Preparing the kava drink in Fiji. Photo from Flickr page of Dave Lonsdale. CC BY 2.0 DEED Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant native to the Pacific islands. Its roots are dried, crushed, and mixed with water which turns it into a non-alcoholic drink with sedative and stress relieving effects. Kava is used not just in ceremonies but in the everyday lives of Pacific communities. Thanks to the Pacific diaspora community, Pacific kava has become a popular alternative health drink around the world. Meanwhile, regional leaders and communities are working to protect small farmers and secure intellect…