Kava: Medicine Hunting in Paradise: The Pursuit of a Natural Alternative to Anti-Anxiety Drugs and Sleeping Pills

by Christopher S. Kilham

Kava, Piper Methysticum , is the most effective relaxing and stress-relieving plant in all of nature. This book is the tale of plant researcher Chris Kilham's investigations into this plant and his far-ranging explorations deep in the South Pacific in search of a source of kava. Kilham takes the reader on an adventurous journey through the mystical native legends, outlandish history, and exciting science surrounding this potent plant. A story replete with pulpit-pounding missionaries, kava-drinking natives, sorcerers, a mysterious Tahitian prince, and the author's own humorous outlook amidst difficult and perilous circumstances, Kava is a must-read for those who love tales of travel and adventure and those interested in plant medicine.

Kava is poised to become an important and now readily available natural alternative to stress-relieving drugs.

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1996

Reviews

[JustineB · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kilram wrote the book with a conversational tone, which made it an easy, if not slightly annoying, read. He seems to know a lot about natural medicine, and it was nice to read about how respectful he was towards Ni-Vanuatu culture, but the book seemed very biased in that it really glossed over a lot of the more negative aspects of using kava, even going so far as to scorn historical accounts of what others had observed. There were also the random promotions of Buddhism, meditation, and yoga sprinkled throughout the book which made it read somewhat like a biography at times.

Overall it's a good read for those interested in kava and Vanuatu culture, but take the glowing review of kava with a grain of salt.