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Fijians
boast that when "Mataka" is compared with the Mexican
"Manana," the latter rings with a note of urgency.
Historically the Fijians were fierce warriors - today they
are exceptional rugby players - but their usual demeanor is
relaxed, sweet-tempered and very "Mataka." This
is often attributed to their fondness for Kava Kava, a drink
made by pounding or chewing the roots of the Kava Kava vine
and then soaking the mash in cold water. Heat destroys the
active ingredients.
Several years ago I was sitting cross-legged in a jungle clearing
in Fiji, in a circle of laughing young Fijians. They were
passing around a coconut shell filled with a brownish green
liquid that looked like muddy water. I had heard about Kava
and its alleged relaxing properties and had always assumed
that it was alcoholic. Not so. When the shell was passed to
me I took a sip and tasted a slightly bitter, but generally
insipid liquid. Urged to drink more, I felt a slight tingling
numbness in my lips and within minutes a serene glow was suffusing
my body as quickly as butter melting in a hot pan. When the
shell reached the last person in the group, he took a large
mouthful and spat the contents on the ground. I learned later
that this was an offering to the gods for a rich harvest.
Kava has long been considered a libation to the gods in the
South Pacific. The spiritual healers of Fiji, known as Dauvaguna,
use the herb to help them communicate with Vu, a spirit force,
who helps them foretell the future and directs them to apply
the correct herbal remedies for their patients. Kava is believed
to cure illnesses, remove curses and foster friendship. It
has a pivotal role in the ratification of agreements and the
settling of disputes. It is drunk to ensure safety prior to
long trips, especially sea voyages, and to celebrate marriages,
births and even deaths. Mostly it is the South Pacific equivalent
of the evening cocktail, being consumed every sundown as a
relaxant.
Kava is a perennial shrub belonging to the pepper family,
Piperaceae. It was given its botanical name, Piper
methysticum, or intoxicating pepper, in 1777 by the explorer
and botanist, Johann Georg Forster.
Research shows that the main active ingredients in the root
of Kava are a group of resinous compounds called kava lactones.
These have a depressant effect on the central nervous system
and are sedative and antispasmodic. Kava is a very effective
muscle relaxant. Kava lactones also have an antiseptic and
anesthetic effect on the urinary tract and bladder and kava
has been used successfully to treat urinary tract infections.
The herb is a strong diuretic and this cleansing effect along
with its analgesic properties make it a useful herb in combating
arthritic and rheumatic problems including gout.
But it is Kava's ability to deliver a delicious combination
of calmness and alertness that has put it on the list of top
selling herbs to combat the major disease of industrialized
society: anxiety. German clinical studies published in 1990
revealed that kawain, one of the kava lactones, is as effective
in relieving anxiety as benzodiazepene. In large doses Kava
produces a type of euphoria and for this reason it is still
touted as an aphrodisiac in the South Pacific.
Kava has proven itself to be a very effective herb to combat
stress and anxiety without the addictive qualities and negative
side effects of drugs such as Valium. However, some cautions
should be noted. People taking anti-depressant or anti-anxiety
medications should never use kava. It should not be combined
with alcohol or other recreational drugs. Pregnant or nursing
women should not use it.
Although Kava has minimal side effects, long-term use may
result in dry, scaly skin with a yellow pigment. Should this
occur users should discontinue taking the herb immediately.
Also, a single, large dose of Kava can cause intoxication
and drowsiness so it is advisable not to drive a car or operate
heavy machinery after taking the herb. The drowsiness that
follows Kava's initial rush of calm alertness can be a great
sleep inducer and some people find the herb a more effective
sleep aid than valerian and certainly a better option than
sleeping pills.
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