The Kava craze: why people are trading in alcohol for this psychoactive brew from Fiji -

Kava is a completely natural drink that originated in Fiji and has stress-relieving and soothing properties. Some people use it to treat anxiety, and others who want to drink less alcohol or avoid hangovers are opting to drink kava instead of their usual cocktails.

But where does it originate, how does it taste, and is it safe? Click through to find out everything you need to know about this psychoactive brew.

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Where does it come from? -

Kava—also referred to as kava kava, Yaqona, 'awa, ava, sakau, and many other names—is the Tongan word for the plant known by the Latin name Piper methysticum. It roughly translates to "intoxicating pepper,” and is a tall-growing perennial shrub native to the South Pacific.

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How it’s prepared -

The kava plant is harvested for its roots, which are then ground into a powder and steeped in water. The water is then strained out and the resulting tea is served in a half coconut shell.

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It’s not particularly appetizing -

The result is a murky brown liquid akin to muddy water, with an earthy aroma and taste to match.

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Ritual and culture - Kava has been used for centuries, for purposes ranging from ceremonies to communication with the spirits and medicine. Kava was historically used in a nightly ritual done by people in the South Pacific that was meant to reduce conflict and strengthen social and familial ties, particularly among men, as the drink makes people feel relaxed and content.

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A lasting tradition -

To this day, kava tea is often consumed socially and as part of traditional ceremonies and cultural practices throughout the South Pacific Islands. It's offered as a sign of respect and used as a way to strengthen social ties. Prince Harry, for example, participated in a demonstration of kava-making during a 2018 tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand.

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A delightful effect -

In small doses, the effects of kava include muscle relaxation, sleepiness, and feelings of well-being and contentment.

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Some other effects -

Small doses may also result in a mild numbing feeling in the throat and mouth, as well as a temporary loss of appetite.

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Entering the market -

In the early 1980s, a group of Indigenous Australians from Yirrkala reportedly traveled to Fiji to examine community management practices. On their trip, they were introduced to the ceremonial use of kava, which they loved so much they brought it back home and made it a social beverage.

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A rocky start -

But the misuse of kava, which later led to the death of one Australian person from liver failure, became such a concern that it was restricted by the Australian government. At the time, there were no standardized amounts of kava in products.

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A rocky start -

Kava entered Europe in the 1990s, but Germany banned the product in 2002, followed by many European countries, because they were worried it could be harmful to the liver. The ban was removed in 2005, however, after a review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Australia later also allowed kava to be commercially available with warning labels advising that the product should be used in moderation and "may cause drowsiness.”

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It’s never been restricted in the US -

The US only gave a warning in the early 2000s, but it has been almost consistently promoted in the country as a natural dietary supplement to tame anxiety. In 2017, there were over 100 kava bars in the US, and by the end of 2022 SBS News reports there were more than 300.

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A boost to the economy -

Exports from Fiji more than doubled from 2012 to 2016. Pacific Island governments and nonprofits began looking into ways to modernize kava farming so that they could export more to help their economy.

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Medicinal use -

Several studies have found that kava root, thanks to its sedative effect, can be used to treat stress, insomnia, anxiety, and other nervous disorders.

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Few studies have been done -

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s analysis of six clinical trials evaluating the effects of kava showed that participants who consumed doses of 60-200 mg of kavalactones per day experienced a significant reduction in anxiety compared to participants who were given a placebo, reports HowStuffWorks.

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It’s not recognized by the FDA -

The US Food and Drug Administration hasn’t determined whether kava is an anti-anxiety agent, however, as it's only classified as a dietary supplement.

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Other ways to ingest it -

Though traditionally taken as a drink, you can also find kava as a supplement or extract (in powder, paste, or liquid form), and in the form of tea bags and instant powdered drink mixes. It can also be found in the form of tablets or capsules.

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Unexpected alcohol replacement -

Kava started to become popular among people who wanted to go out for drinks with friends but wanted to cut back on alcohol or skip the hangover.

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Alcohol-like effects -

Though it’s non-alcoholic, the drink can simulate feelings of intoxication such as difficulty with balance, lack of coordination, and slurred speech.

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It's a psychoactive drink -

Kava is a central nervous system depressant that contains active chemicals known as kavalactones. Kavalactones do something "very interesting," Zhaoping Li, professor of medicine and chief of the division of clinical nutrition at the University of California, told HowStuffWorks. "They work on a special receptor in the brain which helps to calm you down." That’s what gives you the peaceful, calming effect.

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The potency ranges -

Variations in growing conditions, from soil type to amount of sunlight and water available, as well as different varieties of the kava plant, can alter the strength of kavalactones widely. The strength of a dose of kava also depends on how the drink is prepared and how much is added to the water.

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The effects also range -

Factors like body size, general health, previous experience with kava, the strength and amount taken, and other drugs you’re taking at the same time can change how kava affects you.

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In large doses -

In large or strong doses, people may experience dilated pupils, reddened eyes, nausea, drowsiness, and reduced muscle control (also called ataxia).

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How it differs from being drunk -

While too much kava can indeed simulate feelings of drunkenness, it isn’t associated with the same general confusion and delirium that occurs with high alcohol intoxication—so you couldn’t blame kava for your embarrassing actions in the same way you could blame alcohol!

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It shouldn’t be combined -

It’s dangerous to take kava in combination with other psychoactive drugs or alcohol. There is also little information available on how kava interacts with other medication, so it's best to avoid it if you are taking any prescription medicine.

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It’s dangerous for some people -

You also shouldn’t ingest kava if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, driving or operating heavy machinery, drinking large quantities of alcohol, or if you have a preexisting heart, lung, or liver condition.

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Health risks for long-term use -

If used consistently for a long time, kava may cause a wide range of health issues including liver and kidney damage, appetite loss, breathing difficulties, sensitivity to light, compromised immune function, contact dermatitis, and loss of drive and motivation.

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But there’s low risk of getting addicted -

Unlike anxiety medications or alcohol, there is no evidence suggesting that kava is addictive or that people who drink large doses of it regularly will become dependent on it. Therefore there is also virtually no risk of suffering withdrawal if a person suddenly stops taking kava.

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Is it worth trying? -

There might be a better way to cut down on your alcohol consumption than trying kava, but taken mindfully it could be a great natural way to mellow out after a hard day.

See also: Caffeine kicks surprising uses for coffee

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