It is a member of the black pepper family and kava’s active properties stems from the kavalactones found mostly in the roots. It is believed to have originated from Melanesia. Kava grows plentiful in the sun-drenched islands of Polynesia. For centuries the islanders has drank kava and it was only during Captain Cook’s voyage to the Pacific in 1768-1771 that the English first came across the plant and its drinking in sacred ceremonies.

According to Captain Cook’s account, natives pounded or chewed the root and blend it with water to make a brownish, often bitter brew which they then drink for its psychoactive properties. Thought to be a soothing drink with alleged medicinal effects, kava has been observed to calm nerves, ease stress as well as anxiety and fatigue. It’s also thought to have anti-depressant components to fight the “blues” and bring on a happy, tranquil state.

Kava is used by Pacific islanders for treating ailments like migraine headaches and cramps. It also keeps the mind alert as the body relaxes. The kava beverage still plays a significant role in Fijian, Samoan, and Tongan societies where it is consumed in ceremonies meant to validate their social identities, honor visitors, and unite participants.

Kava is so widespread in Oceania that it can be perceived as the one item in the Pacific peoples’ material culture that links them across the ocean. It is seen to have a comparable sociological role to the chewing of coca leaves in Peru, the use of opium in the Middle East and Asia, and the use of peyote in many Native American tribes. Due to restrictions by missionaries and the introduction of alcohol, which was non-existent in Oceania prior to first contact, the use of kava has diminished especially amongst the “westernized” youth.  Despite this, kava is still a sacramental drink, most especially in Western Polynesia in both formal and informal ceremonies. There is now a growing interest in kava because the pacific islanders gained political independence and has renewed concern for ethnic traditions. The kava drink still maintains a key position and continues to serve as medicine for various ailments, social beverage and as a soothing relaxant in islands such as Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

It is the drink of choice for chiefs and elders during rituals. Many were pardoned for their crimes and transgressions after kava ceremonies. The sharing of a bowl of kava allows for friendship and socialization to occur. It is a way of cementing friendship. The mere fact of presenting others with a kava root is viewed as sign of welcome and peace.

Kava drinking is usually the only way to welcome honored visitors. Pope John Paul II drank it as well as Former First Lady Mrs. Johnson upon their visit to the Pacific. In Hawaiian culture, kava is drank during naming of children aged one year, divination ceremonies, initiating of young girls into traditional hula and chanting, and the consecrating of a male child. In Tikopia, it sustains sacred symbols and is used as a religious libation and poured onto the ground, not drank.

On Wallis Island, only during the kava ceremonies that official decisions and proclamations are made. It is also during these ceremonies that enemies are reconciled and goodwill is restored. In Fiji, kava permits priest and participants to communicate with the supernatural.

It is used primarily during social gatherings to increase amiability. For religious purposes, it is used by the priest and shamans to contact their gods and deity. It is  used as sacramental offerings.

In the political arena, chieftains and the elders use the drink during important meetings such as hearings and passing judgment. It is also the drink of choice for special events, celebrations and special activities. It is also used as medicine by the islanders. It is used to relieve asthma, unclog urinary tracts, relieve rheumatism, cramps, stomach pains, and cure such ailments as boils, syphilis and gonorrhea. It is used for recreation and relaxation especially after work and sometimes induces some inspiration. Kava is also used to induce sleep, to help fight fatigue, and to calm nerves.

Though for some Westernized Pacific peoples, the drink is seen as a vice like alcohol, and westernized youth often reject its traditional use. However, there is a growing cult following amongst the youth of Caucasians living in Pacific islands regarding the use of kava.

In Vanuatu, a very potent kava drink, is usually followed by a hot meal or tea. It is traditionally done this way because the psychoactive elements found in kava are absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly.

A potent drink also produces a faster onset of a deep dreamless sleep within 30 minutes. After the person wakes up, he does not experience any mental or physical after effects - quite unlike an alcohol-induced sleep.

Like alcohol, heavy consumption can have effects on the skin, ranging from heavy, scaly ulcers to light, red bumps. The effects recede if consumption stops or decreases. Excessive drinking of kava can also cause vomiting and nausea that usually wane within a day.

Kava is also used as medicine. It’s considered to cause relaxation and sleep. It also helps fight fatigue and calms nerves. Kava allegedly has the following benefits: relieve asthma, unclog urinary tracts, rheumatism, and helps lose weight. It is also good for headaches, cramps, syphilis, and gonorrhea. It is also believed that kava can soothe stomach pains, restore strength, and cures such ailments as boils.

Chewing the kava means chewing it with ones’ mouth, depositing the products into a bowl, and finally mixing it with water before draining it through the cloth-like fiber of a coconut tree. Grinding is traditionally done by hand against a cone-shaped block usually made up of dead corals - the coral is used as pestle and the hand acts as a mortar. The ground root is mixed with only a little water because the fresh root also releases moisture during grinding.

Pounding is usually done in a large stone or boulder with the small log pounding the kava. The product of the pounding is then added to cold water and drank as quickly as possible. The extract that is produced by chewing, grinding and pounding is an emulsion kavalactone droplets in starch. Chewing makes the strongest effect since it creates the finest particles.