Kava?

[Monomer]

Anyone ever try this stuff?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kava Botony

Kava, piper methysticum, is a hardy perennial belonging to the pepper family, piperaceae. Cultivated throughout the South Pacific and as far north to Hawaii, it thrives in tropical to sub-tropical climates. The plant, which is a stocky, non-climbing shrub is quite ornate having smooth thick stalks with heart shaped leaves. Kava has been cultivated for such a long time by humans it no longer produces viable seed and must be propagated vegetatively by cuttings. Its active principals, Kavalactones, are concentrated in its roots.

Kava Chemisty

The principal chemical constituents responsible for Kava's psychoactive effects are lipid like (that means like oil) compounds called Kavalactones.. These lactones are not water soluble and the traditional preparation of Kava produces an emulsion where small dropletts of these lipid like compounds are suspended in water. This makes for fast and effective absorption of the kava. The lactones are, however, soluble in alcohol and some vegetable oils. Research has demonstrated that kava's "pleasurable" effects are due to its muscle relaxing, analgesic, and anesthetic properties. Studies indicate that other actions include: anti-convulsive, diuretic, decongestant, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal.

Safety and Health Issues:

Most of you have probably seen or heard about the FDA Kava warnings. Please note that there has never been any cases liver disease associated with the traditional use of kava. Humans have been using kava as a relaxing beverage for 3,000 years. In the South Pacific Island nations of Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga kava drinking is a daily practice for hundreds of thousands of people. There has never been a pattern of liver disease connected to the drinking of kava in these countries.

- http://www.realkava.com/aboutkava.html

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



I just ordered some from that site. Should get here tomorrow or Monday.

[MTUpower]

Yes I've tried it many times while living in Micronesia. Doesn't taste too good- about the same as dirt tea. Makes you mellow. Nothing to really write home about however.

[Monomer]

Originally Posted by MTUpower

Yes I've tried it many times while living in Micronesia. Doesn't taste too good- about the same as dirt tea. Makes you mellow. Nothing to really write home about however.

it is if you live in a family with anexity problems.

[Kuan]

Hey you remember Ben300sd? He lived on Kava for two years!

[Larry Delor]

Originally Posted by Kuan

Hey you remember Ben300sd? He lived on Kava for two years!

Yeah...but does Ben remember those 2 years?

[Palangi]

Originally Posted by MTUpower

Yes I've tried it many times while living in Micronesia. Doesn't taste too good- about the same as dirt tea. Makes you mellow. Nothing to really write home about however.

Yep, dirt tea. That is a pretty good description.

[Monomer]

Originally Posted by Palangi

Yep, dirt tea. That is a pretty good description.

Certainly not something you drink for taste

[raymr]

Originally Posted by Palangi

Yep, dirt tea. That is a pretty good description.

Our neighbors who lived in Vanuatu brought some over to try. I agree with that description of the flavor. The effect is relaxing, if anything. I'm not sure if that's enough of a benefit to overcome the taste though.

[Dee8go]

Kava sounds like it would be good to drink after you already had too much java.

[Dee8go]

A good, single malt scotch is relaxing and very tasty. I think I'll take the scotch over the "dirt tea," thank you.

[Kuan]

Originally Posted by raymr

Our neighbors who lived in Vanuatu brought some over to try. I agree with that description of the flavor. The effect is relaxing, if anything. I'm not sure if that's enough of a benefit to overcome the taste though.

Hey that's where Ben was!