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For those who are "in the
know," it appears that more and more people are getting
interested in the world of kava. Kava is a plant whose
roots have soothing medicinal effects; in terms of
genetics, it's related to the black pepper plant. The
kava plant has long been used by the people of Hawaii,
Polynesia and in the Pacific Islands.
Traditional ritual use includes the legendary kava
ceremony, as well as using the plant for magical
purposes. Kava ceremonies date back thousands of years
and are still practiced today in Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa and
Vanuata. Kava ceremonies range from the formal ceremony
to the informal gathering. They can function as a
greeting custom for guests, as a component of tribal
negotiations, and as part of the soothing social
drinking get-togethers that take place in the evenings.
Many people who use kava find that it helps them focus,
relax, and be more at ease in a social context. These
effects have been documented by the Pacific Islanders
who have made kava-use a part of their traditional
customs. Kava produces an effect on the body like no
other botanical. Unlike other herbs or even prescription
medications, kava calms as well as focuses, and it is
used by everyone from athletes to businessmen to those
who just want to have a peaceful ending to their day.
Perhaps the best part about kava is that despite all of
these beneficial effects, it is completely
non-addictive.
In Hawaii, restless and feverish children are given kava
root (pre-chewed by their mothers), twice a day to calm
and soothe them in their state of duress. All across the
South Pacific, kava is used as a calmative for children
and adults; as a poison antidote; as a treatment for
conditions such as bronchitis, as well as anxiety,
tension and restlessness; as an analgesic and to treat
severe bites and stings from insects and poisonous fish.
Homeopathically, kava is used to treat such conditions
as states of excitation and exhaustion. Muscle
relaxation, analgesic and local anesthetic properties,
anti-anxiety and sleep inducement have all been
pharmacologically demonstrated in kava, depending on the
dosage and delivery method.
Pioneering German pharmacologist, Louis Lewin, described
the psychoactive effects of kava as “a sensation of
happy lightheartedness, comfort and satisfaction [that]
appears without any physical or mental excitation…
speaking is easy and free and the vision and hearing are
more acute for finer impressions.”
He continues his account of kava by describing how it
has been commonly used throughout Fiji’s history as a
sedative, in particular when used in case of an
accident. Often accident victims will be administered a
dose of kava to alleviate anxiety and fear, while “both
consciousness and the rational faculties remain intact.
When somewhat larger quantities are consumed, then the
limbs become limp; the muscle power no longer appears to
be under the jurisdiction and control of the will;
walking becomes slower and more unsteady; the people
appear as if half-drunk; one feels the need to lie
down.”
Here at Kona Kava Farm, we grow and sell our own organic
kava to the public. In addition to kava drinks and
kava-infused products, we also sell kava extract. Our
extract makes it fast and easy to enjoy a kava drink
anytime you like. Simply add the kava extract to any
cold or warm liquid you want (hot liquid destroys the
active ingredient), and you've got an instant source of
relaxation and calm.
Kona Kava Farms is a small family-run business, and our
kava is completely organic--not many kava farmers can
say the same. We grow a special strain of kava called
Mahakea, which is known for its potency. If you've been
wondering why so many people are talking about kava, try
some of ours and you'll see. If you have any questions
about our farm or kava in general, please do not
hesitate to contact us. You can also write to the
section of our blog entitled "Ask
Makaira." We look forward to hearing from
you! |
