KAVA;
AWA in Hawaiian; piper methysticum:
Aloha, I am Kahala-Ann, Indigenous Native Hawaiian,
here to ‘talk story’ with you about Pu’u’ala our
family farm, located on the ‘Big Island’ of Hawai'i, on the
Hamakua coast. We grow certified organic Kava
(Awa), Noni,
and Neem,
and produce a variety of tea, Kava
powder, extract
and bulk herbs.
Kava is a domesticated plant, propagated through human selection. Traditionally,
the plant root was dug up, separated from the stock, taken to the village,
and prepared for consumption. The cutter returned to plant the stocks
only if the Kava had produced the desired effect; for example, heavenly
euphoria, clear headedness, restful sleep, awakening refreshed. If the
Kava was not the ‘best’, it was left to rot.
Zachary Gibson,
our son and general manager has collected Hawai'i Awa from our native
forests. Our keiki (baby) plants begin in our nursery. They are beautiful,
with large heart-shaped green leaves, jointed stocks eight to ten feet
tall (see
picture). Depending on our needs we harvest at l8 months
or leave it to grow without adverse effects to its potency; once dried
the Kavalactones and other properties remain potent. Pu’u’ala
was incorporated in l995 for the purpose of growing certified organic
plants on our land which has been in our family for over a 100 years.
MYTH and CULTURE
Kava and Noni came to Hawai'i with our ancestors, in rafts and canoes
during the great migration of the Polynesian peoples. The experts guess
this migration began between 3000 and 1000 B.C. within the Pacific Ocean
starting at the Northeastern tip of Australia, at New Guinea island,
eastward through various South Pacific islands including Marshall, Solomon,
Vanuatu, Willis, Futuna, Pohnpei, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Marquesas then
northeasterly across the equator to Hawai’i then east off the coast
of South America to Easter and from Hawai'i Northwest to New Zealand
which includes the cultures of Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia.
The Northern most point of the Polynesian settlement is the Hawai'ian
archipelago, it is the most isolated, being in the North Pacific, above
the equator, 2,500 miles Easterly to North America and 2,730 miles Southwesterly
to Tahiti. We respect and honor our Polynesian ancestors who migrated
from Samoa to Marquesas to Tahiti, and finally to Hawai'i because they
brought the best Awa.
Hawai'i
is the last paradise of the migration to have kava surviving, so logically,
we claim to have the best of all. Of course, the Polynesians continued
to exchange and share their Kava, improving its enhancers. There are
hundreds of varieties, however the best is not the strongest or most
debilitating, but rather, the most euphoric, pleasant, relaxing, clear
perception etc. Kava is shared, there is an environment of being together,
of being happy, of physiological and psychological well being, free
of anxiety and stress. The conversations flow, without loud harsh edges,
there is a humbleness, a wholesome family feeling devoid of hostility,
anger or jealousy. Individual persons that are friends of family become
extended family to all. It breaks down barriers and creates sociability.Contrary
to other cultural beliefs, in Hawai'i Awa was not exclusive to chiefs
and high ranking persons, it was not prohibited Kapu (law) but the supply
was limited. Wise chiefs (Ali’i’), elders (Kupuna) and healers
(kahuna), encouraged the drinking of Awa because it enhanced community
peace, harmony and health. We honor and respect the plant that provids
such nurturing.
At Pu’u’ala, we have produced a Kava Tea made from root, stem
and leaf. It is mild, refreshing, relaxing, and if you sleep, you will
awake refreshed. So, take care of yourself, don’t drink and drive,
or mix alcohol and kawa. Alcohol makes us stupid, stubborn and arrogant,
it pollutes our nervous system. Kava helps us to remain smart, alert,
clear, and perceptive but it relaxes our muscles, so please don’t
mix your drugs, whatever the source. If you are under medication or
pregnant consult your health care provider. Traditionally, Hawaiian
women did not ingest Awa when pregnant.
Western style scientists of many disciplines have been studying Kava
diligently. They have deduced that the active properties in ‘piper
methysticum’ contain active ingredients called Kavalactones, which
act as a diuretic, local anesthetic as well as a plethora of uses for
various diseases. We respect and thank them for their work and especially
those that show respect to our cultures, the ethnobotanist. Scientists,
have not been able to reproduce synthetically, in a laboratory, the
impact, euphoria, clear headedness and lovely feelings of this plant.
The sum is greater than its parts.
I travel extensively, and take my tea and powdered capsules in my backpack
to relieve jet lag, stress, general irritability and hopefully to rest and
sleep during the flight. After being thankful for my blessings I take a capsule
of powder and awake refreshed, positive. Aloha and enjoy.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Pu'u'ala Inc. Toll-Free 888.315.4100 orders@puuala.com
