It is estimated that kava (Piper methysticum) has been cultivated on islands in the South Pacific for over 3,000 years and is certainly the most important cultivated plant from a social perspective in the history of Pacific island societies, this the tradition of the kava (a preparation made from the roots) ceremony, of which there are three different types, (1) those held on very formal occasions such as to honor royalty, (2) were kava ceremonies performed at community meetings, such as elder’s councils, (3) more informal kava ceremonies, such as for a Friday night social occasion.  Outside of the popular social use of kava, it was traditionally used in Fiji, and other Islands of the Pacific, as a diuretic tea for kidney and bladder ailments. It was also used to treat coughs and colds and sore throat. After giving childbirth, mothers were given a root decoction to help keep them from getting pregnant again. The leaves were also chewed and as a contraceptive.

Studying island traditions surrounding the plant reinforce the notion of kava’s ability to induce a peaceful spirit.  Kava is regarded as sacred throughout its range, but, for the most part, its use is not solely relegated to ceremony; it has a strong tradition as a recreational beverage consumed freely at social gatherings, where those under the enchantment of kava converse and share their thoughts and stories. Traditionally, kava is given to feuding parties before they talk, in order to diffuse pre-existing hostility.  This use was not solely reserved for the cessation of wars between different island cultures, but was also invoked when spousal or community conflicts had everyone involved all angst ridden to the point where it became difficult to resolve anything.