As well as being the cold & flu season, unfortunately this is also the season for depression and grief for many, so I will continue on with alternative medicine herbs for mental health issues.

In today's society natural remedies are taking a front seat to the usual medicines that most mental health care professionals chose for us. As an addition to my favorite stress reducing technique of choice: "relaxation breathing" - which Wanda P. does a fine job in describing in her blog entry "Wave Breathing" here in Cha Cha Health - there are certain herbs that come to mind for dealing with grief, emotional issues and depression; Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) is one of those.

Called the "natural tranquilizer", kava is a member of the pepper family, believe it or not. The plant usually grows to about 6 feet tall but in rich, dark soil can actually get to about 20 feet in height.

The compounds that give Kava its effects are kavalactones. Preparations of the herb are usually about 70% kavalactones. Be sure to check your labels carefully - regardless of whether you are taking it in pill, tea, tonic or other format.

Kava Kava has traditionally been used in Polynesian tribal rituals. Grown in the South Pacific for more than 3,000 years, the local use of the herb as a relaxing traditional beverage has been likened to the tradition of drinking a glass of wine at the end of the day. But be careful folks, it does have some intense intoxicating effects - so don't Kava and drive!

Kava has been shown to be very effective for anxiety and depression. Generally, Anxiety is often accompanied by such physical symptoms as shortness of breath, hyperventilation, heart palpitations, muscle tension, sweating, dry mouth, nausea and dizziness.

For General Anxiety, take 100mg of Kava extract - three times a day (please make sure it is standard 70% kavalactone!).

Taking 400-600mg as a sleeping sedative about one hour before bedtime is good for those nights your mind just doesn't want to shut up.

PLEASE remember that taking any alternative herbal remedy should always be checked with your physician first. You may have other issues that could harm you in the long run.

CAUTIONS:
DO NOT take Kava Kava with alcoholic beverages or taking sleeping pills, anti-depressants or other sedatives.
DO NOT use for more than three months without medical advice and/or supervision.
DO NOT drive or use heavy machinery while taking Kava Kava!
DO NOT use if pregnant or breastfeeding little ones!
Avoid Kava if you have Parkinson's disease.
Avoid mega doses!!!

*may cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances (that's GAS to you and I); and with heavy use it may also cause your skin to turn a slight shade of yellow - don't worry folks, it goes away after you stop using it.