Taking kava, an herb used for centuries in the South Pacific, will reduce stress, say researchers Nirbhay N. Singh, Ph.D. and Cynthia R. Ellis, M.D., of Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia. Some 60 individuals ages 18 to 60 were given either kava or a placebo. Those who took kava twice daily found that their stress levels declined, while the placebo group experienced virtually no change. As for side effects, Singh concludes, "It is not addictive and does not lead to dose tolerance."