Piper methysticum Forst (Kawahujiao)

Distribution:
Southern pacific.
 
Medical functions:
Methoxyyangonin, one of the kavalactones, is a reversible MAO-B inhibitor.
Kavalactones can potentiate GABAA and produce calming effect. 
 
Actions & Indications:
Being used for treatment of anxiety, depression, Insomnia.
 
Chemical ingredients:
Fresh root on average is 80 percent water. Dry root consists of approximately 43 percent starch, 20 percent fibers, 12 percent water, 3.2 percent sugars, 3.6 percent proteins, 3.2 percent minerals and 15 percent kavalactones, although the kavalactone component can vary between 3 percent and 20 percent of rootstock dry weight depending on the age of the plant and the cultivar.[1] Stems and leaves contain pipermethystine.
 
Dosage:
Dry rood powder: 1 table spoon to 8 table spoon to a cup of water and soak for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid through cotton bag. Wring out the bag. Milk or coconut water and other flavor enhancers are usually added to improve taste.
Commercial preparation: since the amount of kavalactones vary. Follow the recommendation of creditable manufacturers.

Cautions:
Pipermethystine contained in stems and leave can be toxic to the liver.