From the Pacific Isles comes kava, the peace plant. Kava is the name of both the plant and a beverage made from its pounded roots. Kava soothes[*]. Kava rubs the sore and weary shoulders of humanity and eases the mind of its burdens[*]. In this regard, kava is the perfect representative of the Pacific Islands, for it imparts to body and mind what the imagination conjures about all tropical islands[*]. With ease and gentleness and grace, kava has captured those born to the islands as well as many who visit or settle there.

For 3,000 years, the indigenous people of the South Pacific have quaffed kava. As a daily libation among native men and women, kava is most usually consumed at the end of the workday, and the ritual of kava preparation and drinking affords both a social time and an opportunity for individual reflection[*].

Kava is nature's most perfect soothing plant[*]. Many is the evening I have sat with friends for a couple of hours before dinner, drinking shells of kava and discussing the affairs of the day with a carefree heart[*]. Kava is not physically addictive and does not diminish reason, mental clarity, or memory. Instead, kava's effects are essentially beneficial[*].

Kava drinking reinforces social bonds, enhances a sense of community, and encourages a spirit of conviviality among drinkers[*]. Kava promotes togetherness, not isolation[*]. In the islands, kava is used to settle disputes and resolve disturbances between people[*].

Kava restores harmony, and even after the immediate effects of kava have worn off, the calm and sense of balanced reflection gained while under its influence remain[*]. For a world that is cranked to the eyeballs with stress and tension, kava offers blessed relief*.

Excerpted from "Psyche Delicacies" by Chris Kilham.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or prevent any disease.