What was the first major discovery you made and how did it feel?

In this medicine hunting work, I identify traditional remedies that we simply either do not know, or do not know enough. My first big victory was with kava in 1995. The root of the plant is a spectacular relaxant and anti-anxiety aid. I scored a huge victory with kava, with the support and help of many others, and got Wall St Jrnl, ABC 20/20, and a slew of high-profile stories, and the kava industry went from a tiny local phenomenon to a sprawling global endeavor. I was thrilled to be in the thick of that, and most importantly made loads of friends in Vanuatu, South Pacific. Kava was the turning point. It changed the entire trajectory of my career.