Kava

Kava

Also known as piper methysticum, and kava kava, is a small shrub in the pepper family that is native to the islands in the south pacific. The roots are made into a therapeutic, psychoactive beverage. Kava has been used for centuries in spiritual tribal ceremonies.

Kava is a plant found in Oceania, particularly in Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga. It has been utilized for hundreds of years by native cultures due to its relaxing and therapeutic qualities. The plant grows up to 2 meters tall, and its roots and stems are the main ingredients when making kava beverages. The roots are grated and mixed with water to form a paste, which is squeezed to extract the active ingredients called kavalactones. Presently, kava is still used in traditional ceremonies across Oceania and is also available as a dietary supplement in many countries. However, the FDA has not approved kava for any medical use.