Kava or kava kava (Piper methysticum: Latin 'pepper' and Latinized Greek 'intoxicating') is a plant in the pepper family, native to the Pacific Islands. [1] . The name kava is from Tongan and Marquesan, meaning 'bitter.’.

Feb 8, 2023 · Kava is an extract that comes from a shrub called Piper methysticum, which is native to Micronesia and Polynesia. “The root is emulsified to make an intoxicating beverage,” Dr. Goldman explains. “It can also be dried and used as a dietary supplement to …

Feb 10, 2018 · Kava is a tropical evergreen shrub with heart-shaped leaves and woody stems. Its scientific name is Piper methysticum. Pacific cultures traditionally use the kava drink during rituals and...

Jul 5, 2023 · Kava, kava root or kava kava (Piper methysticum: Latin “pepper” + Latinized Greek “intoxicating”) is an herbal plant and crop of the Pacific islands. Kava is consumed throughout the Pacific Ocean cultures of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Vanuatu, Melanesia and some parts of …

Jul 8, 2024 · Kava kava is an herbal remedy that people use to relieve anxiety and promote sleep. This article, examines the safety, uses, possible benefits, and best dosage.

Aug 24, 2023 · The kava plant, known for its calming effects, originates from the South Pacific islands. It’s been used culturally for centuries in religious and traditional ceremonies and plant medicine. It comes from the pepper plant, Piper methysticum.

Aug 8, 2024 · Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant from the South Pacific that people take for its purported effects on anxiety and insomnia. Learn about the potential health benefits and side effects of kava.

Jan 7, 2025 · Kava, nonalcoholic euphoria-producing beverage made from the root of the pepper plant, principally Piper methysticum, in the South Pacific islands. It is yellow-green in color and somewhat bitter. The primary active ingredients are kavalactones. The beverage is central to the kava ceremony.

Kava is the common name for Piper methysticum — a member of the Piperaceae (pepper) family. This makes it a close relative of black pepper (Piper nigrum). On the South Pacific Islands where kava originates, kava is used for both ceremonial and medicinal purposes — primarily for its powerful relaxing effects and the mild euphoric high it produces.

The kava plant is native to the islands of the South Pacific. It is a member of the pepper family. It’s a tall, upright bush with large leaves. The rhizome in the underground root and stem is the part of the plant that has the active ingredient. Kava contains six major kava lactones. These act on the nervous system to make you drowsy.