The drink made from the prepared
roots of the Kava plant (Piper
methysticum) is central to certain
Polynesian rituals and social
gatherings. The drink has a mild
sedative effect and is noteworthy
for the sense of relaxed well-being
it instills in the drinker. Because
of this, kava is often served at the
opening of Polynesian meetings where
one would want relaxed and happy
participants. Exact details of the kava
rituals vary from island to island
within Polynesia. In recent years
the active ingredient of kava has been
studied for potential pharmacological
benefits, and there is a considerable
amount of informal, non-scientific
studies of the kava buzz among people
who go in for that sort of thing.
Caption this Meme
