- published: 30 May 2013
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Kava or kava-kava (Piper methysticum: Latin "pepper" + Latinized Greek "intoxicating") is a crop of the western Pacific.
The name kava(-kava) is from Tongan and Marquesan; other names for kava include ʻawa (Hawaiʻi), ava (Samoa), yaqona (Fiji), sakau (Pohnpei), and malok or malogu (parts of Vanuatu).
The roots of the plant are used to produce a drink with sedative anesthetic, and entheogenic properties. Kava is consumed throughout the Pacific Ocean cultures of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Vanuatu, Melanesia and some parts of Micronesia. (See canoe plants.) Kava is sedating and is primarily consumed to relax without disrupting mental clarity. Its active ingredients are called kavalactones. A Cochrane Collaboration systematic review of its evidence concluded it was likely to be more effective than placebo at treating short-term social anxiety.
The several cultivars of kava vary in concentrations of primary and secondary psychoactive alkaloids. The largest number are grown in the Republic of Vanuatu, and so it is recognised as the "home" of kava. Kava was historically grown only in the Pacific islands of Hawaii, Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu, Fiji, the Samoas and Tonga. Some is grown in the Solomon Islands since World War II, but most is imported. Kava is a cash crop in Vanuatu and Fiji.
Sitting in a dark room
Falling to pieces
Try to find the right words
So you can sing along
Wear it like a tight noose
I don't wanna feel this
Might of made a wrong move
Now I'm all alone
I never know which way to go
A million thoughts I can't control
The city sleeps, but I can't close my eyes
California
California
Drowning in a bright room
Faking the feelings
Wonder if the right words
Are even here at all
I'm living through the hardest part
In a city full of fallen stars
A million dreams I can't close my eyes
California
California