Kava: Nature’s Answer to Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia
Product Description
Written by nationally known psychiatrist Hyla Cass, Kava: Nature’s Answer to Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia answers the many questions anxiety sufferers are asking about available treatments. With conclusive documentation of kava’s effectiveness and a detailed account of scientific evidence, this balanced, comprehensive book promises to be the definitive guide to the year’s newest herbal discovery.Amazon.com Review
What St. John’s wort is for depression, kava is for everyday anxiety. Native to exotic locales including the South Pacific island of Vanuatu, kava is a ritual and medicinal herb that’s been used for centuries. It may not taste fabulous, but it effectively relieves tension and anxiety without affecting one’s alertness or mental capacities or resulting in addictions, unlike prescription drugs such as Valium. Written by Hyla Cass, M.D., a well-known alternative medicine consultant and assistant professor of psychiatry at UCLA, Kava: Nature’s Answer to Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia is an intelligent, engaging reference to this increasingly popular herb.
Cass clearly explains the herb’s chemical composition without delving into turgid scientific mumbo jumbo, or relying on lifeless quotes from scientific papers. She also thoroughly covers the herb’s various forms–tinctures, tablets, pastes, powdered extract, and sprays–and suggests appropriate dosages for various treatments (for insomnia, for instance, you’d take a larger dose than if you just wanted to calm yourself before a plane flight). Cass also covers herbs that can be used in combination with kava, including valerian, licorice, and Ginkgo biloba; suggested dietary changes to improve overall mood and health; possible side effects; and techniques for managing stress in the first place, so antianxiety treatments aren’t as needed. For anyone who wants to know all about what they’re putting into their body, this is a solid primer.
Kava: Nature’s Answer to Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia
Under the spotlight of increasing popularity, Kava…or Kava Kava to those who think twice about using it, is the latest “miracle natural drug,” alleged to relieve anxiety and stress without side effects or addiction. This book is not bad. It certainly is true to its title, discussing in depth how Kava is nature’s answer to several common aliments. Yet, in our modern world where the newest “fad” goes from scientist to corporation to local mall vendor in a matter of months, the basic question is, “do these things really work?” Take a valium, and you will feel calm. Take a Xanax and your anxiety will be relieved. Most likely, however, you will became dpeendant on these drugs and eventually resort to robbing your local Dairy Queen to support you habit, unless friends intervene and get you to Rehab in time. So there is the true magic of Kava. No dependancy…no side-effects…it is legal…and it works? Well, this book certainly believes it does, and it backs this assertion with several well laid out and researched chapters. The problem is, is that Kava has been used for centuries in elaborate rituals on beautiful tropical islands as the sun is setting and soft island music plays in the background. Oh yea, and they use Kava. Now, if you are not relaxed after that, you are either already dead, or you might as well give up your dream of becomming stress free. Does Kava work in the bog city, with big city pressures? Will a Kava Latte be that far off, or even a Kava encrusted chicken breast? Nothing is certain as yet. If anything, this book is a step forward in educating the public on a possibly promising new alternative to presciption drugs. A message to the reader, however: Keep an open mind and remember, the Metabolife people know where you live.
Rating: 3 / 5
This book continues the progress that is being made in the effort to rediscover the essential links between natural medicine, the human personality, and true health. It can be read to further personal well being and it is a testament of how our leading western physicians are returning to honest, scientifically vaild remedies for what ails us. This book is not only about kava–though it is the most readable account of the traditional and modern uses of that wondrous herb–moreover it encourages us to find our own health in the matrix of Her Mystery that is our own deep self.
Rating: 5 / 5
I have the pleasure of living in the only city in the country that has an authentic Kava Bar. I’ve chosen to remain anonymous to keep it underground, where is should stay. Kava is amazing and this book is just another testimonial of that fact. Kava does just what this book claims that it does…it cured my insomnia, and that’s a fact. I just dread the day Kava becomes the next frapaccino, because I love it right where it is. It is illegal in Canada and Germany and probably many other places, so I’m hoping that that doesn’t happen in the U.S. by people abusing this awesome herbal medication.
Rating: 5 / 5
This clearly written, comprehensive book tells you all you want to know abour kava, giving excellent scientific information without talking down to readers. Lots of case examples, too. I am recommending it to everyone I know who is stressed. That probably that includes everyone I know.Read it, you’ll like it!
Rating: 5 / 5
Kava is a great herb and you should know more about this herb. But if you are looking for more than stories that you can find yourself by browsing, this book is not for you.
This book is useless if you are looking for in depth review about kava. The only things in this book are stories and anectdotal experience from kava users that you can actually see on the internet.
The worst thing about this book is the author recommend the use of kava for hyperactive child to stoned them.
Rating: 1 / 5