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Kava kava: what is it, benefits and how to drink it

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Kava kava is a medicinal plant that is widely used in traditional medicine to treat cases of anxiety, agitation, or tension. Its scientific name is  Piper methysticum and it can be found in health food stores, online stores, and even in certain supermarkets.

This plant has some very important active substances known as kavalactones, which, according to some studies, apparently act in a very similar way to that of some anxiolytic drugs, regulating the action of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain.

In this way, kava can be an excellent natural treatment option for cases of anxiety and agitation, before opting for the use of drugs.

However, for it to be used correctly and in safe doses, its use must be guided by a naturopath, phytotherapist, nutritionist, or other health professional specializing in the use of medicinal plants.

How Kava kava works

The exact mechanism of action of this plant is not yet known, however, several studies indicate that the kavalactones in Kava kava have a function very similar to that of benzodiazepines, which are the main group of drugs used in the treatment of anxiety.

This means that the plant manages to bind to the brain receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA, improving their action.

As GABA is the main responsible for inhibiting the central nervous system, allowing the person to relax, feel less fear and be less anxious, this plant has a powerful calming effect.

Likewise, some studies indicate that Kava can be used in cases of seizures, since one of its kavalactones, kavain, has an antagonistic action on sodium channels, which generates the stabilization of the electrical activity of the neuron.

How to drink

The used parts of Kava kava are its rhizomes, which is where the highest concentration of its active substances is found. There are several ways to use this plant:

Supplement (capsules): this is the most effective form, as it uses a more concentrated extract of the active substances of the plant.

To use it in the form of a supplement, the ideal is to consult a phytotherapist; however, the generic dose indicated is normally 60 to 120 mg per day in the case of extracts with 50 to 70% concentration of kavalactones;

Tea: Kava rhizomes can also be used to make tea, however, in this way of using it is not possible to fully know what the concentration of active substances is.

However, it is recommended to place 1 tablespoon of Kava kava rhizomes in 500 mL of boiling water for 10 minutes.

Then, remove from the heat, strain, let it cool and drink 2 to 3 times a day or at times when you feel the most anxiety, for example.

Ideally, a phytotherapist or a health professional specialized in medicinal plants should always be consulted, since their use, dose, and treatment time may vary according to each person and their medical history.

Possible side effects

The main side effect of the use of Kava kava is the appearance of serious lesions in the liver.

However, the only studies done on this effect were carried out in people who also had other habits that could have affected liver function.

In this way, although the true effect of Kava on the liver is not yet known, it is recommended not to exceed the dose of 120 mg per day.

Contraindications

Kava kava is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women since there are no studies on its safety during these phases of life.

In addition, it should be avoided by those who suffer from liver diseases and those who are under treatment with antihypertensive drugs, at least without the indication of a health professional.

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7 shocking health benefits of maqui

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3 Benefits of salt water and side effects

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Discover the 3 shocking health benefits of salt water and side effects.

Sometimes the best remedies in life are the simplest. This is true of an ancient skincare hack known for tightening pores, balancing oil production, and rejuvenating skin.

You won’t need fancy skin creams packed with chemicals and preservatives to achieve a youthful glow after this.

You can start to improve the quality of your skin with just two things: purified water and high-quality salt, and you will see how the benefits of saltwater will work miracles for you.

Health Benefits of saltwater

Since saltwater therapy has been used for centuries throughout the world, including ancient Greece, there is strong anecdotal evidence that it works wonders on the skin.

A handful of studies have found the saltwater bath to be particularly effective for troublesome skin conditions, such as psoriasis.

Saltwater is said to benefit your skin in the following eleven ways:

• Closes open pores

• Absorbs excess oil

• Balances oil production

• Kills acne-causing bacteria

• Diminish scars

• Heals scratches and cuts

• Exfoliates dead skin cells

• Restores the natural pH of the skin

• Improves the barrier function of the skin

• Improves hydration

• Reduces inflammation

1.- Benefits of salt water for acne

If you are lucky enough to live near the ocean, you may already know this beauty secret.

But if you don’t live on the coast, just fan warm salt water the next time you have an outbreak.

Try mixing a cup of purified water with a tablespoon of sea salt.

Use a cotton ball to gently apply saltwater to acne and allow it to dry.

By the way, if you try this treatment and your acne still isn’t clearing up within a day or two, maybe your diet is to blame.

Make sure to avoid sugar, processed junk, gluten, peanuts, yeast, and dairy for a while to see if your skin clears up.

Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, lean protein sources, and healthy fats like coconut oil and avocados; your skin and waist will thank you.

2.- Benefits of salt water for scratches

If you’ve ever heard the expression “throwing salt on a wound,” you probably aren’t very interested in putting salt water near your scratches.

However, this treatment can be beneficial in killing harmful bacteria and speeding up the healing process.

Research shows that bathing in magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt improves the skin’s barrier function, improves skin hydration, and reduces skin inflammation, which are all the things you’ll need if you have a cut or scratch.

Fill your bathtub with warm water and pour in a cup of sea salt.

Take the experience to the next level by adding 10 drops of lavender essential oil.

The scent will promote a deep sense of relaxation – you may even feel like you are in a spa!

3.- Drink salt water to heal from the inside out

The good thing about salt water is that there are many ways to use it. A glass of warm salt water, called “Sole,” is a great way to start your day and promote internal healing.

As long as you use a natural form of salt (and avoid drinking seawater), it will promote hydration, facilitate digestion, reduce inflammation, improve your sleep, detoxify your cells, improve your bone health, and more.

What does salt do to the body

We rarely think about what goes into nature’s most common treasures, like salt.

This natural mineral comes directly from the earth, formed into crystals from a combination of sodium and chloride.

It is found naturally in seawater, making up at least three percent of our world’s oceans. And when seawater is trapped, the water evaporates and leaves salt crystals.

Despite what you may have heard about sodium and your health, a natural source of salt contains vital nutrients that are important for maintaining optimal well-being.

First, salt provides key minerals like sulfur, calcium, sodium, magnesium, silicon, boron, potassium, bromine, and strontium.

With its rich mineral content, salt can help you lose weight, reduce asthma symptoms, improve blood sugar levels, and regulate heart health.

However, keep in mind that not all salts are created equal. Table salt, for example, is highly processed and bleached before it reaches that little glass bottle.

Unfortunately, during mass production, manufacturers strip you of everything good for your health.

The result is a product that does not resemble its original form and can even harm your health. When doctors warn against consuming too much salt, table salt is what they mean.

For your skincare routine and general health, try using these unprocessed varieties:

Sea salt for skin

Natural sea salt contains the many minerals our bodies need, such as magnesiumcalcium, sodium, and potassium.

All of these play a role in the health of our skin, allowing cells to communicate with each other and heal problems that arise.

When you don’t have enough minerals, you will see annoying symptoms like dry skin, dullness, irritation, and blemishes.

Fortunately, sea salt can naturally enhance hydration and strengthen the outer layer of your skin to keep it looking healthy.

Himalayan pink salt for skin

Despite the name, there are no salt mines in the Himalayas. The pink salt slabs come from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, about 300 miles west of the Himalayas.

As the second-largest salt mine in the world, people have been collecting this commodity for more than 2,000 years.

Only in the last decade has it become popular in Western culture. Salt is made up of 95 percent sodium chloride.

The rest is a mixture of polyhalite and other minerals, which give the salt its characteristic pinkish hue.

Due to the lack of processing, it still contains the beneficial minerals that your skin will love.

As you can see, saltwater provide a series of skincare benefits, so if you want to show off shiny and well-groomed skin, do not hesitate to follow each of the tips in this publication step by step.

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12 Benefits of Jamaica flower and side effects

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