Kava is the traditional sacramental brew of Polynesia, and has been shown to medically effective in elevating mood and reducing stress. Several rhizome components and lactones have been isolated in the kava root. Of the fifteen lactones isolated from kava, there are six major lactones (kavalactones) known to provide psychoactive activity: kawain, methysticin, demethoxy-yangonin, dihydrokawain, dihydomethysicin, and yongonin. All kavalactones are physiologically active, though it is the fat-soluble kavalactones derived from kava resin that have the greatest effect on the central nervous system. Kava also has a direct effect on muscle tension similar to tranquilizers. The activity of the kava rhizome is related to several arylethylene pyrones similar in structure to myristicin, which is found in nutmeg.

Kava is mildly narcotic and produces mild euphoric changes characterized by elevated mood, fluent and lively speech and increased sense of sound. Kava is the most relaxing botanical herb with exception of the opium poppy. Pharmacological studies show kava kava's active ingredients, kavalactones, produce physical and mental relaxation and a feeling of well being. It has also been used in the treatment of ailments of the genitourinary tract including vaginitis, gonorrhea and menstrual cramps. Kava is a diuretic and an anti-inflammatory, thus useful for gout, rheumatism, bronchial congestion, cystitis and prostatis. It is an effective local anesthetic and pain reliever when applied externally as a liniment. The relaxed state and sharpening of senses also contribute to aphrodisiac effect.

Approximately 2 cups of powdered root. Makes 1.5 gallons of beverage. Kava was brought to Hawaii centuries ago in the sailing canoes of the ancient Polynesian voyagers. Only the best varieties were selected to make the long journey over thousands of miles of open ocean. This high quality root is grown on a Certified Organic Farm . This whole ground root includes lateral roots as well as the stump. Guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning kava connoisseur. Medium grind. Needs some straining.

To prepare one quart of Kava drink:
1) Place 1 oz of powdered Kava root in the blender.
2) Add one pint of cool milk, fruit juice, coconut milk, soy milk or water.
3) Blend at medium speed for five minutes, creating an emulsion.
4) Strain with a very fine strainer or cheesecloth.
5) Pour the remaining pint of cool liquid through the strained powder.
6) Press the strained powder to wring out the remaining liquid.
7) Add whatever flavorings you like - bananas, cocoa, honey, coconut, strawberries, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla - and blend one more time. Kava really needs flavorings - really.
8) Enjoy! Kava is a first-rate sedative, muscle relaxant, analgesic and mood enhancer - but don't be surprised if your lips and tongue go numb! Kava is a powerful local anesthetic with potency similar to that of cocaine and procaine.
9) Since kavalactones are destroyed by heat, and are slowly released in cool liquid, pouring the strained powder back into the blend to sit in the fridge overnight will make a stronger drink, which will, of course, need to be strained again. Keeps for days in the fridge.
10) To make a yet stronger kava drink, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of liquid lecithin or coconut milk to the original blend of powder and liquid. Some of the kavalactones are more oil-soluble than water-soluble. Milk, with natural fats, is actually a better medium for kava than water.