Kava: The Plant With a Heart Shaped Leaf

In the practice of herbalism, the term Doctrine of Signatures reflects the idea that the visual form of a plant (how it looks) is an indication of specifically how the plant (or its parts: roots, stems, leaves) may be helpful as an ally in a persons health and healing journey. And by this principle, the heart shape of the kava leaf is an appropriate representation of the plant’s effects on the human body. 

Kava (Awa in Hawaiian) is a drink that is traditional to pacific island cultures. Typically the roots of the kava plant are strained and brewed into a tea at room temperature, in a process that involves squeezing the kava root by hand. Applying this pressure to the roots, through the hands and arms as extensions of the heart (or heart chakra energy), love is poured into the making of the kava. Thereby a meditative focus of love energy is encouraged during the kava squeezing process. 

The roots contain a mild  psychoactive (not psychedelic or hallucinogenic) molecule called Kavalactone, which is identified to increase the neurotransmitters seratonin, dopamine and GABA. This provides the body with a feeling of relaxation and euphoria, relaxing the muscles and nervous system. Allowing the body to relax into a more heart centered feeling. 

The relaxation of the nervous system helps kava drinkers to drop into their genuine sense of self, feeling safe to socialize and connect with friends, family and loved ones. Kava has been lovingly referred to as “socialization medicine”. 

In the Hawaiian culture (the culture I was raised in) Kava is used in every type of ceremony, including Ho’oponopono (to make right); which involves a gathering of family, friends, and/or community members who may have been involved in some type of dispute or conflict. Those attending a Ho’oponopono ceremony will share in drinking kava (awa) as part of a heart reconnection or mending process. 

In our modern time, a kava bar will often become like a vortex for synchronicities and conscious conversations. A heart centered community often develops around the heart connecting drink. 

Come visit us at Kanoa Kava, upstairs in the Casa De Luz village (follow the signs on the path). If it is your first time in, we welcome you with free kava samples and a warm heart.

-Ben (Co-Founder)