Warm beaches, white sandy coves, clear blue waters, lush rainforest, coconut plantations, coral reef bays, Hibiscus flowers, very few roads, and volcanoes; take a moment here and sense this peaceful island. Can you feel it, see it, or hear it? This is the island of Vanuatu, a South Pacific Island that was once a tiny part of ancient Australia around 100 million years ago and is the ancestral home of Kava. First settled about 3,000 years ago, the Vanuatu Islands were inhabited by people of the Lapita culture, a Neolithic Austronesian people. They are the ancestors of the peoples of Polynesia, Micronesia, Island Melanesia, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and across the Pacific Islands.
Vanuatu is steeped in beauty and ancient practices such as drinking Kava. Kava is a sacred plant that has brought harmony and unity to many tribes across the Southern Pacific Islands for thousands of years. Kava promotes connection, a sense of belonging, joy, community, calmness, upliftment, and relaxation. Kava has been cultivated for generations throughout the South Pacific Islands as a drink to be used in ceremonies and rituals and has now been brought into the 21st century as a social drink that elevates your mood without the need for drinking alcohol to engage in a good time. Okay, it’s definitely more than that, but in North American culture, that’s likely one of the first ways a person familiar with Kava will describe it.
There are many benefits to Kava, one being that it helps people who are recovering from alcohol addiction and other types of addictions. The list continues to include its ability to promote reduced pain levels, headache and menstrual cramp relief, muscle relaxation, muscle recovery after playing sports, reduced stress, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, improved short-term memory and focus, and protection to neurons from damage. Had a crazy, busy day or a strenuous workout and struggling to relax and unwind? Move over alcohol, Kava’s here. It also boasts of releasing emotional blocks and low vibing energy. Kava is nature’s Xanax without the side effects; it’s the relaxation of wine without the hangover.
Kava works because of kavalactones. These work by altering the activity of noradrenaline, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA is what gives things like anti-anxiety meds and alcohol their relaxing ability. Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter produced in the brain stem that sends messages between neurons and gets reabsorbed in the body. The kavalactones work with these neurotransmitters in the brain’s limbic system, basically the emotional control center. Essentially, Kava takes you out of “fight or flight” and puts you into “rest and digest.” This is all a “sciency” way to say Kava makes life feel pleasurable, light, and more at ease.
Who doesn’t need more of that in their life? More joy, connection, euphoria, calmness, pain relief, better sleep, and all without pharmaceuticals or alcohol, yes, please! All in favor, cheerfully exclaim, “Bula!” Bula is a common word in Fiji used to say “hello and cheers,” but it means you’re wishing survival and a happy and healthy life to someone as you greet them. That’s what Kava is about, life and connection.
Kava tastes bitter and earthy and is meant to be consumed with others, your friends and family, and your community. The way Kava is consumed varies in the diverse cultures of the South Pacific Islands. In some cultures, Kava is only drunk by men; in other cultures, both men and women drink Kava. Often, Kava is used to come together to celebrate events, tell stories, sing, laugh, and enjoy the moment. It’s also been used to help with conflict resolution. It has been the instrument of peace and bonding between feuding tribes throughout the history of the islands. Kava has nurtured the identity of Vanuatu and many other islands for generations.
As Kava is available worldwide, including now at Starbridge Holistic Center in Boise, it’s vital to support the heritage of Kava, to hold this plant sacred, and to preserve the legacy of the islands from which it has grown for thousands of years. Kava has the power to connect the physical and the spiritual, bring people together, promote wellness, and connect us all to the land and people of the South Pacific Islands that have cultivated this plant and gifted it to the world.
Join us in the spirit of gratitude, learning, and connection on Saturday, March 9th 12 pm – 2 pm, when Starbridge Holistic Center will offer its first Kava class and circle and make Kava available in the store. A free open house will follow the Kava circle 2 pm -3:30 pm. Kava works best on an empty stomach, so don’t eat before the Kava circle. Please refrain from any alcohol as Kava doesn’t mix with alcohol. Those joining for the Kava circle will be able to drive as this drink doesn’t intoxicate people the way alcohol would. Wear your favorite island-inspired shirt if you feel called to, and be prepared to relax, socialize, learn about Kava, and catch a feel-good vibe drinking Kava. Located at 1111 Orchard St., Ste. 111, Boise. Learn more on starbridgeholisticcenter.com and reserve your seat in the circle.