Can kava kava pills be used as an alternative for ativan or xanax for nervous flyers?

Question

Can kava kava pills be used as an alternative for ativan or xanax for nervous flyers?

Answer 1

Since I'm not familiar with the affects of ativan and xanax I can't compare them to Kava. I can only tell you how I use Kava, myself. I have never taken the pills. I use the tincture. Although I don't have a fear of flying, I carry it with me on the plane in case of bad turbulance and if I'm travelling with others who need it.  What Kava can do is take the edge off of being anxious. You will not be loopy if taken too much just sleepy. If you take the tincture you may want to put it in a little water, as putting the tincture directly in the mouth can numb your tongue for about 10 minutes.

Plane travel would not be my main use for Kava. I heard someone call it the herb for family holidays. When you feel overwhelmed with stressful family situations, and you can't get away, kava has a great way of calming one down enough to not allow things to bother them as much.

An extra note about kava...If used on a daily bases some people develop an accumulative effect. It can make them feel groggy upon awaking in the morning...hard to get up. I know 4 people, including myself, that this happens to.