Kava Is Natural and Legal, But Is It Safe?
Kava — also referred to as kava kava, Yaqona, ‘awa, ava, sakau, Tonga and countless other names — is the Tongan word given for the plant Piper methysticum. This scientific name actually translates to “intoxicating pepper.” Kava is a tall-growing perennial shrub native to the Pacific islands, including Hawaii. It’s harvested for its roots, which contain the pharmacologically active compounds known as kavalactones. The term “kava” also refers to the…