Kava Kava



Kava (Piper methysticum) is an ancient crop of the western Pacific. Other names for kava include ʻawa (Hawaii), 'ava (Samoa), yaqona (Fiji), and sakau (Pohnpei). The word kava is used to refer both to the plant and the beverage produced from it.

Uses

The sensations, in order of appearance, are slight tongue and lip numbing caused by the contraction of the blood vessels in these areas. Mildly talkative and euphoric behaviour, anxiolytic (calming) effects, sense of well-being, clear thinking; and relaxed muscles. Sleep is often restful and there are pronounced periods of sleepiness correlating to the amount and potency of kava consumed.