Asians have been using botanical herbs like kava and kratom to gain energy and cure various alignments 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.
What is Kava?
Kava is derived from the kava plant’s roots (Piper Methysticum), which belong to the pepper family. It looks like a tree, but it is a plant that just got 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 for relaxing, and calming 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. If used in high dosage it can cause dizziness, confusion of mind, nausea, shortness of breath, and skin problems (rashes or yellowing).
Kava needs to be consumed responsibly and from reliable sources. However, side effects are typically minor and reversible.
Exploring 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, it 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 has the tendency to affect your brain and nervous system and provides stimulation. The amount of dosage and method of consumption is 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 in 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 on 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 helps in pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria.
Side Effects of Kratom
FDA has issued a public warning regarding the use of kratom as some harmful heavy metals and salmonella is found in it which can cause serious illness. They have also enlisted in the “Drug on Concern” document.
Kratom has some serious side effects if not used properly, in a limited dosage. It can cause nausea and vomiting, constipation, and dry mouth. If used without guidance and on 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.
Difference Between Kava and Kratom
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 to consume, while illegal in some areas. For instance in Florida, 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 damage and addiction.
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 it 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.
You can buy kratom tablets online from Occurs Naturally. We provide safe, effective, and natural alternatives for stress relief, energy enhancement, and cognitive support. You can get kratom tablets in 20mg each in 2 or 3 tablets serving for relaxation, focus, and energy. ON7 only uses the highest quality botanical ingredients ensuring each product is safe and effective.
Conclusion
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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