Kava kava

Kava kava is a crop of the Pacific Islands. The name "kava" is from Tongan and Marquesan, meaning "bitter". Other names for kava include ʻawa (Hawaii), ʻava (Samoa), yaqona (Fiji), and sakau (Pohnpei).

Description

Kava is a perennial shrub that can grow up to approximately 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) in height. It has heart-shaped leaves that are approximately 20 cm (7.9 in) wide. The plant has a complex cultivation and propagation method, preferring loose well-drained soils. It is usually propagated by cuttings from mature plants.

Uses

Kava is consumed throughout the Pacific Ocean cultures of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Vanuatu, Melanesia and some parts of Micronesia for its sedating effects. The root of the plant is used to produce a drink with sedative, anesthetic, euphoriant, and entheogenic properties.

Health effects

Kava has numerous health effects, with the drink acting as a sedative, muscle relaxant, diuretic, and remedy for nervousness and insomnia. However, heavy consumption of kava can lead to health issues such as kava dermopathy, a skin condition.

Legal status

The legal status of kava varies from country to country. In the United States, kava is legal for personal use as a dietary supplement. In the European Union, kava is banned as a food and medicinal product.

See also

• Piper methysticum
• Psychoactive drug
• Ethnobotany
• Phytotherapy

Kava kava Resources
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