t's been around for centuries but an herb native to the South Pacific is growing in popularity among young people

When harvested, the root is ground into a powder that is then mixed with water into a drink

It makes you feel good," Jones said. "It makes you feel like there's nothing really in the world that you have to worry about

Dr. Kelly, of Massachusetts General Hospital, said clinical studies have shown kava can relieve stress and anxiety

Here's the problem. Some young people are taking an ancient island custom to the extreme. There are clips all over You Tube showing young people drinking mass quantities of kava

Anyone can buy kava legally in the U.S. The $30 bag we ordered from Hawaii says "not for use by anyone under 18" but the Web site never asked for an age.

The bag does have a warning that says, "Excessive consumption may impair ability to operate heavy equipment.