Kava, also known as kava kava, is a plant that originated in the warm South Pacific islands of Hawaiʻi, Tonga, Micronesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Samoas. Kava use in Polynesia and Micronesia takes place within a traditional or cultural context, leading to different patterns of use than are seen elsewhere.[1][2] In Polynesian and Micronesian cultures, kava is often consumed as a drink as part of group sessions. These kava sessions, which take place in a community setting and involve conversation, may last for several hours.[3][4] Although kava may be consumed differently in cultures where it is not a native plant, the reasons for consumption (e.g., anxiety, relaxation, socialization) are generally similar.[5]
Kava root has been traditionally used by the Indigenous people of Hawaiʻi. Hawaiian cultural uses for kava include a range of conditions, from easing stomach upset in children to gynecological aids, in addition to its better-known use as a relaxant.[6]
References
- ^Izaak L Williams, George K Makini, William C Rezentes 3rdIndigenous Hawaiian Psychoactive Drug Use: Before European Contact, and after 1778J Psychoactive Drugs.(2021 Apr-Jun)
- ^Sakai M, Nakazawa MThe Current Use of (Kava) in Pohnpei Island, Federated States of Micronesia.Hawaii J Health Soc Welf.(2022-Jul)
- ^Aporosa S', Ballard H, Pandey R, McCarthy MJThe impact of traditional kava (Piper methysticum) use on cognition: Implications for driver fitness.J Ethnopharmacol.(2022-Jun-12)
- ^Ruze PKava-induced dermopathy: a niacin deficiency?Lancet.(1990-Jun-16)
- ^Ulbricht C, Basch E, Boon H, Ernst E, Hammerness P, Sollars D, Tsourounis C, Woods J, Bent SSafety review of kava (Piper methysticum) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.Expert Opin Drug Saf.(2005-Jul)
- ^Moerman, Daniel ENative American Ethnobotany: A Database of Foods, Drugs, Dyes and Fibers of Native American Peoples, Derived from Plants; University of Michigan-Dearborn, cited Feb 2024(2023 Oct)