But important questions about kava have yet to be answered.

More evidence is needed to rate kava for these uses.

Kava may have severe side effects and should not be used by everyone.

Kava should not be used for longer than three months without a doctor's supervision.

There is some evidence that taking kava might help to prevent cancer.

Stop using kava at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

There may be other drugs that can interact with kava.

In 2001, concerns were raised about the safety of commercial kava products.

Only men are allowed to drink the kava, although women who serve it may be present.

Kava is known to used for social rituals and celebrations.

The agency has no evidence of health problems caused by kava, a spokeswoman said.

Although kava is not addictive, its effect may decrease with use.

Other countries have advised consumers to avoid using kava until further information is available.

"But there are lots of them left on the mainland," said Kava.

Kava affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system.

Fijians seem to get around that by bringing their own kava.

The drink is extracted from root of the kava plant.

According to research to date, kava doesn't seem to help insomnia.

Kava should never be taken with these prescription drugs.

There was kava in the next field over, also overrun by the wild grass.

It is not known whether kava will be harmful to a nursing infant.

They are ceremonially served food from special baskets and kava.

Kava has become the subject of several popular books, and numerous Web sites sell it.

People had such a good time drinking kava that Christian missionaries tried to ban it.

Kava is the dietary supplement of the moment for stress reduction.