Kava, 'awa in Hawaii, also called kava-kava, is a local beverage of the South Pacific Islands made from the kava root (Piper mestythecin). The word kava refers both to the plant and the earthy potent kava drink produced from its roots. Pure kava has a very earthy flavor and makes the tongue numb because kava has analgesic or pain relieving properties. If you can get past the taste, which many actually like, you find yourself feeling a sense of expansion, centeredness, connection and increased access to emotional intelligence.