Kava Kava Madness and the Buzz on This Favorite Ethnobotanical

Posted: September 21, 2023

What is Kava Kava?

Curiosity has been growing for this ethnobotanical in places like the U.S, Europe, Australia, and others with many looking to learn more or buy kava kava to try it for themselves. So, what is kava kava? Kava kava, or Piper Methysticum, is a tall, tropical evergreen shrub native to the islands of the South Pacific. Kava kava—sometimes referred to as solely kava—is marked by its large, heart-shaped leaves and woody stems. A member of the pepper family, kava is derived from the Tongan and Marquesan word for “bitter,” likely due to its bitter taste.

Its main active compounds are called kavalactones, or kava-pyrones, which account for around 3%-20% of the dry weight of the plant, depending on its age. Found concentrated in the roots and root stems of the kava plant, kavalactones are the primary component of kava being sold in commercial markets online and in-store.

History of Kava Kava

Image: Unspalsh

For hundreds of years, kava kava has been used as a drink in the Pacific Islands for ceremonies and social gatherings. Typically, the roots were ground by chewing them into a paste, mixing the paste with water, and straining it into the form of a thick brew. The drink would then be consumed using a kava bowl, a wooden bowl traditionally crafted specifically for the use of kava. Ceremonies would take place for various different occasions such as for the installation of a new king or village chief and when welcoming guests into a village. These ceremonies continue to take place today.

What’s Kava Kava Used For?

Kava kava is deeply rooted and connected to cultures in the South Pacific. Pacific Islanders customarily used kava for relaxation purposes during ceremonies. However, the ethnobotanical has also been used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Village healers traditionally used kava as a natural remedy to treat infections, treat pain, and induce relaxation or calm state of being. Clinical data supports the efficacy of kava for its use for short-term effects on relieving mild states of stress, tension, and nervousness. Clinical studies reflecting the long-term effects of kava kava remain anecdotal.

Kava kava culture in the Pacific Islands is alive and well. The national drink of Fiji, kava (yaqona) is a part of everyday life. In places like Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, locals consume the ethnobotanical during ceremonies, the welcoming of new visitors, the blessing of new homes, and for other social occasions. It is said that kava rituals strengthen group ties and could also aid in communication with spirits.

Socially, drinking kava kava is as common as drinking alcohol is in western countries such as the United States. In fact, kava bars have become increasingly popular in the South Pacific region—Vanuatu alone boasts over 300 kava bars. Patrons frequent these bars to drink kava on location for recreational use and to purchase kava to take home, reflecting the shift of the ethnobotanical from a traditional space to a more commercial one both inside and outside of the region.

Kava Kava Around the World

The appeal of kava kava is no longer confined to the islands of the South Pacific—the buzz can be seen and heard across the world. Interest has been on a steady incline over the years, from the 2000s to today. Widely known and popular in Oceania, the demand for export to western countries is now at an all-time high with many enamored with kava kava online. Things rings especially true in Australia, where there is a high population of Pacific Islanders seeking the ethnobotanical native to their region.

As international markets show signs of interest, countries like Fiji and Vanuatu work tirelessly to keep up. The crop is greatly valuable for the region. In 2020, Faiyaz Koya, Fiji’s Minister for Commerce and Trade, said that the country’s export earnings were valued at $43.6 million. Domestically and internationally, kava is abuzz.

While it is common as a drink in the South Pacific, kava kava can be found in a variety of forms. In Europe, North America, and Australia, it is offered in the form of a pill or capsule, tea, extract, powder, or in liquid form (e.g., tinctures or beverages). Besides being found in supermarkets and other brick-and-mortar retailers, high-quality kava kava is also conveniently offered online for those that are interested in purchasing from their own home. Kava kava is typically marketed as a food or dietary supplement in Europe and the U.S. However, classifications and regulations may vary depending on the country.

Legality and Regulations Worldwide

Regulations for kava kava differ in countries outside of the Pacific Islands region. While the sale is restricted in some countries, in others such as Australia it remains controlled or regulated. Kava kava is not a controlled substance in the United States. Legal and unregulated, it may be purchased in-store or online on kava websites for personal use in any form in the country.

As the world changes, so has the use of kava kava. Once consumed ceremonially solely in the South Pacific, kava kava has become widespread, used traditionally and recreationally inside and outside of the region. Whether you call it kava kava, kava, yaqano, ‘awa, or one of its other names, one thing is for certain: this year’s favorite ethnobotanical is here to stay. Looking to try it for yourself? Check out the premium kava kava offered from Kratora where you can shop confidently knowing their products are lab tested for safety and consistency.

Author : Laura Henry