Kava or kava kava or piper methysticum is a cash crop, of Pasifika (Pacific Islands).  The name kava is Tongan, meaning "bitter".​

 

Kava is consumed throughout the Pasifika cultures of Oceania, for either traditional ceremonies as in the Kingdom of Tonga and Fiji, also in recent years in social kava clubs. 

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The root of the kava plant is used to produce an entheogenic drink with sedative, anesthetic and euphoriant properties. Its active ingredients are called kavalactones.  Where research has concluded that it was likely to be more effective at treating anxiety and insomnia.