I was annoyed to see that the local kava bar was harassed (“Kava Controversy,” Aug. 23) and temporarily shut down by authorities, only to open after hiring an attorney that fought for their case.

The accusation was that kava is a “food additive” and therefore cannot be sold in a restaurant. I don’t fully understand what “food additive” means in this context; nevertheless, it makes no sense to me at all. Kava is a plant, and the root is used to make a tea or infusion that is then consumed.

There are many plants used in similar ways that are for sale in restaurants, tea houses and coffee shops all over — plants that we like for different reasons, many of which have scientifically proven health benefits and that we enjoy.

I love a cup of coffee in the morning. Coffee is a bean living within a fleshy fruit that comes from places far away. We dry it, roast it and grind it up to make a yummy and medicinal drink that many, although not all, like to consume.

Kava has some effects on mood and tends towards producing a euphoric effect. In my view, drinking kava is a very safe and gentle way to have a good time.

Elke Overstake

Cottage Grove

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