
Michael McCormack, former deputy prime minister of Australia, became unwell after consuming some kava (a ceremonial drinkin the Pacific islands)while on a diplomatic tripto 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 bySeven News.
Beforeneedinghelp to get to his car, McCormack lookedevidently uncomfortableputting his hands on his head. He was then takento a hospital, where he reportedly received dehydration therapy.
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."
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 foralcohol.
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