What Is Kava Kava Tea?
Kava kava tea is a beverage made from roots of the Piper methysticum plant, which can be found in Micronesia, Polynesia, and Melanesia. To prepare this tea, either fresh or dried kava root is ground and mixed with hot water at a temperature not exceeding 140° Fahrenheit (60° Celsius) because higher temperatures diminish the potency of the kava. After steeping for up to 30 minutes, the kava pulp is strained and separated from the liquid through a cheesecloth or muslin. Using fresh kava root produces a more potent concoction than dried, however the dried root is more readily available. Kava kava tea has traditionally been consumed for relief of stress and anxiety.
