It's an herb that strengthens the nervous system and has a nice affect on the mind - calms and strengthens it without wonky side-effects like insomnia. Much better than coffee any day. No sickening rush like caffeine.
You can take it in powder form, I usually get it in combo iwth licorice root, which also strengthens the adrenal glands. Most bottles of herbs are from 9-12 bucks.