Kava is a depressant drug made from the root or stump of the Piper methysticum shrub. It is a popular drink in the South Pacific, where it is used in ceremonies for relaxation. Kava comes in different forms, including a brownish-colored drink, brown powder, capsules, extracts, and drops. Traditionally, Pacific Islanders crushed, chewed, and ground the root and stump of the shrub, then soaked it in cold water to produce a drink for ceremonies and cultural practices. Kava is known to slow down the messages traveling between the brain and the body, which is why it is classified as a depressant drug.
Kava affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system, and chemicals called kavalactones that are found in kava are believed to be responsible for its effects. People commonly use kava for anxiety, stress, withdrawal from drugs called benzodiazepines, sleeping problems, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. Long-term use of kava can lead to a range of health problems, including malnutrition, weight loss, and apathy. Cases of liver damage and even some deaths have been linked to kava use, which is why it was taken off the market in Europe and Canada in the early 2000s. However, after reviewing the evidence, most countries have allowed kava to return to the market.
In summary, kava is a drug made from the ground roots of the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to the South Pacific. It is a depressant drug that can slow down the messages traveling between the brain and the body. Kava is used for anxiety, stress, and sleeping problems, among other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. Long-term use of kava can lead to a range of health problems, including malnutrition, weight loss, and apathy, and it has been linked to cases of liver damage and even some deaths.
