Kava is a traditional beverage made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, native to the South Pacific. It has been used for centuries in Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian cultures during social and ceremonial occasions. The root is typically ground into a powder and mixed with water to create a drink. Kava contains naturally occurring compounds called kavalactones, which are known to interact with the body in various ways. While kava continues to hold cultural importance across the Pacific Islands, its use is expanding globally in various botanical and wellness products. Consumption practices and legal status may vary by region.