Kava (also known as kava kava) is a tropical evergreen shrub that has been used for centuries by Pacific Islanders for its sedative and anesthetic properties. Karma Kava serves the highest grade, premium kava as a recreational beverage, tea, and in mixed “cocktail” form.

Recently, research has shown that kava may be effective in treating social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder.

Social phobia is a common condition characterized by intense fear and avoidance of social situations. Symptoms include feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment, and nervousness, as well as physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and palpitations.

Kava is believed to work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as GABA, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Studies have found that kava may be as effective as some prescription anti-anxiety medications in reducing symptoms of social phobia.

One study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2003, found that kava was effective in reducing symptoms of social phobia. The study involved 60 participants with social phobia, who were randomized to receive either kava or a placebo for six weeks. The researchers found that those who received kava had significant reductions in anxiety symptoms compared to those who received the placebo.

Another study, published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders in 2012, found that kava was effective in reducing symptoms of social phobia when used in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The study involved 60 participants with social phobia, who received either kava or a placebo for 12 weeks, in addition to CBT. The researchers found that those who received kava had greater improvements in anxiety symptoms compared to those who received the placebo.

It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of kava for treating social phobia. It is also important to use kava under the guidance of a healthcare professional, specifically if you have medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, etc.

Kava is a traditional herb with sedative and anesthetic properties, which has been used in Pacific Island cultures for centuries. Recent research has shown that it may also be effective in treating social phobia or social anxiety disorder. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety. 

Kava has a long history of use in Pacific Island cultures, where it is traditionally consumed during ceremonies and to promote social bonding. It is also used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. The active compounds in kava, called kavalactones, are believed to act on the brain to produce a calming effect, and that, in-turn may help with alleviating social phobia.