For any meeting to be complete in Samoa, it must begin with Samoan kava.

The Samoan people including most of the pacific island states really enjoy the Samoan kava and it is one thing that they have been using for the longest time. Kava is a shrub that grows in loose soils but with plenty of air. It has roots that grow deeper and the plant itself does well in humid warm conditions. It takes about 18 months to be ready. It can either be grained or dried.

Samoan kava can be pounded into powder and put directly into water in a kava bowl or it can also be put into a cloth that will later be soaked in water of the kava basin.

In a more traditional way, Samoan kava was to be prepared by only virgin girls so as to get the correct quality but it is no child's play to get a virgin girl; Samoan kava can now be prepared by anyone who has good experience.

The good thing about the Samoan kava is that it has an amazing calming effect and opens up your mind for clear thinking. This is the reason why in any ceremony in Samoa, they must start with kava.

Kava has a healing remedy. This is so because it contains an active component in the root. The active ingredient is called kavalactone and it contains the following effects.

- It is very effective in dealing and treatment of leukemia.

- It is one of the few painkillers that do not contain any addiction.

- It is also powerful in the treatment of rheumatic pain.

Kava, just like any other herb, has some negative effects on the user.

People using kava as a supplement also use other drug combinations and even alcohol. When such happens, it is difficult to know what the cause of the problem is.

Most dietary supplements have been created with kava especially in the western part of the world and most of them have been confirmed to be responsible for causing liver problems.

Some European countries have dietary supplements producers who also use other parts of the kava plant other than the root which could have some adverse effects. This could actually be part of the reason why use of kava was banned in Europe in 2001. The European Union however lifted the ban late 2008 after some scientific reviews of the plant.

People from the pacific states have continued to use the kava roots and still do not experience any issues yet they use it everyday. In fact, they are opting to drink kava rather than alcohol.