Kava is what the Pacific islanders call both Piper Methysticum (a shrub belonging to the pepper family Piperaceae) and also to the drink that is made from it. Piper methysticum can be found growing in abundance chiefly in western Polynesia, especially in Tonga and Samoa, and the majority of Melanesia, including Fiji. It is also found on Pohnpei Island, in Micronesia. Traditionally people prepare kava as a cold tea (an infusion made from straining a mixture of shredded and pounded fresh or dried root and water). A simple method of preparing kava tea involves putting two or more heaped teaspoons of kava root per person into a clean knotted stocking and then squeezing it repeatedly in a bowl of cold water. The tea normally produces a slight numbing of the tongue and lips initially, followed by somewhat talkative and euphoric behavior, a sense of calm, relaxation, well-being and clear thinking. Sleep associated with kava is particularly restful and there are no after effects the following day. Kava can be purchased at health food stores as an extract and as a convenient method of anxiety relief as it is fast acting and highly potent. You can also buy kava in pill form. Some vendors have packaged high-powered Kava mixtures in convenient mini spray bottles. These are handy to keep in a knapsack or purse and are highly effective for offering a quick burst of relaxation. A quick spray or two under the tongue can do wonders for both tension and the jitters. If you plan on purchasing the raw root, it is a good idea to purchase whole, top grade lateral root. Various concerns have been raised recently concerning the safety of Kava following a small number of deaths from liver failure. As a result Switzerland and France have banned Kava, and Germany has made it available only through prescription. In north America the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has raised reservations over kava's use. Controversy abounds, fuelled by the economic interest of kava exporting nations and disagreements between the medical establishment and champions of natural medicine. As of the time of writing the 'jury is out' and only time will unveil the truth. It is noted however that the Tongans have used kava for hundreds of years and that it holds a place of great importance within Tongan society. One side-effect associated with the heavy use of kava is kava dermopathy - a scaly eruption of the skin. This is quite harmless and disappears once use is discontinued. Hawaiians used to drink large quantities of kava to produce just this effect as a method of cleansing the skin and giving themselves a smoother, clearer complexion. | 
