Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Piperales
Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Piper
Species: P. methysticum

Kava refers to the species P. methysticum and at least 50 other species of the family Piperaceae. But if you are talking about kava the drink/drug/'herbal remedy', it's almost surely P. methysticum, the most popular of the psychoactive kava species.

Kava root has been used by various groups of Pacific islanders for over three thousand years as a relaxing and stress relieving drink. Kava is traditionally used as a drink for social gatherings, and in some cases has religious uses.

Kava drink (sometimes called grog, although it is not alcoholic) is prepared with cold water and kava powder, pounded from kava root. It relieves stress, relaxes the body and imparts a feeling of well being. Used before bedtime it promotes restful sleep (although some report having very vivid dreams after drinking kava). It may also cause localized numbing in the lips and tongue.

Kava is just now becoming popular in America. It has a large following in the surfer subculture, and can often be found in alternative medicine contexts. It is legal in America, but the FDA is has issued a warning about possible liver toxicity. It is banned in some European countries, and kava derivatives are banned in the UK.

As I recall, kava tastes like water that has had a bit of old wood soaked in it. Nothing special. It is sometimes combined with coffee to produce "kavajava". I have never tried this, but it is said to be better than either kava or coffee on their own.

The brand name of a reduced acid coffee. Good if you have acid reflux syndrome or other kinds of heartburny-type problems. Has a nice slightly nutty flavor--better than most any other instant coffee.

Kava Kava root was originally used as a religious drink by various island tribes of Oceania.

It's now used as a relaxant, both by people who have anxiety problems, insomnia, and people who simply want to calm down. It often produces a calming effect.
However, if used excessively for more than a month, yellow skin will result.
Also, if used enough, your body will go numb. Kavateens, the main chemical in Kava Kava is a numbing agent.

from a bottle of kava kava from Puritan's Pride:

kava kava was first discovered in Polynesia by explorer Captain James Cook and is still widely celebrated throughout the South Pacific. The root of this plant is made into a popular Tahitian beverage called Sakau.

DOSAGE: for adults, take 600 mg three times daily with water at mealtimes.

CAUTION: this product contains kavalactones. do not exceed 3600 mg daily. not for use by persons under the age of 18. if pregnant, nursing, or taking a prescription drug, consult a doctor prior to use. excessive consumption may impair ability to drive or operate heavy equipment. not recommended for consumption with alcoholic beverages. kava should not be used in Parkinson's disease or with current benzodiazepine use.

Ka"va (?), n. [Polynesian.] Bot.

A species of Macropiper (M. methysticum), the long pepper, from the root of which an intoxicating beverage is made by the Polynesians, by a process of mastication; also, the beverage itself.

[Written also kawa, kava, and ava.]

 

© Webster 1913.