Kava, also called “kava-kava,” is an herbal substance that comes from the root of Piper methysticum – a plant native to the western Pacific Islands.

The name kava comes from the Polynesian word “awa” and literally means “intoxicating pepper.”

The substance has been used by native islanders for centuries as both a medicinal treatment and a part of religious ceremonies due to its sedative, euphoriant, and psychotropic properties.

Typically consumed as either a beverage or extract, kava is considered to be non-alcoholic but psychoactive.

As people have become increasingly interested in the concept of natural and herbal remedies to treat various diseases and ailments in today’s society, kava has become more popular and well-known.