Kava has been recently hailed as the new wonder cure for anxiety and stress. This book examines how Kava has traditionally been used in societies in the Pacific Islands, its roles in healing and ceremonial rituals for thousands of years and reviews contemporary research into its actions and constituents. It examines recent fears about possible damaging side effects of the plant and looks at similar Western herbs such as Skullcap and Hops, which are also regarded as natural relaxants. It also includes a section on other Pacific healing plants now becoming more familiar in the West.