Kratom and Kava are plant-based supplements people use to complement their daily routines. You can easily find both Kava and Kratom online, at stores, and at Kava bars.
Both botanicals are available in different forms. Their raw leaves are used to prepare a variety of consumable items. To understand whether they are similar, let’s draw a comprehensive comparison between Kava vs Kratom.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom’s scientific name is Mitragyna Speciosa. This tree is native to Southeast Asian regions, including Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Kratom leaves have two active compounds (mitragynine and 7-hydroxy-mitragynine) that are known as alkaloids. Kratom is available in different forms, e.g., powder, extracts, capsules, and gummies.
What Is Kava?
Piper methysticum is the scientific name of Kava. It is native to the South Pacific Islands, including Samoa, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga. This botanical has been used for hundreds of years in rituals and traditional ceremonies. Kava offers a slightly bitter and earthy taste that may not be favorable for newbies.
Kava Vs Kratom – Differences
Now that you are familiar with Kava and Kratom, it is time to discuss their differences.
1. Chemical Combination
When comparing Kratom vs Kava, chemical composition plays a crucial role. Kratom, as mentioned earlier, contains several alkaloid components, the prominent ones being mitragynine and 7-hydroxy-mitragynine. These alkaloids contribute to giving Kratom a certain taste.
On the other hand, kavalactones are the active components in Kava. These components help Kava offer a unique taste and feeling when consumed. Along with kavalactones, Kava also contains long-chain fatty acids, esters, alkaloids, steroids, amides, aliphatic alcohols, and flavonoids.
2. Origin – Kava Vs Kratom
As stated earlier, Kava originates from the South Pacific Islands. People use it in ceremonial rituals and social gatherings. It is made from the plant’s roots. This botanical is mostly taken as a drink to enjoy the journey.
In contrast, Mitragyna Speciosa or Kratom originates from Southeast Asian lands, such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. This herb is usually consumed as leaves. Other popular forms of consumption of Kratom include powder, capsules, and extracts.
3. Preparation – Kava Vs Kratom
Both Kava and Kratom offer different properties, which is why they are prepared differently. Kava is prepared from the root of Piper methysticum. The root is converted into a fine powder. This powder is mixed with water and strained, forming an earthy, milky drink.
Kratom is extracted from the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree. The leaves are dried and converted into a fine powder. The powder is then packed in capsule shells, brewed into tea, or mixed with juice or water.
4. Legal Status – Kava Vs Kratom
The legal status of Kratom and Kava may be different in different regions. As far as Kratom’s legality is concerned, this herb is declared legal in many states of the US at the federal level. Since states have the authority to set their regulations, some states, counties, and cities have banned Kratom partially or entirely in their respective regions. On the other hand, you can freely consume Kava in all states in the United States without any restrictions.
5. Dependence
Comparing Kava vs Kratom shows that both botanicals differ significantly in their potential for dependence. Kava is not an addictive substance, as it mainly affects GABA receptors. However, regular consumption may cause mild tolerance.
In contrast, frequent use of Kratom can lead to dependence. Similarly, higher doses of this botanical may cause dependence, too. The potential for dependence on this plant material is a considerable concern for regulatory authorities.
6. Working Mechanism – Kava Vs Kratom
Since Kava and Kratom contain different active compounds, they have different mechanisms of action. Kratom has a range of alkaloid components (7-hydroxy-mitragynine and mitragynine are the prominent ones). These alkaloids bind to opioid receptors to prejudice their actual influence.
Whereas, kavalactones in Kava interact with GABA receptors. This herb does not activate opioid receptors; therefore, it is not an addictive botanical. This is how the working mechanism of Kava vs Kratom differs.
7. Side Effects – Kava Vs Kratom
Distinct mechanisms of action make Kratom and Kava show different side effects. Since Kratom binds to opioid receptors, it may lead to more intense side effects than many other plant materials, including Kava. Excessive use for the long term may lead to a more severe influence and increased dependence.
Kava, on the other hand, binds to GABA receptors, leading to mild side effects. Frequent long-term use can be unfavorable for many consumers, but not all.
Kratom vs Kava – Similarities
Now you know the potential differences between Kava vs Kratom. Let’s look at what similarities these botanicals share.
1. Consumption
Kratom and Kava share similar consumption methods. Both plant materials are usually dried. The dried substance is then converted into a fine powder. Later, the powder is mixed with juice or liquid for ingestion.
Kratom powder is mostly mixed with juice or water for easy consumption. In addition, the powder of this botanical is also brewed with tea. Moreover, you can mix it with smoothies to mask its bitterness.
When consumed, kava is made by mixing the root powder with water and straining it to form a milky drink. Kratom and kava are also similar in social and ceremonial use.
2. Effects – Kava Vs Kratom
The comparison of Kava vs Kratom shows that these herbal supplements have multiple similar effects. For example, both show dose-dependent effects. The lower doses of these botanicals may create increased sociability.
Similarly, Kratom is known for promoting a sense of pleasure, and Kava fosters a sense of well-being. If you want to feel more at ease in your social gatherings, both herbs are worth taking. Despite the mentioned similarities in effects, Kava is not addictive, whereas Kratom can be highly addictive if taken in large amounts for a more extended period.
Can You Consume Kratom And Kava Together?
Yes, you can take both botanicals together. However, you may need to be careful while doing so, as they have different mechanisms of action. Both Kratom and Kava offer unmatched effects. Once they are combined and taken together, the effects become more enhanced.
If you want a more balanced experience from these botanicals, you will surely enjoy taking them together. The best way to combine and consume these herbs is to start with low doses. If everything goes fine, start increasing slowly and monitor how they behave.
Kava Vs Kratom – Which Is Safer?
When comparing the effects of Kratom tea vs Kava, consuming Kratom has a risk of dependence. In contrast, taking moderate doses of Kava is considered safe. However, it all depends on the individual’s response, frequency of use, and dosage.
Both Kava and Kratom may behave differently with different consumers. Similarly, different doses of Kava and Speciosa may show different effects on different consumers. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kratom poses potentially diverse effects.
Remember, both Kava and Kratom may have potential risks and side effects when taken in large amounts or misused. However, Kratom’s higher risk of dependence makes Kava safer.
Why Do People In Recovery Use Kava Vs Kratom?
Kava vs Kratom have proven to be a great alternative to sedative substances that are not considered safe and are illegal in the US. This is the primary reason why people prefer these botanicals in recovery.
Some people in recovery believe that Kava can offer pleasant effects to make their day. In contrast, Kratom is known for producing a more intense influence. Remember, the use of Kratom and Kava in recovery is controversial, and it may lead to potential risks.
Additionally, both plant materials may interact with other medications you take, making their consumption not recommended in recovery phases. Therefore, always consult a health professional before you take any of these herbs in recovery.
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