Kava
(Piper methysticum)
Kava
Kava
Selection
Select the roots from the plant.
Storage
Can be ground and dried or made into a beverage like tea.
Preparation
- Wash roots well before use.
- Chew or grind roots into a pulp and add to cold water as a beverage.
- Be careful and seek supervision of a medical doctor if you are being treated for disease and especially if on any type of medications.
- (Ehrlich, 2011; Foster, 2006)
Photo Source
University of Hawaii
Kava
Kava has been used as a ceremonial drink in the South Pacific for centuries and is still consumed for various purposes such as medicine, recreation, and spiritual practices. It is a tall shrub plant with long, slender flowers and large, green, heart-shaped leaves. The roots are in bundles of hairy branches and contain the active ingredients, kavalactones, which have relaxing qualities to the body when consumed (Ehrlich, 2011; Foster, 2006).
Traditional Names
- Hawaiian – ‘awa
- Kosraean – suhka
- Marshallese – kava
- Pohnpeian – sakau
- Samoan – ava