It is an Australasian pepper shrub of Piper methysticum (Piperaceae), a shrub indigenous to islands of the South Pacific. Its rhizomes contain pyrones including kawain, methysticin, and yangonin. Kava has been used in the South Pacific to produce an intoxicating beverage used for recreational purposes and during convalescence. It is reported to have sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant, and anaesthetic properties. It is given in some anxiety- and stress-related disorders. It was formerly used as an antiseptic and diuretic in inflammatory conditions of the genito-urinary tract in the form of a liquid extract. Kawain has also been used for nervous disorders and as a tonic. Kava has been used in homoeopathic medicine. It is must not be taken for long periods and with large amounts due to hepatotoxic effects.
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