kava.  You should not take kava if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking kava. The use of kava may cause Liver Toxicity. Do NOT start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Garlic

Scientific name: Allium Sativum

Description: Garlic is widely used around the world for both culinary and medical purposes. It is a low herb growing to around 30 to 60 cm. Bulbs are broadly ovoid, consisting of several cloves and has a pungent flavor. The leaves are linear and flat like grass.

Part used:

The bulb is the most commonly used part although the leaves and flowers are also edible.

Health Benefits:

Many health conditions can be prevented and treated by taking a clove of garlic a day. Garlic has flavonoids, vitamin C, B6, magnesium, potassium, selenium, calcium and manganese. The key component of garlic is allicin, known to have a potent
anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties. It also possesses stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic and expectorant properties.

Medicinal properties and Uses:

Arthritis - Crush several cloves and rub on affected areas.

Lower Cholesterol and Blood Pressure - Regular intake of garlic can reduce blood cholesterol and may increase HDL(good cholesterol) and LDL(bad cholesterol) ratio that will prevent stroke and other heart diseases.

Prevents Blood Clots - The use of garlic can increase nitric oxide production in the blood vessels thus dilating the blood vessels and helps in fibrinolysis(dissolving of blood clotting). Garlic reduces the possibility of strokes and thromboses.

Diabetes - Garlic may also help regulate blood sugar levels.


Fight Infections(Athlete's foot, ear infection, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Corporis and other fungal diseases) - Garlic has sulfur compounds like allicin that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and that may help treat fungal infections. Raw Garlic is also a potent natural antibiotic. Cut clove crosswise and rub directly to affected area.

Cancer - slows down the growth of tumor cells specifically in colon, stomach and prostate cancers.

People who are allergic to garlic should stay away from it or those who consume it in large quantities may suffer from flatulence, stomach irritation and heartburn.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING THIS.