Kava, natural alternative to Xanax, finds new markets – as wellness drink overseas and alternative to coffee for Fijian women – amid coronavirus

Kava is habitually drunk by men from a communal cup, but women in Fiji are gravitating towards kava bars and see the calming drink as an alternative to alcohol

A mild narcotic with a taste like mud, it has been embraced by Fiji’s rugby players, and is sold overseas as a wellness drink and alternative to Xanax or Valium

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Kava, known in Fiji as yaqona, is a drink used throughout the South Pacific islands for relaxation and stress relief. In Fiji it is usually drunk by men using a communal cup – but the coronavirus put a stop to that practice and spurred producers to pursue new markets. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:54am, 20 Aug 2020Updated: 7:14pm, 20 Aug 2020

Once the preserve of men and consumed in ritualistic ceremonies by villagers and chiefs alike, Fijian traditional drink kava is attracting a new market as coronavirus restrictions prompt more women – and consumers overseas – to sample the mildly narcotic brew.

Kava, known in Fiji as yaqona, is an essential part of South Pacific culture, used throughout the region for relaxation and stress relief.

The root of the kava plant is ground, mixed with water and then strained to produce a gritty grey liquid. First-time users sometimes liken the taste to muddy water but the drink’s effect is undeniable, a mild numbing of the mouth and a general feeling of calmness.

“We drink it because our grandfathers drank it, our great-grandfathers drank it,” said Kaiava Davui, a gardener who regularly has kava on the weekends. “We talk, share ideas. It takes away stresses.”

The mixing of the kava drink is a carefully observed ancient ritual. Photo: Bettmann Archive

It is ubiquitous in all layers of Fijian society – visiting dignitaries such as Britain’s Prince Harry sup at ceremonies alongside chiefs, while in rural villages groups of men can often be seen gathered around a bowl of “grog”.

But for the most part it has been a custom for men only. Now, most of the traditional, male-dominated kava ceremonies have been curtailed because of the coronavirus pandemic.