Black Cohosh Root & Kava Kava

Black Cohosh Root is also called Bugbane, Bugwort, Rattle Root, Rattleweed, Richweed, and Squaw Root. Some nineteenth-century American physicians used Black Cohosh for problems such as fever, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and insomnia. Black Cohosh has been valued by many societies for its nutritional support for women. A popular herb for women, it helps restore healthy menses and soothes irritation & congestion of the cervix, uterus and vagina. Black Cohosh can also improve circulation and lower blood pressure by temporarily dilating blood vessels. Having effective amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron, Black Cohosh Root is also an abundant source of estrogenic substances. Commonly used to relieve arthritis, lower back pain and cramps caused by menstruation, Black Cohosh also relieves mucus production, thus easing persistent coughs caused by asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. Additionally, Black Cohosh has been used to relieve swelling and soreness typical of rheumatism, and it is also known as safe sedative to relieve both nervousness and anxiety.

Kava Kava is also known by the names Ava, Ava Pepper, Intoxicating Pepper, Kawa Awa, Kawa Kawa, Wati, Yogona, and Waka. This herb, a member of the pepper family, grows as a bush in the South Pacific. Explorer Captain James Cook, who gave this plant the botanical name of "intoxicating pepper", first discovered Kava Kava. Kava has been used for over 3,000 years for its medicinal effects as a sedative, muscle relaxant, diuretic, and as a remedy for nervousness and insomnia. The rhizome ( root stock ) is used medicinally. This botanical marvel has been used in parts of the Pacific at traditional social gatherings as a relaxant, and in cultural & religious ceremonies to achieve a "higher level of consciousness". The roots can be made into a mildly narcotic beverage that is comparable to popular cocktails in our culture. Kava is used ceremoniously in the South Pacific to celebrate beginnings and endings, such as marriages, birth and death. It is often used to honor a guest, to enhance communication, and even to help in settling disputes and sealing business agreements.