<p>Australia's former Deputy PM Michael McCormack was taken to hospital after he drank or rather gulped an entire bowl of Kava, during a diplomatic tour of Micronesia.</p>

<p>McCormack was part of a bipartisan Australian parliamentary delegation that was touring the Pacific region and they were visiting Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia to commemorate the 35th anniversary of bilateral relations, where they were treated to a medley of traditional dances and traditional drinks like Sakau, a form of Kava.</p>

<p>He claimed he went 'çross-eyed' and slept for 14 hours thereafter, according to a report in the Guardian. His ignorance of the local drink that was served to him, made him down an entire shell of Sakau, a traditional Micronesian Kava with sedative qualities made from the root of the pepper plant. Further reports in the Guardian say that he did so because he felt he was trying to be respectful of their traditions.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-phone-conversation-with-putin-reviews-energy-trade-and-defence-ties-543698">PM Modi holds phone conversation with Putin, reviews energy, defence ties</a></p>

<p>What is Kava really? It is said to not be alcoholic and yet have sedative, narcotic properties that can lower anxiety and also numb pain. Sakau what the locals in Micronesia call Kava is a drug that is made from the ground roots of the plant Piper methysticum, a member of the pepper family that also includes Black Pepper.</p>

<p>And the way to drink Kava varies from place to place. Like, In Fiji, one is advised to drink Kava in one gulp if possible. Perhaps former minister McCormack felt it would be the same everywhere!</p>

<p>According to Pohnpeian folklore, Sakau is supposed to be a gift from the gods and is usually served in a coconut shell, the state symbol of Pohnpei. It is made by pounding on the root of the Kava plant and then straining it through the bark of the sea hibiscus tree.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-low-even-for-pakistan-india-strongly-condemns-billawal-bhuttos-comment-543737">'New low even for Pakistan': India strongly condemns Billawal Bhutto's comment</a></p>

<p>After he was taken to a local hospital for treatment for dehydration, he learned the hard way that Sakau is a much stronger version and one should sip it instead of gulping it.</p>

<p>It’s known for being one of the stronger Kavas and it is generally recommended that one should sip it because there is very little water added to the roots when making the drink. Since the root is in plentiful supply, the powder is rarely used and the hibiscus bark, which makes the Micronesian kava unique is known for its pain-numbing and heady qualities that can give one a nice feeling and a 'buzz' if consumed slowly.</p>

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Australia's former Deputy PM Michael McCormack was taken to hospital after he drank or rather gulped an entire bowl of Kava, during a diplomatic tour of Micronesia.

Australia's former Deputy PM Michael McCormack was taken to hospital after he drank or rather gulped an entire bowl of Kava, during a diplomatic tour of Micronesia. McCormack was part of a bipartisan Australian parliamentary delegation that was touring the Pacific region and they were visiting Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia to commemorate the 35th anniversary of bilateral relations, where they were treated to a medley of traditional dances and traditional drinks like Sakau, a form of Kava. He claimed he went 'çross-eyed' and slept for 14 hours thereafter, according to a report in the Guardian. His ignorance of the local drink that was served to him, made him down an entire shell of Sakau, a traditional Micronesian Kava with sedative qualities made from the root of the pepper plant. Further reports in the Guardian say that he did so because he felt he was trying to be respectful of their traditions. Also read | PM Modi holds phone conversation with Putin, reviews energy, defence ties What is Kava really? It is said to not be alcoholic and yet have sedative, narcotic properties that can lower anxiety and also numb pain. Sakau what the locals in Micronesia call Kava is a drug that is made from the ground roots of the plant Piper methysticum, a member of the pepper family that also includes Black Pepper. And the way to drink Kava varies from place to place. Like, In Fiji, one is advised to drink Kava in one gulp if possible. Perhaps former minister McCormack felt it would be the same everywhere! According to Pohnpeian folklore, Sakau is supposed to be a gift from the gods and is usually served in a coconut shell, the state symbol of Pohnpei. It is made by pounding on the root of the Kava plant and then straining it through the bark of the sea hibiscus tree. Also read | 'New low even for Pakistan': India strongly condemns Billawal Bhutto's comment After he was taken to a local hospital for treatment for dehydration, he learned the hard way that Sakau is a much stronger version and one should sip it instead of gulping it. It’s known for being one of the stronger Kavas and it is generally recommended that one should sip it because there is very little water added to the roots when making the drink. Since the root is in plentiful supply, the powder is rarely used and the hibiscus bark, which makes the Micronesian kava unique is known for its pain-numbing and heady qualities that can give one a nice feeling and a 'buzz' if consumed slowly.

Know Your Kava: The mystery drink that made former Australian Deputy PM throw up

<p>Michael McCormack, former deputy prime minister of Australia, became unwell after consuming some kava (a ceremonial drink&nbsp;in the Pacific islands)&nbsp;while on a diplomatic trip&nbsp;to Micronesia. McCormack felt ill on Wednesday while attending formalities at the FSM Congress.&nbsp;When given a bowl of kava (Sakau), the shadow minister for the Pacific "struggled to digest" the traditional beverage, as reported by&nbsp;Seven News.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Trouble is, I did stomach it! In a bid to show my respect to local traditions I drank the whole bowl of Sakau. Feeling much better now and it’s been a great chance to connect with our Pacific family in FSM. 🇦🇺🇫🇲 <a href="https://t.co/Bs1QKBvtYa">https://t.co/Bs1QKBvtYa</a></p>
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/M_McCormackMP/status/1603297210904760320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Before&nbsp;needing&nbsp;help to get to his car, McCormack looked&nbsp;evidently uncomfortable&nbsp;putting his hands on his head. He was then taken&nbsp;to a hospital, where he reportedly received dehydration therapy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-largest-freestanding-aquarium-bursts-in-berlin-leaving-trail-of-destruction-543686">World’s largest freestanding aquarium bursts in Berlin, leaving trail of destruction</a></p>

<p>On Thursday McCormack took to Twitter saying he was "feeling much better now."</p>

<p>"In a bid to show my respect to local traditions I drank the whole bowl of Sakau," he said.</p>

<p>"Feeling much better now and it’s been a great chance to connect with our Pacific family in FSM."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A highlight of the bipartisan Pacific trip has been visiting Mele village. Paramount Chief Simeon Poilapa hosted important conversations &amp; kava ceremony. Our delegation listened to locals’ experiences with Australia’s labour mobility scheme &amp; how we can improve it for all. 🇦🇺 🇻🇺 <a href="https://t.co/G39Sxzv2ZR">pic.twitter.com/G39Sxzv2ZR</a></p>
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/M_McCormackMP/status/1602856713656623105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the Pacific Islands, the root is traditionally crushed and then steeped in water to make a beverage used for ceremonial, recreational, and therapeutic purposes.&nbsp; Although kava is not typically used in Australia, it was introduced to communities in the Northern Territory during the 1980s as&nbsp; a substitute for&nbsp;alcohol.&nbsp;</p>

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Michael McCormack, former deputy prime minister of Australia, became unwell after consuming some kava (a ceremonial drink in the Pacific islands) while on a diplomatic trip to Micronesia.

Michael McCormack, former deputy prime minister of Australia, became unwell after consuming some kava (a ceremonial drink in the Pacific islands) while on a diplomatic trip to Micronesia. McCormack felt ill on Wednesday while attending formalities at the FSM Congress. When given a bowl of kava (Sakau), the shadow minister for the Pacific "struggled to digest" the traditional beverage, as reported by Seven News. Trouble is, I did stomach it! In a bid to show my respect to local traditions I drank the whole bowl of Sakau. Feeling much better now and it’s been a great chance to connect with our Pacific family in FSM. 🇦🇺🇫🇲 https://t.co/Bs1QKBvtYa — Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) December 15, 2022 × Before needing help to get to his car, McCormack looked evidently uncomfortable putting his hands on his head. He was then taken to a hospital, where he reportedly received dehydration therapy. Also read | World’s largest freestanding aquarium bursts in Berlin, leaving trail of destruction On Thursday McCormack took to Twitter saying he was "feeling much better now." "In a bid to show my respect to local traditions I drank the whole bowl of Sakau," he said. "Feeling much better now and it’s been a great chance to connect with our Pacific family in FSM." A highlight of the bipartisan Pacific trip has been visiting Mele village. Paramount Chief Simeon Poilapa hosted important conversations & kava ceremony. Our delegation listened to locals’ experiences with Australia’s labour mobility scheme & how we can improve it for all. 🇦🇺 🇻🇺 pic.twitter.com/G39Sxzv2ZR — Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) December 14, 2022 × In the Pacific Islands, the root is traditionally crushed and then steeped in water to make a beverage used for ceremonial, recreational, and therapeutic purposes. Although kava is not typically used in Australia, it was introduced to communities in the Northern Territory during the 1980s as a substitute for alcohol. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: :

Ex deputy PM of Australia Michael McCormack falls ill after consuming Kava during visit to Pacific Islands

<p>Australia will allow imports of the intoxicating drink kava, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said as he sought to forge closer ties with its Pacific neighbours amid growing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/chinas-huawei-blasts-australian-security-concerns-amid-sino-canberra-tensions-145129">Chinese interest in the region</a>.</p>

<p>"Kava is an important product and has a successful market around the world and we have done a lot of work with Vanuatu to ensure some of those markets are opened up and that can include now to a greater extent, than has currently existed in Australia, for that to be realised as well," PM Morrison said.</p>

<p>Australia and China have been vying for influence<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-australian-navy-involved-in-encounter-in-south-china-sea-131633"> in sparsely populated Pacific island countries</a> that control vast swathes of resource-rich ocean. Vanuatu last year had signed up to China's Belt and Road initiative(BRI), just a few months after Australia promised to bolster its cyber-security capability.</p>

<p>"We're here because we believe in the region and always have. We've always been here. We will always be here supporting our friends and family and partners in the Pacific. We have done it for decades. In fact, we have been here for 40 years," the Australian prime minister said, adding,"we will continue to be here because we believe in the peace and prosperity and stability and independence and sovereignty of our region."&nbsp;</p>

<p>To improve cultural ties, Morrison said Australia would remove restrictions on kava, a mildly intoxicating brew that is deeply embedded in the social fabric of Pacific islanders.</p>

<p>Morrison will next travel to Fiji on Thursday as part of a Pacific tour. Australia last year offered Pacific countries up to $2.16 billion in grants and cheap loans to build infrastructure.</p>


Australia will allow imports of the intoxicating drink kava, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said as he sought to forge closer ties with its Pacific neighbours amid growing Chinese interest in the region.

Australia will allow imports of the intoxicating drink kava, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said as he sought to forge closer ties with its Pacific neighbours amid growing Chinese interest in the region. "Kava is an important product and has a successful market around the world and we have done a lot of work with Vanuatu to ensure some of those markets are opened up and that can include now to a greater extent, than has currently existed in Australia, for that to be realised as well," PM Morrison said. Australia and China have been vying for influence in sparsely populated Pacific island countries that control vast swathes of resource-rich ocean. Vanuatu last year had signed up to China's Belt and Road initiative(BRI), just a few months after Australia promised to bolster its cyber-security capability. "We're here because we believe in the region and always have. We've always been here. We will always be here supporting our friends and family and partners in the Pacific. We have done it for decades. In fact, we have been here for 40 years," the Australian prime minister said, adding,"we will continue to be here because we believe in the peace and prosperity and stability and independence and sovereignty of our region." To improve cultural ties, Morrison said Australia would remove restrictions on kava, a mildly intoxicating brew that is deeply embedded in the social fabric of Pacific islanders. Morrison will next travel to Fiji on Thursday as part of a Pacific tour. Australia last year offered Pacific countries up to $2.16 billion in grants and cheap loans to build infrastructure.

Watch: Amid competition with China, Australia to allow kava import to boost Pacific ties

<p>In a world marred by stress and cut-throat competition, New Yorkers seem to have found a novel way to unwind and destress. The &#39;Big Apple&#39; has around three cafes selling a concoction that is being touted as the &#39;new-age alcohol&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Undeniably, the past decade has seen a departure from the mainstream, while exotic ingredients like quinoa invade our plates replacing staples like the classic white rice, another one to join the league is kava -- giving tough competition to alcohol.</p>

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<p>Kava is the new kid on the block; the semi-narcotic drink is believed to have an intoxicating effect and may also help alleviate stress and anxiety.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kava is a crop typical to Western Pacific regions. Its roots are ground into powder and used to produce the concoction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The drink is known to have mildly &#39;sedative, anaesthetic, euphoriant, and entheogenic&#39; properties, one of the reasons why more and more people in the West are now turning to the drink as a healthier alternative to alcohol -- after all, who doesn&#39;t want to live the &quot;high&quot; without having to battle the horrible hangovers?&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfCsRHZHkER/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Samuel (@__pandamonium_)</a> on <time datetime="2018-02-11T03:54:46+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 10, 2018 at 7:54pm PST</time></p>
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<p>Experts believe kava to have been shrouded in veils of obscurity owing to which the plant and its produce was never really studied to the fullest. Some of the first trials and tests linked excess kava consumption to severe health repercussions including liver-damage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Unlike in the 1990s, the scholarly understanding of the plant is much better. It has been widely studied and it&#39;s generally perceived as safe and beneficial,&quot; researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand note.</p>

<p>According to an AFP report, in 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration warned against the &quot;rare&quot; but potential risk of severe liver injury associated with kava-containing products.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfB0BCujsQA/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Relaxing at @grassrootskava with a Fortune Berry Kava #kava #relaxationtime #stpete #florida #natural #kavabar</a></p>

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<p>According to reports, kava exports from Fiji witnessed a boom, almost doubled from 2012-16. Kava may have slowly begun to make its mark but food experts see its ambitious flight a rather less emphatic one. In a megacity like New York, that has thousands of bars and cafe sprawled all across, just three outlets offering kava is simply not enough to leave a mark for this &#39;new-age&#39; drink.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, those who deal in kava products, especially the ones owning kava cafes in the bustling city, have faith in the concoction&#39;s humble start.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Brooklyn&#39;s first kava bar, House of Kava, describes the drink as &quot;traditionally brewed and served by the South Pacific natives, used as a social ceremonial gathering to bring the community together to relax, unwind and let go of the stresses of our everyday life&quot;.</p>

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<p>This year may witness kava&#39;s potential in the culinary space bloom to the fullest. (Others)</p>
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<p>The cafe has an exhaustive, extensive menu dedicated to specially kava crafted cocktails and meticulously brewed kava drinks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So, does it all come to marketing in the end? Only time will tell! Just how our very own <em>haldi</em><em>-</em><em>doodh</em> was marketed as an exotic beverage and sold as the &#39;golden drink&#39; in the West, kava&#39;s popularity will also catch up soon among the millennials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japanse matcha was also met with some initial reservations and reluctance, until recently when the magical, health-promoting powder invaded almost all aspects of gastronomy starting from desserts, beverages to ice creams, shakes, chocolates, among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the recently released Whole Foods&#39;&nbsp;list of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/good-bye-2017-make-way-for-the-hottest-food-trends-of-2018-26310">&#39;hottest food trends 2018</a>&#39; is to be taken into account, edible powders like turmeric, matcha, maca will go big this year in the food space. Taking a cue from the same, the year may witness kava&#39;s potential in the culinary space bloom to the fullest.&nbsp;</p>


Those who deal in kava products have faith in the concoction's humble start

In a world marred by stress and cut-throat competition, New Yorkers seem to have found a novel way to unwind and destress. The 'Big Apple' has around three cafes selling a concoction that is being touted as the 'new-age alcohol'. Undeniably, the past decade has seen a departure from the mainstream, while exotic ingredients like quinoa invade our plates replacing staples like the classic white rice, another one to join the league is kava -- giving tough competition to alcohol. A post shared by Melita Martorana (@theitalianinnz) on Feb 10, 2018 at 10:55pm PST × Kava is the new kid on the block; the semi-narcotic drink is believed to have an intoxicating effect and may also help alleviate stress and anxiety. Kava is a crop typical to Western Pacific regions. Its roots are ground into powder and used to produce the concoction. The drink is known to have mildly 'sedative, anaesthetic, euphoriant, and entheogenic' properties, one of the reasons why more and more people in the West are now turning to the drink as a healthier alternative to alcohol -- after all, who doesn't want to live the "high" without having to battle the horrible hangovers? A post shared by Samuel (@__pandamonium_) on Feb 10, 2018 at 7:54pm PST × Experts believe kava to have been shrouded in veils of obscurity owing to which the plant and its produce was never really studied to the fullest. Some of the first trials and tests linked excess kava consumption to severe health repercussions including liver-damage. "Unlike in the 1990s, the scholarly understanding of the plant is much better. It has been widely studied and it's generally perceived as safe and beneficial," researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand note. According to an AFP report, in 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration warned against the "rare" but potential risk of severe liver injury associated with kava-containing products. Relaxing at @grassrootskava with a Fortune Berry Kava #kava #relaxationtime #stpete #florida #natural #kavabar A post shared by Amy Shilvock (@amy081980) on Feb 10, 2018 at 11:43am PST × According to reports, kava exports from Fiji witnessed a boom, almost doubled from 2012-16. Kava may have slowly begun to make its mark but food experts see its ambitious flight a rather less emphatic one. In a megacity like New York, that has thousands of bars and cafe sprawled all across, just three outlets offering kava is simply not enough to leave a mark for this 'new-age' drink. However, those who deal in kava products, especially the ones owning kava cafes in the bustling city, have faith in the concoction's humble start. Brooklyn's first kava bar, House of Kava, describes the drink as "traditionally brewed and served by the South Pacific natives, used as a social ceremonial gathering to bring the community together to relax, unwind and let go of the stresses of our everyday life". This year may witness kava's potential in the culinary space bloom to the fullest. (Others) × The cafe has an exhaustive, extensive menu dedicated to specially kava crafted cocktails and meticulously brewed kava drinks. So, does it all come to marketing in the end? Only time will tell! Just how our very own haldi-doodh was marketed as an exotic beverage and sold as the 'golden drink' in the West, kava's popularity will also catch up soon among the millennials. Japanse matcha was also met with some initial reservations and reluctance, until recently when the magical, health-promoting powder invaded almost all aspects of gastronomy starting from desserts, beverages to ice creams, shakes, chocolates, among others. If the recently released Whole Foods' list of 'hottest food trends 2018' is to be taken into account, edible powders like turmeric, matcha, maca will go big this year in the food space. Taking a cue from the same, the year may witness kava's potential in the culinary space bloom to the fullest.

Kava: New York millennials swear by this semi-narcotic concoction

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