Kava root from Fiji: description, characteristics

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

The word "kava" has three meanings. And they all have to do with drinks. In Poland and Ukraine, kava is just coffee. In Spain, this word means the Catalan national drink, similar to French champagne or Italian spumante. But in Polynesia, especially in Fiji, they also drink a drink called kava kava. What it is? From what and how is this drink made? Does it contain alcohol? And if not, why is it called intoxicating? All this we will reveal in our article. We will also tell you how and where you can buy kava roots in Russia. This plant is part of some dietary supplements. Is it as miraculous as described? Does long-term use of kava cause side effects? It must be said that the European Union lifted the ban on the import of this exotic plant, since allegations of its toxicity to the liver were not confirmed.

Kava root description

The scientific name of the species is Píper methýsticum. You will be surprised, but this plant is a close relative of pepper. This is evidenced by its Latin name. Plantsimilar to pepper leaves and fruits. But it is customary to eat only the roots. Kava was first described by the German scientist Georg Forster, who arrived in Fiji as part of the second expedition of the Polynesian explorer James Cook. But this plant is also found in Latin America. True, there the Indians brew tea from it, which has a tonic and at the same time calming effect. In Fiji and other islands of Oceania, kava is a root, as well as a traditional drink from it. You can't call it alcoholic in the truest sense of the word. After all, it is zero degrees. However, the drink produces a slightly intoxicating effect on the human body. Therefore, the second name of the plant is “hoppy pepper.”

How the drink was made in the old days

The process of making kava was described by Forster. The root of the plant was cleaned from the earth. Cut off the peel (if this is not done, stomach problems may occur). Young virgins would chew kava root and spit it out into rag-lined wooden bowls called tanoa. Then the pulp ground in this way was placed in a rag in water to infuse. Everything, the drink is ready. It doesn’t take long to guess why only girls were allowed to the cooking procedure. He althy clean teeth and gums are the guarantee of a good drink. However, even the Polynesians will not call it tasty. It looks like a dirty gray cloudy liquid. And the drink tastes like water from a puddle. But, like vodka, kava is valued for its effect, not its gastronomic qualities. Only men were allowed to the drinking ceremony (mandatory collective)and boys who have been initiated. A cup of coconut shell - "beat" - scooped up a drink and served it to one of the participants in the feast. He had to drink all the contents in one gulp. After that, all those present clapped their hands once. The beater was passed around, and the diners carried on unhurried conversations “for life.”

How the drink is made now

The traditional way of making kava roots in Fiji is no longer relevant. Only on remote islands and atolls cut off from civilization is the drink produced in such an unhygienic way. Now the process is more mechanized. The roots can still be cleaned by hand, but their crushing takes place in special apparatus, reminiscent of electric meat grinders. In Fiji, you can buy kava ground to a powder everywhere. Otherwise, the preparation of the drink has not changed. The powder is diluted in water, stirred, allowed to brew a little, and then consumed. You can also buy fresh root. But then the cooking process falls on your shoulders. There is some price difference for kava root. Plant varieties differ depending on the soil on which it was collected. The best "terroir" for cava is the slopes of volcanoes. Minerals and ash in such soils give the root a greater "pick". Tourists in Polynesia are taken on ethno-excursions, where they can join the drinking of the kava-kava drink. And in large cities (for example, Port Vila) there are real bars where you will be offered several varieties of this drink.

Kava Root:human exposure characteristics

Hmelny pepper produces a relaxing effect on the body. In small doses, drinking a drink from the root of this plant causes pleasant relaxation and mild euphoria, like from a glass of wine. The effect begins to appear twenty minutes after ingestion and lasts up to two and a half hours. But, unlike alcohol, the consciousness of a drunk person is not clouded, but remains clear. With an increase in the dose, a slight numbness of the tongue and skin around the lips is observed. The psychoactive substances in the root of hop pepper are called kavalactones. They are similar to benzodiazepines in their effect on the body. This class of substances is used as part of sedatives, hypnotics (they are prescribed to relieve panic attacks, reduce anxiety and treat mental disorders). But kava kava is incompatible with alcohol. With prolonged abuse of the drink, yellowing and peeling of the skin, a red rash and eye irritation are possible.

Different from alcohol

Honestly, the effect of kava is similar to the effect of tranquilizers. Consciousness not only remains clear, but creative abilities are sharpened, inspiration comes, thought processes are intensified. Therefore, the shamans of the islands of Oceania used the drink for ritual purposes, to communicate with spirits. The largest number of kava varieties is found in Vanuatu. They differ among themselves in the concentration of psychoactive substances and, as a result, in the effect produced. Kava (a root made into a drink) makes a person talkative and friendly. It does not cause aggression, as inpeople under the influence of alcohol. When overdosed, a person falls into a deep dreamless sleep. But the next morning there are no signs of a hangover. No nausea, no headache. Unlike alcohol, the drink does not cause incoordination.

Creation of slander

As you can see, kava is harmless. In addition, it does not cause addiction and dependence. Not only that: those people who were addicted to alcohol were able to recover from addiction by drinking kava. Nevertheless, physicians in Europe and the United States began to sound the alarm about the insufficiently studied prolonged effect of the plant on the body. In particular, kava has been claimed to be toxic to the liver. In 2001, a ban was introduced on the import of kava into the European Union. Equal to its Western neighbors, Russia did the same. But for some reason, this plant was included in the list of psychotropic substances. And for the import, as well as the distribution of kava (root), criminal punishment is provided for under article 228.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (drug smuggling).

In the fight for justice

Medics, primarily pharmacists, took up the rehabilitation of the plant. In Germany, they initiated the creation of a commission to study in more depth the long-term effects of kava on humans. It included both pharmacists and physicians, as well as independent experts and employees of state regulatory bodies. As a result of the research, it turned out that all cases of liver dysfunction were caused by improper use of the plant (not roots were used, but stems andleaves that do contain toxins). The people of Polynesia, who have included kava in their national food culture for two thousand years, do not suffer from such diseases and disorders.

Can I buy dietary supplements or medicines from hop pepper in Russia

The first small victory in plant rehabilitation was achieved in 2007 by German pharmacists. The legislation of the country allowed the use of kava root in homeopathy. A few years later, the ban on free sale was completely lifted in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and many EU countries. In the States, especially California, nakamala bars operate absolutely legally, where you can try the drink. And kava powder, as well as medications and dietary supplements with its content, are sold at any pharmacy. Not everything is so simple in Russia. In our country, hop pepper is equated to "potent narcotic and psychotropic substances." Therefore, it is banned from import. However, harsh laws in Russia are often mitigated by their negligent enforcement. That is why in Moscow and other cities it is quite possible to buy extracts, capsules, powders and dietary supplements with kava root in online pharmacies.