Kava: Nature's Answer to Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia [Paperback]

Terrence McNally (Author), Hyla Cass (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0761516670 | ISBN-13: 978-0761516675 | Publication Date: July 8, 1998 | Edition: 1

Discover Nature's Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia

Kava has been used ritually and medicinally in the islands of the South Pacific for centuries. Widely used in Europe, this amazing herb has been shown to relieve tension and anxiety while maintaining alertness. In larger doses kava promotes deep, restful sleep. Safe, natural, and inexpensive, kava is the perfect supplement for today's stress-filled lifestyle, and the ideal alternative to drugs such as Valium.



"Authoritative, fascinating, and richly readable, this book tells you what you want to know about kava and guides you in using it."

—James S. Gordon., M.D., Director of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine and author of Manifesto for a New Medicine


"An engaging and informative guide to understanding and using kava."

—Jack Canfield, coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Soul


"A valuable contribution to the body of kava literature. Sharing a seasoned clinician's positive experience, the authors cast a deservedly cool light on Valium and its chemical cousins, and let kava emerge as a safe, effective remedy for stress and anxiety."

—Chris Kilham, author of Kava, Medicine Hunting in Paradise

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

What St. John's wort is for depression, kava is for everyday anxiety. Native to exotic locales including the South Pacific island of Vanuatu, kava is a ritual and medicinal herb that's been used for centuries. It may not taste fabulous, but it effectively relieves tension and anxiety without affecting one's alertness or mental capacities or resulting in addictions, unlike prescription drugs such as Valium. Written by Hyla Cass, M.D., a well-known alternative medicine consultant and assistant professor of psychiatry at UCLA, Kava: Nature's Answer to Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia is an intelligent, engaging reference to this increasingly popular herb.

Cass clearly explains the herb's chemical composition without delving into turgid scientific mumbo jumbo, or relying on lifeless quotes from scientific papers. She also thoroughly covers the herb's various forms--tinctures, tablets, pastes, powdered extract, and sprays--and suggests appropriate dosages for various treatments (for insomnia, for instance, you'd take a larger dose than if you just wanted to calm yourself before a plane flight). Cass also covers herbs that can be used in combination with kava, including valerian, licorice, and Ginkgo biloba; suggested dietary changes to improve overall mood and health; possible side effects; and techniques for managing stress in the first place, so antianxiety treatments aren't as needed. For anyone who wants to know all about what they're putting into their body, this is a solid primer.

Review

As seen in the November 16 issue of TIME Magazine

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Prima Lifestyles; 1 edition (July 8, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761516670
• ISBN-13: 978-0761516675
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,543,070 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not in depth review; only anectdotal stories., June 3, 2005

By 

D. Andrew (Pataskala, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kava: Nature's Answer to Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia (Paperback)

Kava is a great herb and you should know more about this herb. But if you are looking for more than stories that you can find yourself by browsing, this book is not for you.
This book is useless if you are looking for in depth review about kava. The only things in this book are stories and anectdotal experience from kava users that you can actually see on the internet.
The worst thing about this book is the author recommend the use of kava for hyperactive child to stoned them.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on Kava I've seen!, August 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Kava: Nature's Answer to Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia (Paperback)

Another exemplary achievement from Dr. Hyla Cass following hot on the heels of her outstanding book on St. John's Wort. Well-presented information on this herbal stress reliever, with case histories, research information, even a discussion on the growing, politics and economics of the kava industry. This includes attention to issues of sustainability, fairness in compensating the native South Sea Island growers and legal issues regarding herbal claims under DSHEA. Thorough coverage with something for everyone! A must-read. Highly recommended!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book I have seen on how to effectively use Kava., August 21, 1998

By 

Joe D. Goldstrich, M.D. ([e-mail]) (Las Vegas, NV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kava: Nature's Answer to Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia (Paperback)

Dr. Cass has done it again! She has followed up on her excellent book on St. John's Wort with another stellar performance. She has combined her expertise as a physician and psychiatrist with her outstanding ability to convey useful, practical information and it has all come together as the best Kava book on the market. I highly recommend it to you.