Kava drinks are made from the root, stems, and leaves of the kava plant and act as a sedative. They are prepared by soaking the roots in hot water and can also be made into a powder. Some prepackaged kava drinks include additional ingredients, but consuming kava may cause liver and kidney damage. It is illegal in some countries.
A drink derived from the kava plant is called a kava drink. Traditionally, kava drinks are made from the root of the kava plant, although large drink manufacturers use the stems and leaves of the plant in addition to the root. Consuming a drink made from any part of the kava plant acts as a sedative, which is why this type of drink is used as a relaxant.
On all the islands in the Pacific Ocean, kava drinks are prepared by soaking the roots of the plants in hot water. The tea that results from this preparation is very potent, and those who consume this tea usually eat a large meal after consumption to combat the effects of the kava plant. Kava root can also be crushed into a powder and then mixed with cold water to form a drink called Grogg.
Modern manufacturers also pound the root of the kava plant into a fine powder before allowing this powder to dry. Once the powder has completely dried, it is exported to countries all over the world. Consumers who purchase ground kava powder can create a kava drink by adding the powder to water and allowing the mixture to steep for thirty minutes.
A kava drink that has been prepackaged includes additional ingredients. Typically, lecithin, an animal or plant-derived fatty material, is added to the beverage, and coconut milk or soy milk may also be added. Some manufacturers also add sugar, cocoa, and lemongrass to kava drinks. The relaxing effects of a pure kava drink can last up to two hours, and most people feel these effects within twenty minutes of consuming it.
Although some cultures have consumed pure kava drinks for centuries, the drink is somewhat controversial. Several medical experts believe that consuming kava can cause liver and kidney damage. As such, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and France have made the sale of kava, in any form, illegal. While the plant is not illegal in the United States or Canada, Canada has issued a suspension on the sale of kava, making it impossible for sellers to sell the plant, and the US Food and Drug Administration has issued a report detailing possible side effects of the plant. Before buying kava of any kind, it is wise to find out if it is illegal in your country.
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