Post #6257 by Vaïnui on Mon, Aug 19, 2002 5:56 PM

We have loads of kava bars (called Nakamals) down here in Nouméa. Kava drinking is very popular amoung the locals and visiting europeans, and it is not (for the moment) illegal. Kava root (pepper tree) is in fact a very mild narcotic which induces a happy and calm feeling and is excellent for any stress related problems. However, a cocktail of kava + booze or pot should be avoided as it can be mind blowing. Hard abuse in kava drinking will also induce weight loss as it cuts appetite or food craving, people even forget to eat. It may also give a dried "fish scale" type skin which makes one look like Spiderman. But apart from those minor side effects kava drinking is quite cool and has been, for ages, a great social bonding ritual between Pacific islanders.