New and promising herbs are flooding the news these days. These herbals however, are not new. They have been used for hundreds of years, and are just now being accepted as medicine instead of folklore myths. Kava is one of those herbs. Scientific records first report Kava as a medicinal in 1886. It has been helping people achieve restful sleep and has a calming effect on the body.

Kava, also known as piper methysticum, was typically consumed as a beverage many years ago. It was often the drink of choice as a relaxant in stressful social situations instead of alcohol. The discoverer of kava, Captain James Cook gave this plant the botanical name, "intoxicating pepper".

In 1993 the active ingredients were finally discovered - Kavalactones are the phytonutrients found in kava. Absorption occurs in the gastrointestinal tract and kava works to relax muscles in a manner similar to tranquilizers. Many people prefer kava to prescription drugs because kava enhances cognitive function, where many drugs make mental function somewhat sluggish. Kava also works on the brain's GABA receptors, which regulate anxiety.

The effects of this herbal are noticed quickly. A dose of 100-150mg can typically induce sleep in around 30 minutes. Therefore, it should not be consumed before driving. Kava is very helpful for relaxation, but should be used with caution, only as needed and only occasionally.

Plant medicine specialists have claimed that any side effects from kava are rare. If you feel restless, anxious or experience bouts of depression, kava could be your missing link for health and happiness.