Kava is a relaxing root beverage that has been consumed for thousands of years In the pacific Islands. It is commonly used as a way to unwind, in religious ceremonies, and as a social beverage for its relaxing properties.
The kava plant (plant scientifically named Piper Methysticum) has been grown in the volcanic soil of the South Pacific for centuries. After it reaches age, the root is dried and pounded into a powder for preparing drinks.
The active chemicals in Kava that give its effects are known as kavalactones. There are at least 100 different strains or cultivars of kava, each with a unique kavalactone make up giving the strains different effects.