Common Name: Kava Kava

General Information

Kava kava is a much-branched shrub growing up to 4 metres tall. The plant produces several stems 1 - 3cm in diameter from a large, thick, woody rhizome[, ].
The plant is a herb with major ritual and cultural significance in the Pacific Islands where it is widely used in social ceremonies and as a means of communicating with the Gods[]. Often harvested from the wild, it is also cultivated, especially in home gardens in the Pacific[]. The plant is commonly sold in local markets, and is also exported to Europe, America etc where it is used medicinally.

Known Hazards

Used in excess, the root can cause stupor[].

Botanical References

Range

Northwest and southwest Pacific Islands.

Habitat

Damp areas such as near streams, from near sea-level to 800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the wet, lowland tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 800 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 35°c, but can tolerate 14 - 40°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 2,200 - 4,000mm, but tolerates 1,800 - 5,000mm[].
Prefers a shady position when young, although older plants are more tolerant of sunny positions[]. Prefers a well-drained, stony soil with ample water[]. Succeeds in most soils of at least moderate fertility[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 5 - 7[]. Requires a position sheltered from strong winds[].
A slow-growing plant[].
At the age of 10 months the average root weight is about 1 kilo per plant[]. The crop is potentially profitable when harvested after 3 - 4 years[].
The life span of the plant may be 15 - 30 years[].

Edible Uses

The roots and stems are the source of a stimulating alkaloidal beverage called kawa that is widely consumed in some Polynesian Islands[]. It has a calming effect whilst also promoting mental clarity[]. The roots can weigh up to 7 kilos[].
To prepare the beverage, the plant parts are pulverized by grinding or mastication, suspended in water and then sieved to remove the residue. The resulting milky-brown liquid is the beverage[].

Medicinal

The root is a bitter, very pungent, warming herb with a lilac aroma[]. It is diuretic, relieves pain, relaxes spasms and has a stimulatory effect upon the circulatory and nervous systems[]. Calming and stimulating at low doses, large doses cause intoxication and euphoria[]. The root also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac[]. The root has a hot, aromatic and bitter taste that leaves the mouth feeling slightly numbed[].
It is taken internally in the treatment of genito-urinary infections, gall bladder complaints, arthritis and rheumatism[]. The root bark scrapings are chewed to soothe sore throats and toothaches[].
Externally, the root is used to relieve joint pains[].
The roots are harvested as required, and can be used fresh or dried[].

In Fiji, convulsions and stiffness in children are treated with liquid pressed from the leaves[]. The leaves are chewed as a treatment for bronchitis[].
Externally, the leaves are rubbed onto centipede bites, insect stings and stings from poisonous fish[].
The branches are used in a remedy for sore throats[]. An infusion of the leaves is spread onto a certain type of inflammation and is used to treat watery vaginal discharges[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings of half-ripe wood[].

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