Kava in the North: a study of Kava in Arnhem Land Aboriginal communities
Date
1985
Authors
Alexander, Kerryn
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Volume Title
Publisher
Brinkin, NT : The Australian National University, North Australia Research Unit (NARU)
Abstract
A refreshing astringent drink which produces nothing more than a tingling sensation in the mucous membranes of the mouth and a short-lived numbness of the tongue (Holmes, 1979a, 107). Kava has medicinal qualities of not a little power. Drunk to excess it acts like opium, and the habit formed cannot easily be broken. The habitual drinker may be recognised by his fishy-looking and the scaly appearance-of his skin (Adams, 117-20). Since early European travellers first came into contact with kava, there have been major discrepancies in descriptions of the kava drinking experience. Reported effects range from references to kava as a powerful habit forming drug, to a substance that produces a mild but pleasant state of tranquillity This controversy continues to exist with the current use of kava in Arnhem Land Aboriginal communities. Some people associated with these communities support and encourage kava use, while others are totally opposed to it. Many uninformed rumours are circulating concerning the physical properties, medical effects and contemporary uses of kava in Arnhem Land. This paper provides factual information on kava's chemical and pharmacological properties, refers to its use in the South Pacific and outlines factors concerning its current use in Arnhem Land Aboriginal communities. <…>
Description
Keywords
drug abuse -- Northern Territory -- Arnhem Land, Aborigines, Australian -- Northern Territory -- Arnhem Land -- drug use, piper methysticum
Citation
Alexander, K. (1985) Kava in the North: a study of Kava in Arnhem Land Aboriginal communities, Darwin: Australian National University, North Australia Research Unit
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Type
Book
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Access Statement
Open Access