Kava kava

Therapy. Piper methysticum, “the intoxicating long pepper”, is not an old medicine, though under the name of kava-kava and closely similar appellations it has been used in the preparation of a disgusting ceremonial drink among certain South Sea Islanders from early times.

Therapy. The agent was first introduced for the treatment of all forms of gonorrhea, but it will probably give better satisfaction, will show its prompt influence to a better advantage in the treatment of sub-acute forms or in the slow, persistent, and otherwise intractable forms, than in the acute variety.

Description, Medical Uses, and Dosage. (See Piper methysticum). Fluid extract of Piper methysticum is of a reddish-brown color, and imparts the taste of the root. It is odorless, and, as thus prepared, represents very nearly the quality of drug employed, troy ounce to each fluid ounce of the finished extract. This is our formula, introduced in the Supplement in 1881. The National Formulary practically directs the above menstruum and process.

Action. Piper Methysticum stimulates the salivary but not the cutaneous glands, and strongly excites the kidneys to watery diuresis, proportionately less solid material being voided in the urine. Upon the stomach it acts much like the stimulant bitters, increasing the appetite, and produces neither diarrhea nor dysentery.