Kava, sometimes called
kava kava, is a preparation made from
the root of the plant
Piper methysticum, a member of the
Piperaceae[?]
family along with black pepper.
It is a traditional plant used in
Micronesia,
Melanesia, and
Polynesia,
particularly
Fiji, where it is prepared by mashing the roots in a large bowl
with water and drinking the resulting bitter infusion.
In the Western world it is used as an herbal remedy, and is believed
to ease the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Its active ingredient, called kavalactone, is mildly narcotic
and sedative.