Both kava and kratom are herbal supplements consumed for their relaxing and mood-enhancing benefits. Although some of their effects are similar, both kratom and kava come from different plants and work in different ways.
But what exactly are those similarities and differences?
No need to fret as here at Finexwell, we will take you through all you need to know about Kratom vs Kava so that you can decide which one is more suitable for you.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a Southeast Asian plant that has been used for centuries to treat pain, anxiety, and addiction to opioids. It is related to coffee and is sold commercially as a nutritional supplement.
Kratom enthusiasts buy kratom usually in the form of powder or as a liquid extract. The powder can be brewed into a tea, mixed into beverages, or encapsulated in capsules whereas liquid extracts can be taken directly and in high doses.
Kratom is used both recreationally and medicinally to help with various mental and physical issues and promote overall well-being.
What is the Origin of Kratom?
Kratom is a herbal supplement that has been used by man since the beginning of the 19th century. Traditionally its leaves were chewed to exercise effects such as muscle & joint pain relief and increased sexual libido.
Kratom is immensely helpful in treating gastric issues, stomach infections, and slowing diarrhea.
For example, if you have a sudden stomach ache, you can chew on some kratom leaves and experience relief. Kratom can also be effective in treating rashes, wounds, lacerations, and opioid addiction.
What Are the Uses of Kratom?
Here are some notable uses of kratom:
Pain Relief
The first and most common use of kratom is that it can act as a natural pain reliever. The alkaloids in kratom, mainly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, work with opioid receptors in the brain, offering relief from arthritis, chronic pain, migraine, and other issues.
Energy Boost
The next one is that kratom (if taken in lower doses) can boost energy and alertness. This quality makes it popular among the labor class and individuals with demanding daily schedules. Moreover, the stimulation comes without the jitteriness often associated with coffee.
Mood Enhancement
The third on the list is kratom’s ability to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can induce relaxation and euphoria, making it an organic mood booster. Many users even report reduced stress and improved well-being.
Management of Opioid Withdrawal
Kratom is also used as a substitute for opioids during withdrawal. It mimics the effects of opioids to help individuals manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms without making them dependent.
Improved Focus and Cognitive Function
Kratom is also credited with enhancing focus, cognitive clarity, and memory. This effect is linked to its stimulating qualities, which boost concentration.
Traditional Uses
Finally, kratom has been used traditionally in Southeast Asia as a herbal remedy for digestive issues, and fatigue, and as a general wellness elixir.
What is Kava?
Kava is made from the kava plant’s roots. It belongs to the pepper family and is native to Indonesia and Fiji. People here use the root of the kava plant to make various types of teas and beverages.
Some bars and restaurants even mix it with water or coconut milk to make drinks that are enjoyed socially and recreationally.
In the U.S., kava is usually drunk as a tea, supplement and used in some baked goods. Because of its relaxing properties, it’s often used by individuals who have chronic anxiety or insomnia. Kava can also improve mood and help with restless leg syndrome.
Kava is available as pre-made tea bags, powder, and pills at local grocery stores.
What is the Origin of Kava?
Kava, a traditional drink prepared from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, originates from the South Pacific islands, particularly Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Tonga.
It stretches back over 4000 years, closely connected with the Spiritual and cultural practices of these regions. Kava was traditionally used in rituals, ceremonies, and social gatherings, symbolizing peace, community, and relations.
The kava plant is believed to have been first grown in Vanuatu, from where it spread across Oceania.
These societies loved kava not only for its calming effects but also for its role in resolving disputes and fostering dialogue. It is usually prepared by pounding or grinding the roots and mixing them with water to make a beverage with a mild sedative effect.
Today, kava is a significant symbol of Pacific Island heritage and is used worldwide for stress relief and relaxation.
What Are the Uses of Kava?
Kava, made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, is a traditional herb widely consumed in the South Pacific. It offers various uses in modern wellness and conventional practices such as:
Stress and Anxiety Relief
Kava is known for its calming qualities. It helps in reducing anxiety and stress by influencing the central nervous system. Kavalactones (compounds in kava), work with brain receptors to induce relaxation without harming mental clarity.
Improving Sleep Quality
Kava is also used to manage insomnia naturally. Its sedative qualities can help users enjoy a restful sleep by calming the mind and reducing restlessness.
Muscle Relaxation
The muscle-relaxing properties of kava make it clinical in relieving discomfort and tension. It is used to ease muscle spasms and minor pains, boosting physical well-being.
Social and Ceremonial Use
In Pacific Island cultures, kava holds an important role in traditional ceremonies and social gatherings. It promotes social bonding and is taken as a drink to convey unity and peace.
Pain Management
Kava is shown to have mild analgesic effects, which may help with minor pain, such as menstrual discomfort or headaches.
What Are the Differences Between Kratom and Kava?
Despite some similarities, kratom and kava are very different. Both come from different plant families and work in different ways to induce their effects. Here are the differences between Kava vs Kratom:
Usage
The first difference is in the usage. Kratom is widely used as a stimulant or for pain, whereas kava is used to ease stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Kava vs Kratom Effects
In small doses, kratom produces stimulating effects like coffee and in large doses, it produces sedative effects like opioid painkillers. It is also popular for its mood-boosting benefits.
On the other hand, kava’s effects are close to that of a depressant or sedative. People generally use it to relax and improve the quality of their sleep. Kava can also affect a person’s mood by working with an area of the brain closely associated with emotions.
Legality
The legality of kratom depends on where you live. Six states have banned kratom whereas 5 states have at least one region where its sale is not allowed. It’s sold in specialty stores and smoke shops.
In contrast, kava is legal in all states and is sold openly in mainstream stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
Are Kratom and Kava Legal?
The legality of kratom and kava varies by country and region.
Kratom
Made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, kratom is legal in some states but restricted or banned in others.
Internationally, countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia have restricted its use. Kratom’s legality also depends on concerns over its opioid-like properties.
Kava
Derived from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, it is widely legal and used as a recreational and ceremonial drink in the Pacific Islands.
Some nations have restricted it due to its liver-harming concerns whereas some like the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand have legalized it. Lastly, always make sure to check local laws before buying or using kratom and kava.
Can You Get Addicted to Kratom and Kava?
Yes, both kratom and kava have the potential for dependence, but the risks vary greatly.
Kratom
Regular use of kratom can lead to psychological and physical dependence due to its opioid-like properties. Withdrawal symptoms may include fatigue, irritability, cravings, and muscle aches.
The risk of addiction even goes higher with prolonged use or higher doses, especially when used to manage opioid withdrawal or chronic pain.
Kava
While kava is considered less addictive, regular and prolonged use can lead to psychological dependence. Some users may rely on kava for relaxation or stress relief, creating a pattern of regular intake.
However, kava does not induce the intense withdrawal symptoms associated with kratom or other similar substances.
Lastly, using these substances in moderation and responsibly is key to keeping addiction at bay. Also, make sure to seek professional advice if dependence becomes a serious issue.
FAQs
Can Kratom and Kava Be Used Together?
Yes, kratom and kava can be used together as they have similar effects but still, you should avoid mixing them in one dose. Instead, you should use them at different times during your daily or weekly routines.
Are Kratom and Kava the Same?
Kratom and kava have some similarities but still are significantly different. They are from different botanical families; kratom is from the coffee family, the Rubiaceae, whereas kava is from the pepper family, the Piperacea.
The benefits of kratom vary according to the size of the dosage whereas kava has a consistent calming effect irrespective of the dosage.
What is the Main Difference Between Kratom and Kava?
The main difference between kratom and kava is that kratom is commonly used for opioid withdrawal and pain management. In contrast, kava is popular for its anxiolytic qualities and potential to treat anxiety disorders.
Which is Better for Energy: Kratom or Kava?
Kratom is better than kava for energy as it has both stimulative and sedative properties whereas kava is only known for its soothing effects.
Where Can I Buy Kratom and Kava?
You can buy kratom and kava at your local health supplement stores, herbal shops, and online retailers. Just make sure that you do it from reputable sources to guarantee safety and quality.
Do Kratom and Kava Help with Pain?
If we talk about kava vs kratom for pain, only kratom has been shown to help with it, thanks to its alkaloid content whereas kava is mainly used for anxiety reduction and relaxation. Make sure to consult a healthcare provider before using any of them.
Conclusion
So finally in Kratom vs Kava, we can say that although they can be used to achieve similar sedative effects, they are not the same. Kratom is a stimulant that also has sedative properties whereas kava has been used for thousands of years as a relaxing herb.
So if you just want to relax after lunch, you can go for kava whereas if you want to get high on something, you can stick with kratom. No matter what you take, kava or kratom, both are generally well-tolerated and are available at your local health supplement stores.