Kava

Kava
From LoveToKnow 1911
KAVA (CAVA or AvA), an intoxicating, but non-alcoholic beverage, produced principally in the islands of the South Pacific, from the roots or leaves of a variety of the pepper plant (Piper methysticum).

Kava is used to relieve anxiety and stress, insomnia, muscle tension and asthma. Research has shown individuals are able to maintain cognitive function unlike most drugs given as a sedative or hypnotic.

False Kava-Kava, Eared Pepper, False Kava (Hawaii), Hierba Santa, Hoja Santa, Holy Leaf, Mexican Pepper Leaves, Mexican Pepperleaf, Root Beer Plant, Root-Beer-Plant, Sacred Pepper, Vera Cruz Pepper
Common Names in French:
Poivre Mexicain ...

Kava Kava
Piper methysticum
MEDICINAL: Used to treat insomnia and nervousness. Relieves stress after injury. Used as a tea for pains associated with nerve and skin diseases. Large doses can cause a buildup of toxic substances in the liver.

KAVA - Piper methysticum
KAWAKAWA
Research Corner Notes. By John Riley. 1984 #2, pp 26-27 ...

Close relative of Piper methysticum (kava-kava), and Piper nigrum (black pepper), this herb is a member of the pepper family, grows as a bush in the South Pacific.

The masticated roots of kava, P. methysticum, widely grown in its native Pacific islands, are made into a beverage called kavakava, which contains soporific alkaloids. It is an integral part of religious and social life there.

bamboo piper, cow's foot, false kava, false matico, jointwood, matico, matico pepper, piper, spiked pepper, stilt root piper
Family
Piperaceae ...

Kava - Piper methysticum
Kawa - Piper methysticum
Kino - Pterocarpus marsupium
Kiwi - Actinidia chinensis
Konjac - Amorphophallus konjak
Kouso - Hagenia abyssinica
Kumquat - Fortunella margarita
Kurchi - Holarrhena antidysenterica ...

See also: Piper Methysticum, Medic, Green, Fruits, Piper nigrum