Australia's former deputy PM Michael McCormack rushed to hospital after drinking a bowl of kava at once
Michael McCormack
Former Australian deputy prime minister Michael McCormack fell ill after drinking a bowl of Kava at once during his visit to Micronesia.
Kava is a powerful drink made with pepper plants with many qualities.
The MP took to Twitter and said, "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."
As he fell ill, the Australian delegation fanned him and rubbed his back as he held a can to his mouth. He was then assisted to a vehicle and driven to the hospital treated for dehydration.
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Talking to Guardian he said that he was in good spirits until he had that kava and fell unexpectedly ill.
He said, "I was trying to be respectful – I really took one for team Australia."
He added, "They made it in front of us, squeezing the juice out of these massive tree roots, just absolutely squeezing it. It had a peppery essence and I was OK for 10 to 15 minutes and then I thought, ‘ooooh, OK'."
"I went cross-eyed. I really did. Then someone got me a bucket and, well, yeah."
After he recovered the MP said he slept for 14 hours straight and later went to the Australian ambassador's house.
As a member of the bipartisan Australian parliamentary delegation on a tour to the Pacific region, McCormack stayed in Palikir while others wentto Palau.
(With inputs from agencies)
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