The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
All other sections in this Literature Study Guide are owned and copyrighted by BookRags, Inc.
Kava is a beverage prepared from the root of the pepper shrub Piper methysticum, native to Asia, Australia, and islands in the region. The drink is called kava, Polynesian for bitter or pungent, because of its strong peppery taste. Several variations of this drink were once commonly used for social occasions as intoxicants in the islands of the South Pacific, especially Fiji.
Common effects of kava include muscle relaxation, euphoria—a feeling of intense well-being—and reduced fatigue. It also has effects on seeing and hearing. In large quantities kava can lead to a loss of muscular coordination and stupor. Since the mid-1990s, kava has gained popularity as an herbal supplement, along with remedies such as St. John's Wort and ginkgo biloba. Millions of people take kava, which can be purchased without a prescription, under the belief that it relieves stress and sleeplessness.
In the United States, herbal supplements like kava are considered neither food nor drugs. As such, they may be sold without the evaluation and approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In between 2000 and 2001, there were reports of a link between high doses of kava use and liver failure. As of March 2002, the FDA advised consumers to consult their healthcare providers before taking kava or preparations that contain kava until further study determines a safe dose. In particular, people with liver problems or who are taking other medications should consult with their healthcare provider before using kava.