Like any plant medicine, the best way to use it is intentionally. Kava is a cultural link and spiritual unifier. It is one of the staple plants brought to Hawai’i on canoes through the Pacific, and thus it is a drink that has served to unite peoples, chiefs, farmers, hula practitioners, and Polynesian cultures. It is commonly known as the drink of the gods. Historically, kava, or ‘awa in Hawaiian culture, is not only considered a medicinal drink but also a ceremonial, sacred offering. These are some of the effects of kava, but learning more about plant medicine, kava, its history, and use can provide deeper, more meaningful, and long lasting impacts. This also materializes through the sensation of muscle relaxation and the initial slight numbing of the mouth and tongue. The kavalactones are shown to interact with the brains limbic system, reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, and fear. The effects of which are most generally a physical relaxation and mental clarity. Its natural, active ingredients are called Kavalactones, and the combination of the kavalactone compounds are what create the physiological and medicinal effects of kava. The botanical name of kava is piper methysticum, and it is part of the pepper family. The kava’s earthy, bitter taste is an indication of good, natural medicine in our culture. From the Kava shrub, the roots are grounded and squeezed in with water to create a drink similar to tea, which is also called kava. The words kava and ‘awa both roughly translate to bitter, and the drink made from this plant is indeed bitter. Any other fav places, folks? I plan to be in Hawi/ Kohala over the Easter weekend and would love to have a shell somewhere good.Kava is a well-traveled plant of Oceania, where it is known in Hawai’i as ‘Awa. I've been to Uncle Robert's but haven't tried their awa, and I am curious to check out Kanaka Kava in Kona the next time I get out there. But I'm up for a road trip if someone's game to try some awa with me. Now I really want to meet an awa farmer and the plant in person! And maybe even grow some myself! (I have a black thumb but a gal can at least try.)ģ) Anybody tried the Kava Lounge that's meeting on Fridays in Hilo at Waianuenue and Kiawe? Any thoughts?Ĥ) As you may have guessed, I'm based more or less in the Hilo area and prefer to stick around there. He was the source of some good awa I had before I moved to Big Island. Anyone know of any other sources for non-dried kava? Anyone tried the frozen stuff you can get at Island Naturals?Ģ) I've sent him an email already, but I really hope to meet Chris of Gourmet Hawaii Kava someday. The only downside is that I can't drink a full gallon fast enough before it loses potency. As far as I know, they're the only fresh kava I can find in town now that the bayfront bar is closed. Here are some random thoughts/observations about my awa/ kava experiences on BI:ġ) Mystic Kava (the dudes who sell awa by the gallon at the Kaimu market and Fridays on the Hilo bayfront) has some tasty as hell mo'i and it's powerful, too. Any other Big Islanders out there who might like to meet up and talk story? Now that covid is more or less under control for the moment, I'm itching to meet some fellow awa heads.
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