Kava is what the Pacific islanders call both Piper Methysticum (a shrub from the pepper family Piperaceae) and also to the drink made from it. Piper methysticum can be found growing in abundance in the main in western Polynesia, especially in Tonga and Samoa, and the majority of Melanesia, including Fiji. It can also be 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 dried or fresh root and water). One simple method of preparing kava tea involves putting two or more heaped teaspoons of kava root per person into a clean stocking, tying a knot in it and squeezing it repeatedly in a bowl of cold water. The tea ordinarily produces a slight numbing of the lips and tongue initially, followed by slightly talkative and euphoric behavior, a sense of relaxation, clear thinking, calm and well-being. 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 a standardized extract and as a convenient method of anxiety relief as it is fast acting and extremely potent. Kava can also be bought in pill form. Some sellers have packaged high-powered Kava mixtures in convenient mini spray bottles. These are handy to keep in a purse or knapsack and are very effective in offering a quick burst of relaxation. Just one or two quick sprays under the tongue can do wonders for tension and jitters. If you plan on purchasing the raw root, it is advisable to buy whole, top grade lateral root. A few concerns have been expressed recently about the kava's safety 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 on prescription. In north America the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has stated its reservations over kava's use. Controversy abounds, fuelled by the economic interest of kava exporting countries and disagreements between the medical profession and champions of natural medicine. At the moment the 'jury is out' and only time will uncover the truth. It should be noted however that the Tongans have relied heavily on kava for hundreds of years and that it holds a place of great significance within Tongan society. One side-effect associated with the heavy use of kava is that of kava dermopathy - a scaly eruption of the skin. This is quite harmless and disappears once use is discontinued. In the past, Hawaiians used to drink large quantities of kava to produce just this effect as a way of cleansing the skin and giving themselves a smoother, clearer complexion. | 
