kava kava: piper methysticum

piper methysticum

action antiseptic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, expectorant, hallucinogen, intoxicant, narcotic, sedative, stimulant, tonic, urogenital
common name ava, awa, grog, kava, yaqona
family piperaceae
indigenous use tongan
range haleakala national park, hawaii, kalaupapa national historic park, new guinea, oceania, polynesia, south pacific islands, turkey
used to treat centipede bites, cystitis, incontinence, insect stings, painful urination, poisonous fish stings, skin problems, urethritis
comments
Causes pleasant stimulation after 30 minutes (sooner in alcohol). After another 30 minutes euphoric and lethargic sedative effects are felt but with unimpaired mental alertness. Depresses spinal activity, not cerebral activity. After effects include pleasant, relaxed feelings with no hangover. Used normally, kava is stimulating to appetite and generally beneficial. In the islands two methods of preparation are used. If dried kava roots are simply made into a tea, the water-soluble components are released and it acts as a mild stimulating tonic. If materials are first chewed, then spit into a bowl and mixed with coconut milk, narcotic resins are released in emulsion. Those who do not wish to pre-chew the root may do either of the following for the same result: (1) 1 oz. pulverized or finely ground kava is mixed with 10 oz. water or coconut milk, 2 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil, and 1 tablespoon lecithin and blended in a blender or food processor until liquid takes on milky appearance. Serves 2-4 persons. (2) Extract resins with ispropyl rubbing alcohol in heat bath, remove solvents by evaporation. Redissolve in just enough warmed brandy, rum, or vodka. Honey may be added to sweeten. The first method emulsifies the resins, the second method dissolves them in alcohol. The latter is the more potent method because alcohol swiftly carries resins into the system. Generally nontoxic. If fresh root or alcohol extract is used excessively for several months, it may become habit-forming and cause yellowing, rashes, scaliness or ulcers of skin, diarrhea, emaciation, loss of appetite, reddening and weakening of the eyes. These symptoms disappear rapidly when kava intake is stopped or reduced.

action	antiseptic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, expectorant, hallucinogen, intoxicant, narcotic, sedative, stimulant, tonic, urogenital
common name	ava, awa, grog, kava, yaqona
family	piperaceae
indigenous use	tongan
range	haleakala national park, hawaii, kalaupapa national historic park, new guinea, oceania, polynesia, south pacific islands, turkey
used to treat	centipede bites, cystitis, incontinence, insect stings, painful urination, poisonous fish stings, skin problems, urethritis
comments	Causes pleasant stimulation after 30 minutes (sooner in alcohol). After another 30 minutes euphoric and lethargic sedative effects are felt but with unimpaired mental alertness. Depresses spinal activity, not cerebral activity. After effects include pleasant, relaxed feelings with no hangover. Used normally, kava is stimulating to appetite and generally beneficial. In the islands two methods of preparation are used. If dried kava roots are simply made into a tea, the water-soluble components are released and it acts as a mild stimulating tonic. If materials are first chewed, then spit into a bowl and mixed with coconut milk, narcotic resins are released in emulsion. Those who do not wish to pre-chew the root may do either of the following for the same result: (1) 1 oz. pulverized or finely ground kava is mixed with 10 oz. water or coconut milk, 2 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil, and 1 tablespoon lecithin and blended in a blender or food processor until liquid takes on milky appearance. Serves 2-4 persons. (2) Extract resins with ispropyl rubbing alcohol in heat bath, remove solvents by evaporation. Redissolve in just enough warmed brandy, rum, or vodka. Honey may be added to sweeten. The first method emulsifies the resins, the second method dissolves them in alcohol. The latter is the more potent method because alcohol swiftly carries resins into the system. Generally nontoxic. If fresh root or alcohol extract is used excessively for several months, it may become habit-forming and cause yellowing, rashes, scaliness or ulcers of skin, diarrhea, emaciation, loss of appetite, reddening and weakening of the eyes. These symptoms disappear rapidly when kava intake is stopped or reduced.