Yaqona: Sotavi na cala ni nanuma kei na itukutuku buli semati ki na ivakatakilakila matataka na keda ikilai. (De-mythologizing and re-branding of kava as the new ‘world drug’ of choice)

Abstract

What do you call journalism, or more importantly research, that is supported by repetitive misinformation, resulting in an accepted but incorrect, narrative? This is the case with the kava plant, named Piper methysticum or ‘intoxicating pepper’ by a naturalist who accompanied Captain James Cook on his voyage to the Pacific some 250 years ago. That name, which inferred that kava causes intoxication when consumed, is one of several ‘myths’ that have developed around kava over the years, and Dr ‘Apo’ Aporosa from New Zealand’s University of Waikato and Usaia Gaunavou (Snr) from the Universiity of Fiji believe it’s time to re-evaluate this icon of Pacific identity and correct these misunderstandings.