On going... answers to some frequently asked questions.

'Awa is one my most treasured plants. I watch over it on a regular basis, even more so when I have the chance. It probably gets more than its fair share of attention. Why? Probably because it has three important attributes: high cash value, cultural importance, and beneficial medical properties. How did I come across 'awa? Growing up in Hawai'i you hear about it eventually. And having a farm makes one constantly think of viable crops to grow. Enjoying the 'awa beverage though is compelling enough to want to grow it.

What are some of the therapeutics of 'awa [1]? Anxiolytic (relieves anxiety) Depression associated with anxiety Skeletal muscle relaxant Calmative in mild insomnia Anticonvulsant, Antiepileptic Neuroprotective in cerebral ischemia (e.g., protects against strokes) Non-opioid analgesic Local anesthetic Topical antifungal Is 'Awa Safe [2]? The safety and efficacy of 'awa has been established in numerous clinical trials and animal studies The American Herbal Products Association has issued a detailed review attesting to the safety of 'awa Germany's Commision E has issued a positive therapeutic monograph on 'awa 'awa has been used in a traditional context by thousands of people with no evidence of toxic or deleterious effects 'awa is non-toxic under normal conditions of use 'awa is not stupifying, does not cause addiction or dependency Any substance can be abused; 'awa is safer than alcohol, prescription tranquilizers, and coffee. Where can I buy live 'awa plants? In accordance with many Hawai'i 'awa growers, 'awa plant material for propagation outside of the Hawaiian archipelago is strongly discouraged. In addition, importation of 'awa into the State of Hawai'i is banned [3].The main reasons for these restrictions is to protect the live Hawaiian 'awa from disease and exploitation. Therefore if you live out side of Hawai'i nei, or if you wish to import non-Hawaiian varieties of 'awa, you're out of luck. If you violate or disrespect these restrictions, you'll be blacklisted, and worse arrested. For you Lucky you live Hawai'i growers... Here are some places where you can buy live 'awa plants: Star Market. Honolulu/Kaneohe, Hawai'i. Royal Palm Enterprises. Mountain View, Hawai'i. Grow Native. Mountainview, Hawai'i. Alia Point 'Awa Nursery. Pepe'eko, Hawai'i. 'Awa Pawa. Hana, Maui. Kahalu'u Countrystore. (808) 239-7599. Extensive collection of Hawaiian cultivars. Kahalu'u/Honolulu, Hawai'i

Preparing 'awa for drinking. Get the right tools. For example, to filter out the fiberous material from the drink, buy a nylon painter's sieve, say from City Mill at $2.89 for three sieves. The sieve will allow you to squeeze all of the root's grinded mash to allow for maximum kavalactone extraction. Its nylon material is sturdier than cheesecloth, and easier to work with than the common household strainer. Another tool is the Osterizer. The Osterizer seems to do a good job with pre-cut, 1/2 inch long roots, and esp. better at the pounded root. The Osterizer (stainless-steel) sells at Costco for about $70. An alternative is a meat-grinding machine. They sell at Kilogos for $40-$50? Suggested preparation with the pounded or powdered 'awa root: Measure your 'awa root powder to one tablespoon powder for each cup (8 ounces) of cool water (or other liquid). Add the measured 'awa root powder into a nylon seive or mesh bag, close the end(s) & massage in the water for about 10 minutes or until the sieve no longer feels "greasy". Drink the liquid. Optional: add honey or sweetner to taste.

References

McKenna, Dennis J., Ph.D. August 1998. Kava: An Ancient Herbal Beverage, a Modern Natural Anxiolytic, p. 15. Paper presented at the 'Awa Seminar by the Association for Hawaiian 'Awa, Ho'owaiwai Farm, Hawai'i. Ibid. p. 17. Yee, Jonathan S.W. October 22, 1998. Personal communication with E. Johnston. Lebot, V. 1998. Kava: the Pacific elixir

Disclaimer The information presented here has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All contents o fthe literature provided here and the 'awa (kava or Piper methysticum) productas offered are on an "as is" basis without warranty whatsoever either expressed or implied. The merchants and/or the distributor of this product make no representations, expressed or implied, including without limitation implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Return to Jonathan's homepage. Go to the Hawaiian Kava Center for a comprehensive product list, services, and more information on this wonderous Pacific plant.