Kava use in Australia.
The use of the traditional South Pacific beverage kava by Australian Aboriginal communities is discussed. There are few systematic data on the effects of kava, although there has been recent concern regarding its health consequences. The role of the traditional context in minimizing any adverse effects of kava is discussed. It is suggested that government intervention in prohibiting kava use is probably inappropriate particularly with our current state of knowledge.
Prescott
J
J
Sensory Research Centre, CSIRO, PO Box 52, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Anstralia.