The
tropical paradise of Fiji is an archipelago of 332 islands flung like rice at a
wedding across 230,000 square kilometers of the southwest Pacific. The
enchanting and amiable
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natives of this sun-kissed Eden have two favorite expressions: 'Bula', an
all-purpose greeting which encompasses everything from 'How are you?' to
'Have a nice day', and "Mataka", which roughly translated means "later".
Fijians boast that when 'Mataka' is compared with the Mexican "Manana", the
latter rings with a note of urgency.
Historically the Fijians were fierce warriors ? today they are exceptional
rugby players ? |
but
their usual demeanor is relaxed, sweet-tempered and very 'Mataka'. This is
often attributed to their fondness for Kava Kava, a drink made by pounding
or chewing the roots of the Kava Kava vine and then soaking the mash in cold
water. Heat destroys the active ingredients.
Several years ago I was sitting
cross-legged in a jungle clearing in Fiji, in a circle of laughing young
Fijians. They were passing around a coconut shell filled with a brownish
green liquid that looked like muddy water. I had heard about Kava and its
alleged relaxing properties and had always assumed that it was alcoholic.
Not so. When the shell was passed to me I took a sip and tasted a slightly
bitter, but generally insipid liquid. Urged to drink more, I felt a slight
tingling numbness in my lips and within minutes a serene glow was suffusing
my body as quickly as butter melting in a hot pan. When the shell reached
the last person in the group, he took a large mouthful and spat the contents
on the ground. I learned later that this was an offering to the gods for a
rich harvest.
Kava has long been considered a libation to the gods in the South Pacific.
The spiritual healers of Fiji, known as Dauvaguna, use the herb to
help them communicate with Vu, a spirit force, who helps them
foretell the future and directs them to apply the correct herbal remedies
for their patients. Kava is believed to cure illnesses, remove curses and
foster friendship. It has a pivotal role in the ratification of agreements
and the settling of disputes. It is drunk to ensure safety prior to long
trips, especially sea voyages, and to celebrate marriages, births and even
deaths. Mostly it is the South Pacific equivalent of the evening cocktail,
being consumed every sundown as a relaxant.
Kava is a perennial shrub belonging to the pepper family, Piperaceae.
It was given its botanical name, Piper methysticum, or intoxicating
pepper, in 1777 by the explorer and botanist, Johann Georg Forster.
Research shows that the main
active ingredients in the root of Kava are a group of resinous compounds
called kava lactones. These have a depressant effect on the central nervous
system and are sedative and antispasmodic. Kava is a very effective muscle
relaxant. Kava lactones also have an antiseptic and anesthetic effect on the
urinary tract and bladder and kava has been used successfully to treat
urinary tract infections. The herb is a strong diuretic and this cleansing
effect along with its analgesic properties make it a useful herb in
combating arthritic and rheumatic problems including gout.
But it is Kava's ability to
deliver a delicious combination of calmness and alertness that has put it on
the list of top selling herbs to combat the major disease of industrialized
society: anxiety. German clinical studies published in 1990 revealed that
kawain, one of the kava lactones, is as effective in relieving anxiety as
benzodiazepene. In large doses Kava produces a type of euphoria and for this
reason it is still touted as an aphrodisiac in the South Pacific.
Until recently, Kava was illegal in Canada. The Health Protection Branch of
Health Canada had some concerns about the intoxicating properties of the
herb. However, bowing to pressure from herbalists and the public, Kava is
now available on the shelves of Costco.
Kava has proven itself to be a very effective herb to combat stress and
anxiety without the addictive qualities and negative side effects of drugs
such as Valium. However, some cautions should be noted. People taking
anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications should never use kava. It should
not be combined with alcohol or other recreational drugs. Pregnant or
nursing women should not use it. Although Kava has minimal side effects,
long-term use may result in dry, scaly skin with a yellow pigment. Should
this occur users should discontinue taking the herb immediately. Also, a
single, large dose of Kava can cause intoxication and drowsiness so it is
advisable not to drive a car or operate heavy machinery after taking the
herb. The drowsiness that follows Kava's initial rush of calm alertness can
be a great sleep inducer and some people find the herb a more effective
sleep aid than valerian and certainly a better option than sleeping pills.
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