Traditional kava is made by grinding fresh or dried kava root, mixing it with water or coconut milk, and straining it into a communal bowl. Outside the South Pacific, kava is typically prepared by soaking …

Feb 8, 2023 · Kava is an extract that comes from a shrub called Piper methysticum, which is native to Micronesia and Polynesia. “The root is emulsified to make an intoxicating beverage,” Dr. Goldman …

Feb 10, 2018 · Kava is a tropical evergreen shrub with heart-shaped leaves and woody stems. Its scientific name is Piper methysticum. Pacific cultures traditionally use the kava drink during rituals and...

This fact sheet provides basic information about kava—common names, usefulness and safety, and resources for more information.

Apr 30, 2025 · Kava Kava is an herbal remedy that's made from the roots of Piper methysticum -- a type of plant found in the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Its name literally means “intoxicating pepper.”

Feb 20, 2026 · Kava, nonalcoholic euphoria-producing beverage made from the root of the pepper plant, principally Piper methysticum, in the South Pacific islands. It is yellow-green in color and somewhat …

Jan 11, 2026 · Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant from the South Pacific that people take for its purported effects on anxiety and insomnia. Learn about the potential health benefits and side effects …

Jan 24, 2026 · Kava Kava, known scientifically as Piper methysticum, is a plant from the South Pacific revered for its calming effects. It's a bush with large leaves, valued particularly for its rhizome which …

What is Kava? Kava is a cultural food originating in the Pacific Islands. The word “kava” can refer to the plant, the root, or the beverage made from the root of the kava plant. It’s been enjoyed for over 3000 …

A research-backed guide to kava's health benefits — anxiety relief, sleep support, stress reduction, dosage, safety, and more. Evidence-based, not hype.