Awa — known as kava across Polynesia, yaqona in Fiji, and sakau in Pohnpei — is the sacred ceremonial plant of Pacific Island cultures, used in ritual, diplomacy, healing, and daily relaxation for at least 3,000 years. The root is ground or pounded and strained into water to create the traditional kava drink, which produces a profound calm alertness, sociability, and muscle relaxation through its kavalactone compounds acting on GABA, dopamine, and sodium channels. Beyond ceremony, kava is used medicinally for anxiety, insomnia, and urinary tract infections.
root, rhizome
traditional root drink, tincture, capsule
Traditional bowl (kavalactone equivalent 70–250mg); 100–250mg kavalactones as extract
Traditional aqueous preparations are much safer than concentrated extracts or non-noble varieties. Avoid with alcohol, liver disease, or medications metabolised by the liver. Not for daily long-term use.
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