Awa or Kava (Piper Methysticum)

Kava kava is a beverage used for social and ceremonial practices from the Pacific Islands. It holds a deep spiritual significance as a sacred drink to enhance visions and connection with the gods. There is a specific species of kava that was reserved for royalty and hula dieties. “Kava” is a Tongan word meaning bitter, probably because of the powerful kavalactones present in the plant. It is this compound that gives kava its psychoactive and medicinal properties.

Awa or kava is native to the Pacific Islands and found in Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Micronesia and Hawaii. Its wild ancestor is Piper wichmanii. Originally used only by royalty and served to visitors to the islands in a ceremonial way. In fact, today there are kava bars where one can partake of this beverage often served in a large wooden bowl with coconut shells for cups.

Kava root is usually harvested after 4 years, the older the plant the higher the psychoactive compound of kavalactones. The higher kavalactones, the higher the psychoactivity. This plant is a sedative, calming anxiety, stress and enhances sleep. It affects the nerve receptors of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which reduces the signals for pain and anxiety. The essential oil made from kava may also be used topically for pain relief.

Awa is an important plant historically, culturally, spiritually and medicinally. Brew up your own batch or head to your local kava bar.