Today, many people turn to nature for wellness. Herbal dietary supplements and other natural, plant-based products offer a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental health. Kratom and kava are two rising stars in this world. But which one is better?
When discussing kava vs. kratom, multiple factors must be considered. Both plants can be used to enhance one’s sense of well-being. Although kratom and kava have similar effects, they each have distinct properties that may appeal to different users. They also differ in their current legal status and availability.
If you’re wondering about the similarities between kava and kratom, this article will provide an overview to help you decide which one is the best choice for you. You’ll also learn how to enjoy kratom and kava and whether you can take kratom and kava at the same time.
Kava vs. Kratom: Origins
When learning about a new supplement, it’s always important to consider its origins. As previously mentioned, both kava and kratom come from plants. These plants are native to tropical regions, yet their environments are unique and contribute to their key differences.
Kratom is made from the leaves of a tree called Mitragyna speciosa. This tree is part of the coffee family and grows in Southeast Asia. In Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and other countries in that region, kratom has been cultivated for thousands of years for use in traditional medicine and religious rituals. Indigenous people would chew the leaves, brew them into teas, or use them in salves and other herbal medicines.
Kava, on the other hand, is made from the roots or stumps of the Piper methysticum shrub, which is native to islands in the Pacific. The word “kava” derives from the Polynesian word “awa,” which means bitter and refers to the plant’s acquired taste. In traditional medicine practices from the region, the kava roots or stumps are crushed or ground up. Then, they are soaked in cold water and consumed as a tea.
Chemical Composition of Kratom and Kava
Because they are derived from different plants, kratom and kava, get their active effects from different chemical compounds.
Kratom: Kratom’s active ingredients are two alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Depending upon the strain, some types of kratom may have a higher concentration of one alkaloid than the other. However, all kratom contains at least a little of both. These alkaloids work by activating the opioid receptors in the brain.
Kava: Kava’s active ingredients are chemical compounds known as kavalactones. The specific kavalactones in kava are called Kavain, Dihydrokavain, Yangonin, Methysticin, Dihydromethysticin, and Demethylxyangonin. When metabolized by the body, kavalactones target the central nervous system to induce kava’s pleasing effects.
Effects of Kava vs. Kratom
When considering kava vs. kratom, many people ask about the effects of each plant. Let’s dive into the similarities and differences reported by users of both kratom and kava.
Kratom offers a wide range of benefits and effects depending on the strain. Strains with a higher concentration of Mitragynine, such as white vein kratom, are reported to deliver a more get-up-and-go feeling. Users find this kratom helps them feel more focused and motivated. Mitragynine-dominant kratom is usually enjoyed in the mornings, often in lieu of a cup of coffee.
Kratom strains with a higher concentration of 7-Hydroxymitragynine, such as red vein kratom, are reported to induce a more “chill vibes” feeling. Users enjoy these strains of kratom to feel more grounded and wind down at night. They report that these kratom strains help them let go of mental chatter and tension from their daily grind.
Other strains of kratom, such as green vein kratom, offer a balance of both alkaloids. These kratom strains are considered “the best of both worlds” and are enjoyed by users to enhance feelings of well-being at mid-day.
Kava is reported to elevate mood and reduce anxiety. In one study, researchers found that consuming kava caused changes in the brain similar to those of diazepam (Valium). It’s believed that the kavalactones may function as a natural anti-anxiety agent. Studies have also found that kava may improve sleep quality.
Legal Status & Availability
Another difference between kratom and kava is the legal status and availability of each supplement. Kava is legal in most countries, while many countries, such as Australia, have imposed bans on kratom.
In the United States, kratom is not a controlled substance. However, some states and municipalities have passed legislation to make it illegal to buy, sell, or possess in their jurisdictions. To find out whether kratom is legal where you live, visit the American Kratom Association’s interactive map.
As for kava, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a consumer advisory notice against it in 2002, citing concerns that kava may be linked to potential liver damage. However, kava remains unregulated and legal in the US.
How to Use Kava and Kratom
Now that you understand the similarities and differences between kratom and kava, you may be wondering how to enjoy them. Can you take them together? Yes! Many users enjoy the combined effects of kratom and kava. However, always remember to start slowly with the lowest possible dose of each supplement.
Kava is usually enjoyed as a tea made from powder. The traditional method for enjoying kava involves mixing the powder with water, then straining the mixture and drinking it. However, some people blend kava powder into smoothies or add it to baking recipes.
As for kratom, there are many options for enjoying this plant. You can take a pinch of raw kratom powder and wash it down with water or juice, swallow kratom capsules, or add kratom powder to other recipes. It is also available as teas, tinctures, and extracts.
If you’re interested in trying kava and kratom together or separately, always make sure you source from a reliable vendor. At Joe’s Botanicals, our kratom is 100% natural, premium quality, and lab-tested for purity and potency. It’s the perfect kratom to pair with kava or enjoy on its own. Try some today!
