Asians have been using botanical herbs like kava and kratom to gain energy and cure various ailments for hundreds of centuries. In recent years, both kava and kratom have gained increasing popularity and interest in Western countries.
Before consuming any of the botanical substances, it’s essential to have complete information about dosage, consumption, and side effects.
In this article, we have discussed kava and kratom in detail, including benefits, effects, differences, and legality in different countries and states.
Understanding The Basics Of Kratom Vs Kava
Before we jump to the key differences between Kratom vs Kava, you need to know the basics of both plants.
What Is Kava?
Kava is derived from the kava plant’s roots (Piper Methysticum), which belong to the pepper family. It resembles a tree, but it is a plant that has just assumed its shape. The roots of kava are typically found in Indonesia and Fiji.
People of these countries often use them to make juices and teas. You may find kava root mixed with coconut or plain water in some restaurants to create a trendy drink. In olden times, kava was also used in ceremonial rituals in Polynesian culture due to its euphoric and stress-relieving effects.
Consuming kava is easy, you can dry out the roots, grind them up, and mix them with some water. There are also pre-made kava tea bags available. You can also grab some powder and make your kava tea at home. It is also available in pill form in the supplement section of pharmacies and drug stores.
Benefits of Kava
Kava is often used to relax and calm the mind and body. It is described as mildly euphoric. Many people also feel tranquility and less anxiety after consuming Kava.
In addition to helping people fall asleep, it also improves sleep quality. People also use kava to relieve muscle tension and pain.
Side Effects of Kava
Kava is derived from the plant and thus has both benefits and side effects. One of the biggest potential damages is liver dysfunction. It can cause dizziness, confusion of mind, nausea, shortness of breath, and skin problems (rashes or yellowing) if used in high doses.
Kava needs to be consumed responsibly and from reliable sources. However, side effects are typically minor and reversible.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia. It has been used for centuries to deal with anxiety and pain. It is also known as Mitragyna Speciosa and is widely grown in Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand.
Kratom leaves are usually dried and brewed into tea, they can also be chewed directly. You can also consume it in the form of capsules, extracts, or tablets.
Kratom contains alkaloids that are the same as caffeine; it tends to affect your brain and nervous system and provides stimulation. The amount of dosage and method of consumption are highly important when it comes to kratom. The high dose of kratom can produce sedative sensations. One should always be cautious while taking kratom, especially if you want to mix it with other herbs like kava or want to blend it with your coffee.
Benefits of Kratom
Kratom leaves are commonly used in Southeast Asia to treat pain, fever, diarrhea, and coughs. Some people also use it to boost their energy levels and enhance their mood. It is also used as a natural remedy for conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and migraines.
Kratom also helps in managing opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Similar to other herbs, kratom effects vary with the dosage consumed. As little as 5 grams, it can act as a mild stimulant, providing increased energy, quality focus, and improved mood. However, after 8 grams, it can act as a sedative and help in pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria.
Side Effects of Kratom
The FDA has issued a public warning regarding the use of kratom, as some harmful heavy metals and salmonella have been found in it, which can cause serious illness. It is also added to the list of “Drug of Concern” document.
Kratom has some serious side effects if not used properly. It can cause nausea and vomiting, constipation, and dry mouth. If used without guidance and at higher doses, it can lead to more severe issues like liver dysfunction, high blood pressure, loss of breath, and confusion in mind. To a serious extent, it can cause tremors and even seizures.
Key Differences Between Kratom Vs Kava
Kava and Kratom have some similar effects; both of them produce relaxation, sedation, and improved mood. Kratom is dose-dependent and produces mild effects in lower doses and high sedative-like effects at higher amounts of consumption. Kava, on the other hand, produces calming and relaxing effects.
Kratom is used for reducing pain and opioid withdrawal, while kava is used to treat anxiety disorders due to its anxiolytic properties.
Kava poses a higher risk of liver toxicity with long-term or excessive use; kratom, on the other hand, holds potential for addiction and dependence.
Kava and kratom both can cause dizziness and sedation, and can be a reason for impaired cognitive function if used in a higher dosage. It can also cause nausea, liver dysfunction, and constipation.
It’s generally advised to avoid combining kava and kratom or to proceed with extreme caution if doing so, as the risks and potential interactions between the two are not yet fully understood.
Legality of Kava vs Kratom
Kratom is legal in some US states and has an age limit for consumption, while illegal in some areas. For instance, in Arkansas, the sale of kratom to anyone under 21 is banned, same in Sarasota County.
Kava is legal in all 50 states and isn’t regulated by law, as it is often consumed as a beverage in many communities. It comes from the root of a plant in the pepper family and is usually ground into a powder, and then mixed with water to make drinks.
Kava is native to Fiji, Hawaii, and other Pacific islands. Dated back 3,000 years, it has a long history and has been used in ceremonies as a community drink for celebrations.
Note: Before consuming kava or kratom, discuss it with your healthcare provider to stay cautious of any harmful effects, as per your medical condition. Both substances have the potential to cause damage and addiction.
Kava vs Kratom for Pain Management
Kava and kratom have been used for centuries to treat pain and get instant relief. It’s important to understand the benefits, risks, and mechanisms of action for both kava and kratom before consuming them.
Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant traditionally consumed to achieve sedative effects. It is known to reduce anxiety and provide relaxation to muscles. Kava can also help with certain types of pain, mainly muscle tension, headache, and nerve-related discomfort.
Kava contains kavalactones, which interact with GABA receptors in the brain, offering relaxation in muscles and reducing spasms. Some studies have also found that Kava has mild anti-inflammatory properties to treat conditions like arthritis. It also helps in relieving neuropathic pain and calming the nervous system.
This beneficial herb helps in stress-related pain, such as tension headaches. It promotes relaxation and provides better sleep, which is essential for aiding recovery. Kava is mild and non addictive when used with caution.
Note: It is not effective for severe or acute pain. Kava can cause liver toxicity with excessive or long-term use. It can cause drowsiness if used in the daytime.
Kratom, on the other hand, contains alkaloids; mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine interact with opioid receptors in the brain, providing pain relief depending on the dose.
Kratom provides opioid-like effects at moderate to higher doses. It reduces pain by binding to mu-opioid receptors, but with a lower risk of respiratory depression. In smaller doses, it can provide energy and stimulation, which helps with pain-related fatigue. Some strain types also reduce inflammation, aiding conditions like arthritis.
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Kratom is highly potent for pain relief, especially in chronic conditions. It helps pain sufferers by also improving their mood and reducing anxiety. It is less addictive than prescribed opioids when used with caution.
Note: Kratom has a higher risk of dependency and withdrawal when used frequently. It can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, or constipation. Kratom also has legality issues all around the world, as it is banned in some states and countries. You can check the kratom legality details here.
Kratom Vs Kava: What Makes Kratom A Better Choice
Multiple reasons make kratom a better choice compared to kava. Some of the major ones are as follows:
- Kratom has an instant, stronger, and long-lasting effect.
- It comes from a natural herb and contains no chemicals.
- It is ideal for treating a wide range of health conditions, including muscle cramps, pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, stress, and much more in a natural way.
- It can be used in the form of powder, tablets, and capsules.
So, whenever you have to decide which one to choose between kratom vs kava, you should consider opting for Kratom.
Wrapping Up
As we wrap up, you need to understand your needs and preferences. After knowing the key differences between kratom vs kava, you now know that both offer different effects, and kratom is the right choice for you.
Both kava and kratom can be used for sedative effects, but they are opposite in biological terms. Kratom is an opiate, but also has stimulating properties, while kava is a relaxing herb that is widely used in Polynesian cultures as a ceremonial beverage. It greatly helps in easing social interactions and relieves stress.
Kava and kratom both have benefits and side effects, so if you’re looking for something to help you relax, kava is a good option. But, for more sedative and stimulating effects, kratom might be the one to help you get high.
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FAQs – Kava and Kratom
Yes, Kava is safe to consume. People have been using it for 3000 years in religious ceremonies and festivals as a beverage.
Kava addiction is not currently reported however, kratom can be addictive if used frequently in high doses. There are also many specialized programs for people experiencing kratom addiction. It is also labeled as a “Drug of Concern” by the FDA.
No, don’t mix kava and kratom in a drink, smoke, or vape either, as their stronger parts could cause your body to shut down. Although they have similar effects, you should be cautious. People who use both kava and kratom consume them at different times during their weekly routines, so their effects might not mix.
Kava doesn’t have alcohol in it, but it is a central nervous system depressant. It can cause effects like being drunk, including trouble balancing your body and slurred speech. It can help with anxiety, sleep problems, and stress, and can be a substitute for those who want to get rid of prescription drugs.
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