Bulk Herbs: Kava Kava Root, Borugu, Cultivated without Chemicals
Piper methysticum
Format: Root
Size: 1 oz package
Also Known as: Piper methysticum, Awa, Ava, Ava Pepper, Ava Root, Intoxicating Pepper, Awa Root.
Farming Type: Cultivated without Chemicals
Origin: Vanuatu
Kava Kava is a traditional herb of the Pacific Islands that has a fascinating and somewhat mysterious history going back over 3000 years. There are many folk tales about the origin of kava kava, but most rely on a central theme that involves the first plant growing on the grave of someone who had been sacrificed. Drinking the traditional kava drink is thought to symbolically turn the drinker into a sacrificial victim. Kava Kava has traditionally been used and continues to flourish as a ceremonial beverage. We recall stories of Polynesian islanders sitting around in “Kava Rooms” literally becoming drunk and intoxicated with so much Kava that they fell into a stupor. Due to the lack of written records in the Pacific Islands, historians have postulated that this ceremony may have originated somewhere on the Asian sub-continent, perhaps even with the Chinese tea ceremony. New research points to Melanesia as the point of origin, maybe New Guinea or the Solomon Islands. It was first encountered by Europeans in the 18th century during the voyage of Captain Cook, who first recorded the process and ceremony in detail. According to Cooks account, the root was chewed and then pounded into mulch, which was then mixed with water to produce a brownish bitter beverage that was consumed for its psychoactive properties. Kava Kava is still used quite frequently today in the Pacific Islands during social gatherings, as well as recreationally.
Parts Used: Whole roots, with the smaller rootlets that tendril from the main shaft being higher in active compounds. Powdered root is its main form for consumption to date. The typical cultivars which constitute the Kava Kava offered by us is Borugu variety.
Tom Harrison, in his book “Savage Civilization” (1937) said that “You cannot hate with kava in you”, and whether that is true or not, Pacific Islanders have for centuries used Kava to calm nerves, and help with relaxation. It can be highly sedative and has been known to numb certain body parts of the body. Typically safe in controlled amounts and it makes a fine evening drink with no documented or substantiated side effects. It is considered safe by the German E Commission.
NOTE: Not to be used while pregnant or nursing. Not recommended to be used by those under the age of 18 or those with a pre-existing liver condition. Excessive consumption may impair ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.
In magick, Kava Kava root is ruled by Saturn and Water. It is an excellent herb for protection against evil and to invite good luck. Steeped overnight and left in the refrigerator and drunk it is is said to increase psychic ability and induce visions. However, only use under the care of an herbalist, as too much of the infusion can lead to Kidney Problems.
Keywords: Visions, Protection and Luck
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.