What is Kava? The Story of Piper Methysticum

Native to the South Pacific island nations such as Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and even as far east as Hawai'i, kava has been used in this region for medicinal and cultural purposes for thousands of years. Kava is usually prepared by placing the dried, ground root in a fine mesh cloth or nylon bag, and then massaging and squeezing the bag while submerged in a bucket or bowl of room temperature water to force the smaller particles through the weave, while keeping the larger pieces within. Basically, it is sifted wet, not dry. This creates a strong kava brew that is drunk quickly after serving (chugged, one might say) so as not to let the powdered root settle at the bottom of the cup. The fine powder must be consumed, this is what gives the kava brew its medicinal effect!

This traditional kava preparation was used for all sorts of cultural ceremonies, and most notably, to facilitate problem solving and resolution of disputes within the community because of its ability to put one at ease, and make you feel more open to communication and cooperation. When a disagreement would arise between individuals or families within a community, they would sit in kava ceremony with the chief of the village and drink round after round of kava until the dispute had been solved. This particular traditional use of kava really gives insight into its ability to open the heart, remove unconscious barriers to connection, and allow us to step into a deeper empathy for those around us. 

Kava was also traditionally used in many cultural and political events as well as social celebrations and more casual gatherings. Kava ceremonies are held to honor royalty, visiting dignitaries and nobles. Kava is consumed at weddings, funerals and other religious celebrations, as well as just casually drunk at homes while enjoying time with family and friends.

The different island nations throughout the South Pacific each have slightly different rituals around kava ceremonies and consumption, as well as different ways of preparing their kava beverages. For example, in Fiji, typically dried roots are soaked in water, while in Vanuatu, fresh pounded roots are used to create a particularly strong brew. Different regions and islands may also grow and utilize different strains of kava plants, or different parts of the root. 

Throughout all of the cultures where Kava has been traditionally consumed, one aspect remains pervasive: community. Preparing and drinking kava is a social event, and it brings people together on a regular basis, even if there is no formal reason for holding kava ceremony. Kava draws neighbors, friends and families together to spend time laughing, telling stories, and joking with one another in the evenings, a sharp contrast to the common cultural norm of the Western world where individuals often sit in their own homes and watch TV with (or without) their immediate families. 

The physical effects of kava can be described as a deep sense of relaxation; promoting an open, engaged disposition, and making one feel more at ease and sociable. This is what we call “heart opening”. The combined physiological effects of kava preparations are what give the brew its magic; the ability to bring people together, encourage an amiable atmosphere between drinkers, and invite a profound calm, void of the anxieties, cyclical thoughts and stressors of our modern world.

In short, kava welcomes us to take a moment to chill out (preferably with a few friends) and connect more intimately with ourselves, our natural world, and the people we find ourselves amongst.

While currently used primarily by men, kava has its roots in women’s ceremony. Traditionally, it was a young woman who held the honorable position of "tou'a", the one responsible for preparing and serving kava in a ceremony setting, or even at the local kava bar. Historically, this was a respected and revered position in society. 

Our intention in offering motherland kava is to support women in facilitating the growth of strong women’s communities. Inspired by the use and impact of kava during our own women’s circles, we encourage you to gather a group of your friends, pour them each some kava, and smile as the giggles and stories draw you all further into real connection with one another. 

Back to blog