Leaving the Melanesian region of Oceania, our first stop on our Kava-centric geographical tour of Micronesia will be the Federated States of Micronesia. Although Kava use varies by region in this archipelago, the island chain has an interesting culture and history, regardless of its Kava consumption. Federated States of Micronesia The Federated States of Micronesia […]
Rounding out the Melanesian region of Oceania is the island nation of Vanuatu. Vanuatu is one of the most interesting, diverse and mysterious of all the Melanesian archipelagos in relation to culture and their use of Kava-as we shall see below. Vanuatu Itself The island nation of Vanuatu, or officially the Republic of Vanuatu, is […]
Unlike their Melanesian neighbors, the Oceanic people of New Guinea have a long and rich history with our favorite beverage. But before we discuss this, let’s look at New Guinea today. New Guinea Splitting off from Australia during the last glacial period during the Pleistocene Epoch, New Guinea is the second largest island in the […]
The Solomon Islands, much like the New Caledonian cousins, have a mysterious and interesting relationship with kava. But before we get to that, let’s look at the Solomon Islands as they are today. The Solomon Islands The island nation of The Solomon Islands is located at a longitude of a 160 degrees east and latitude […]
New Caledonia has an interesting, and somewhat mysterious relationship with our favorite beverage. But before we get to that, lets’ look at New Caledonia as it is today. New Caledonia: The region known as New Caledonia is a French territory in the Melanesian Region of Oceania. It is comprised of the main island of Grande […]
‘upa’upa The ‘upa’upa is an ancient dance which originated in Tahiti. European discoverers have described it as “indecent”. It is not quite clear how close (or how far apart) the gestures at that time were with the now immensely popular t?m?r?. In both dances the performers form groups of pairs of a boy and a […]
There are numerous ways to prepare and enjoy kava. It is ingested most commonly in beverages pressed from freshly picked kava root, or in drinks that are mixed from ground, shredded or powdered root. The former is available only on the islands of the Pacific since fresh kava root does not transport well over great […]
The term “organic farming” was coined by Lord Northbourne in his book, Look to the Land, which was published 1940. Through his conception of “the farm as organism,” he presented a holistic, ecologically-balanced approach to farming. Applicable terminology aside, organic agriculture is the oldest form of agriculture on earth. Farming without the use of petroleum-based […]
There are many products available for natural pain relief, but many come with a price and unpleasant side effects. When most people think of the phrase “side effects,” they think of the distasteful or harmful ones. But, surprisingly enough, an exciting and positive side effect of Kava happens to be pain relief, especially effective for […]
Kava is a wondrous plant which produces calm and relaxation without side effects. Unlike many prescription sleep aids, which can have all the subtlety of a freight train, kava kava’s effects are gradual in nature. Kava gives you a sleepy feeling without knocking you out and without making you “dull” and unfocused. You’ll remain alert […]
