Its effect on brain function makes it useful for the elderly, and it combines well with ginkgo for maximum effect. The first description of kava came to the west with Captain James Cook, who traveled through the South Seas in a number of celebrated voyages. To this day, when village elders or others in the Pacific Islands come together for a significant meeting, they begin with an elaborate kava ceremony. Currently, kava is used in Europe and increasingly in the United States to treat stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Kava is an excellent bedtime sedative, to be taken in place of prescription drugs.
People report waking up refreshed and ready to start the day.
Moreover, these prescription drugs are addictive, causing a withdrawal syndrome that includes rebound insomnia, which is often worse than the original problem. It was a tremendous success. Clinical experience and research, including an eight week study, show kava to be an excellent treatment for menopausal symptoms, including anxiety and hot flashes. In treating menopausal symptoms, kava is often combined with other herbs, such as black cohosh and dong quai, and other supplements as well. I don't see anywhere if Kava interracts with Synthroid, Warfarin, Pulmicort or Ativan, all of which I use daily, or indeed with Ventolin which I use only rarely.