Kava

Question 1

What is the history of Kava?

Answer 1

Fevanaga and Fefafa buried their daughter, Kava, alive to feed the king. The bitterness of the Kava and the sweetness of the sugarcane plants are figurative of the huge sacrifice they made

Question 2

What is Kava?

Answer 2

A plant native to the pacific islands, used traditionally as a ceremonial and medicinal drink

Question 3

What are the forms of kava?

Answer 3

• Traditional: root powder mixed with water
• Modern: capsules, tinctures, extracts

Question 4

What is the cultural significance of Kava?

Answer 4

• Used in ceremonies, social gatherings and for relaxation
• The purpose isn’t because of the beverages, its about the discussions and socialisation, its their to instigate the discussions

Question 5

What are the social factors of Kava?

Answer 5

• Sense of belonging and socialisation
• Establishing and nurturing relationships
• Intergenerational harmony in Talanoa - kava brings people together, creating a safe space for them to break barriers and resolve conflicts
• Financial support for individuals, families and villages

Question 6

What are the educational factors of kava?

Answer 6

• Cultural classroom
• Cultural barriers - language, identity
• Power dynamics - everyone is equal around a kava bowl
• Sense of comfortability
• Supplementary site for learning culture and language

Question 7

What are the potential benefits of kava for athletes?

Answer 7

• Stress and anxiety reduction: pre-game anxiety management, mental relaxation without cognitive impairment
• Sleep and recovery: enhances sleep quality, crucial for muscle recovery, may reduce cortisol levels, pain relief and muscle relaxation

Question 8

What are the potential risks and side effects of kava?

Answer 8

• Sedation and fatigue: high doses can cause drowsiness, affecting performance
• Liver health controversy: some concerns about the liver toxicity (but mostly linked to poor-quality extracts)
• Interactions with other substances: avoid mixing with alcohol, medications, or sedatives

Question 9

Traditional vs Modern use of Kava?

Answer 9

Balancing cultural and athletic needs:
- Traditional use for bonding and spirituality
- Modern use in sports for relaxation and recovery
Best practices for safe consumption:
- Moderate use
- Avoid before high-intensity training or competitions

Question 10

What are some indigenous foods and beverages?

Answer 10

• Chia seeds
• Maize (corn)
• Quinoa
• Taro
• Sweet potatoes
• Manuka Honey
• Bison meat

Question 11

What are some debunked kava myths?

Answer 11

• Kava is not a drug
• It’s not alcoholic
• It’s not addictive
• It doesn’t cause liver damage when prepared traditionally
• It has cultural and social significance
• It’s recognised for its health benefits
• Not all kava is the same
• It’s legally recognised in many countries
• It doesn’t impair motor skills like alcohol
• Kava consumption is growing worldwide