Kava
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In Hawaii at least 30 varieties were used for medicinal, religious, political, cultural and social purposes by all social classes, men and women. Kava is the original pau hana drink of working people to relax and ease achy muscles. Kava was also given to fussy babies and children to calm and help them sleep.
In the Western world kava is used as an herbal remedy to ease the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Pharmacologically, kava is not addictive and is considered safe. Its active principal ingredient are the kavalactones of which there are six major ones used to identify the chemotype of a particular variety.
Kava is traditionally consumed as a 'tea' that is a water-extract made from straining a mixture of water and shredded or pounded, dried or fresh, root and/or stump. The extract is an emulsion-suspended kavalactone droplets in a starchy suspension. The taste is slightly pungent, the distinct aroma varies by whether prepared from dry or fresh material and by variety. The color is gray to tan to greenish opaque.
The effects of drinking kava, in order of sensation, are slight tongue and lip numbing; mildly talkative and euphoric; calming, sense of well-being, clear thinking; relaxed muscles; sleep is restful and no after effects the next day.
Other interesting uses of kava include: dispensation to military personnel (Fiji) to aid in vigilance and anxiety reduction; to provide concentration, focus, and muscle control before sports and music performances; to reduce the anxiety associated with public speaking and other public performances; use in corporate board rooms to aid in mental clarity, sociability and improved decision making.
Recently concerns have been raised about kava's safety. However, these have been discounted due to concurrent use of alcohol and other hepatotoxic substances used by these cases. More current scientific research has been established validating kava's safety, and due consideration is given by the scientific and medical community to kava's 3000 year safety record. Interestingly, these concerns have had the effect of raising the issues of the real and existing dangers, as shown in clinical studies, of the class of synthetic drugs such as benzodiazapines. To which, kava is considered a safe and effective alternative.