De-mythologizing and re-branding the traditional drink kava

What do you call journalism, or more importantly research, that is supported by repetitive misinformation, resulting in an accepted but incorrect, narrative? This is the case with the kava plant, named Piper methysticum or ‘intoxicating pepper’ by a naturalist who accompanied Captain James Cook on his voyage to the Pacific some 250 years ago. That name, which inferred that kava causes intoxication when consumed, is one of several “myths” that have developed around kava over the years, and Dr ‘Apo’ Aporosa from New Zealand’s University of Waikato believes it’s time to re-evaluate this icon of Pacific identity and correct these misunderstandings.