Kava

Kava, sometimes called kava kava, is a preparation made from the root of the plant Piper methysticum, a member of the Piperaceae[?] family along with black pepper. It is a traditional plant used in Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia, particularly Fiji, where it is prepared by mashing the roots in a large bowl with water and drinking the resulting bitter infusion. In the Western world it is used as an herbal remedy, and is believed to ease the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Its active ingredient, called kavalactone, is mildly narcotic and sedative.

External links

• http://www.iherb.com/iherb/kavkavin
• http://www.spc.int/cis/kava.htm