When did kava become popular?

Could you please enlighten me on the matter of kava's popularity? I'm quite curious to know when it started gaining traction and becoming widely known. Was it a gradual process or did it suddenly explode in popularity? Was there a specific event or trend that triggered its rise to fame? Also, do you have any insights on the reasons behind its popularity? Was it its unique properties, cultural significance, or perhaps something else? I'm eager to learn more about this fascinating topic.