Kava
Piper methysticum

Among people of the Pacific Islands, kava has been used in religious rituals for centuries. This 10-foot-tall shrub is native to Polynesia and grows throughout the Pacific Islands, as far east as Hawaii. Since gaining popularity in the world of herbs, kava has also begun to be cultivated in Australia and the United States. Scientists have recently identified some interesting constituents of kava, including a lactone called "kawain." Kawain works as a sedative that may be particularly helpful against stress. Other potential benefits of kava include the relaxation of muscles, and help in getting to sleep. Kava may be just what you need to soothe and calm you after an especially stressful day.

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