n. A drug prepared from the roots of the shrub Piper methysticum. Chewing the root releases active alkaloids similar to nutmeg and sweet flag. A small or moderate dose of one ounce of finely ground kava to ten ounces of water, blended with coconut oil, gives two to four people a mild but definite euphoria. Stimulation is felt at the beginning, and a pleasant sedation without loss of mental powers occurs afterward. The high lasts about two or three hours, often ending in sleep. With larger doses kava can be hallucinogenic and a powerful sedative. As an aphrodisiac or sexual enhancer, kava kava makes some people glow with psychic and genital euphoria. There are no hangovers or unpleasant side effects, but the drink is habit forming if used in excess. Kava kava is legal in the U.S.