All About Kava

Kava is a type of drink made from the ground roots of the plant Piper methysticum found widely throughout the South Pacific. The term refers to both the plant as well as the beverage produced by making a tea from the ground or powdered dried root of the plant. It is also known as 'awa (Hawai'i), 'ava (Samoa), yaqona (Fiji), and sakau (Pohnpei)

Image used under a Creative Commons licence from cliff1066TM's photostream

Traditionally kava is prepared by chewing, grinding or pounding the roots of the plant to produce an emulsion of kavalactone droplets in starch. This is then added to cold water and consumed as quickly as possible.

It is more common nowadays to make a kava potion or tea from Kava root powder made from the dried root of the plant which has been finely ground. Anywhere from a tablespoon to half a cup of the powder is added to water depending on the desired potency, then allowed to soak for around half an hour to allow the powder to thoroughly mix with the water. The addition of Lecithin aids in the process of emulsifying the kavalactones with the water. The mixture is then processed in a blender before being strained through a cloth of nylon or cheesecloth. The remaining pulp is discarded.

The liquid which results from this process looks like muddy water, causes a numbing sensation to the lips and tongue and creates a sense of relaxation with heightened alertness or mental clarity.

Image used under a Creative Commons licence from KirrilyRobert's photostream

The first sensations experienced when taking Kava are numbness to the lips, tongue and throat. It is for this reason that Kava is chewed by some to alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat.

About 20-30 minutes after drinking the potion users will begin to experience any or all of the following: mildly talkative and sociable behavior; clear thinking; calmness; relaxed muscles; and a sense of well-being. These can last for anything from two and a half to eight hours. According to Wikipedia: "Some report longer term effects up to two days after ingestion, including a feeling of mental clarity, patience, and an ease of acceptance. The effects of kava are most often compared to alcohol, or a large dose of diazepam"

Image used under a Creative Commons licence from coconut wireless' photostream

Kava is described as a legal opiate and is reputed to have medicinal benefits including stress relief, as well as being considered useful in healing urinary tract infections and stomach ailments.

As with all stimulants and somnolents, kava used habitually over an extended period can have detrimental effects. Recently, authorities in Fiji felt it necessary to legislate against the use of kava in schools! In a news item published in the Fiji Times on June 8, 2010 it was reported "Kava [yaqona] consumption in every school compound is strictly being banned.

The warning was recently issued in a circular distributed to all schools last month.

The Ministry of Education yesterday confirmed that the circular was issued to remind teachers that the ban was still enforced and failure to adhere to the directive could result in disciplinary measures.

The subject of the Prohibition of Drinking Yaqona in government workplaces was earlier addressed in a PSC Circular in 2008.

Teachers are reminded that excessive yaqona drinking has numerous disadvantages.

Excessive yaqona drinking during the week would adversely affect the performance of teachers and their general output at school, the circular stated.

"There is a time and a place for yaqona drinking. Taken in moderation too makes it an enjoyable social avenue for appropriate occasions."

"As teachers who are required to facilitate the learning process, it is absolutely vital that minds are alert and in tune to the daily classroom proceedings." " - PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Image used under a Creative Commons licence from coconut wireless' photostream