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Kava Kava

By Elizabeth Scott, M.S., About.com

Created: December 8, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Definition: This is a tropical herb that’s been used for hundreds of years in the South Pacific as a treatment for anxiety, tension and feelings of stress as well as for relief of menstrual cramps and other mild pain. It can be taken as a beverage or spray, or in capsule form.
Also Known As: Kava, kawa, kavain, Piper methysticum, yaqona, awa, ava, ‘Nature’s Valium”

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