The tropical paradise of Fiji is an archipelago of 332 islands flung like rice at a wedding across 230,000 square kilometers of the southwest Pacific. The enchanting and amiable natives of this sun-kissed Eden have two favorite expressions: Bula, an all-purpose greeting which encompasses everything from How are you? to Have a nice day, and "Mataka", which roughly translated means "later". Fijians boast that when Mataka is compared with the Mexican "Manana", the latter rings with a note of urgency.

Historically the Fijians were fierce warriors today they are exceptional rugby players but their usual demeanor is relaxed, sweet-tempered and very Mataka. This is often attributed to their fondness for Kava Kava, a drink made by pounding or chewing the roots of the Kava Kava vine and then soaking the mash in cold water. Heat destroys the active ingredients.

Several years ago I was sitting cross-legged in a jungle clearing in Fiji, in a circle of laughing young Fijians. They were passing around a coconut shell filled with a brownish green liquid that looked like muddy water. I had heard about Kava and its alleged relaxing properties and had always assumed that it was alcoholic. Not so. When the shell was passed to me I took a sip and tasted a slightly bitter, but generally insipid liquid. Urged to drink more, I felt a slight tingling numbness in my lips and within minutes a serene glow was suffusing my body as quickly as butter melting in a hot pan. When the shell reached the last person in the group, he took a large mouthful and spat the contents on the ground. I learned later that this was an offering to the gods for a rich harvest.

Kava has long been considered a libation to the gods in the South Pacific. The spiritual healers of Fiji, known as Dauvaguna, use the herb to help them communicate with Vu, a spirit force, who helps them foretell the future and directs them to apply the correct herbal remedies for their patients. Kava is believed to cure illnesses, remove curses and foster friendship. It has a pivotal role in the ratification of agreements and the settling of disputes. It is drunk to ensure safety prior to long trips, especially sea voyages, and to celebrate marriages, births and even deaths. Mostly it is the South Pacific equivalent of the evening cocktail, being consumed every sundown as a relaxant.

Kava is a perennial shrub belonging to the pepper family, Piperaceae. It was given its botanical name, Piper methysticum, or intoxicating pepper, in 1777 by the explorer and botanist, Johann Georg Forster.

Research shows that the main active ingredients in the root of Kava are a group of resinous compounds called kava lactones. These have a depressant effect on the central nervous system and are sedative and antispasmodic. Kava is a very effective muscle relaxant. Kava lactones also have an antiseptic and anesthetic effect on the urinary tract and bladder and kava has been used successfully to treat urinary tract infections. The herb is a strong diuretic and this cleansing effect along with its analgesic properties make it a useful herb in combating arthritic and rheumatic problems including gout.

But it is Kavas ability to deliver a delicious combination of calmness and alertness that has put it on the list of top selling herbs to combat the major disease of industrialized society: anxiety. German clinical studies published in 1990 revealed that kawain, one of the kava lactones, is as effective in relieving anxiety as benzodiazepene. In large doses Kava produces a type of euphoria and for this reason it is still touted as an aphrodisiac in the South Pacific.

Until recently, Kava was illegal in Canada. The Health Protection Branch of Health Canada had some concerns about the intoxicating properties of the herb. However, bowing to pressure from herbalists and the public, Kava is now available on the shelves of Costco.

Kava has proven itself to be a very effective herb to combat stress and anxiety without the addictive qualities and negative side effects of drugs such as Valium. However, some cautions should be noted. People taking anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications should never use kava. It should not be combined with alcohol or other recreational drugs. Pregnant or nursing women should not use it. Although Kava has minimal side effects, long-term use may result in dry, scaly skin with a yellow pigment. Should this occur users should discontinue taking the herb immediately. Also, a single, large dose of Kava can cause intoxication and drowsiness so it is advisable not to drive a car or operate heavy machinery after taking the herb. The drowsiness that follows Kavas initial rush of calm alertness can be a great sleep inducer and some people find the herb a more effective sleep aid than valerian and certainly a better option than sleeping pills.