Kratom and kava are two popular dietary supplements known for their unique benefits and traditional origins. Both are used for their potential to enhance relaxation, promote sociability, and alleviate discomfort. Although they have some similar effects, kratom and kava are very different. These two herbal supplements differ in their origins, active compounds, and effects.
Mitra Bros has compiled data on kratom and kava in order to give you a primer on the differences between the two products. For an overview of the similarities and differences between kratom and kava, read on– then head over to our online store to check out our top kratom products.
Origins of Kratom vs. Kava
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Belonging to the same plant family as coffee, kratom leaves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to relieve pain, boost energy, and treat various ailments.
Since the 2010s, kratom has enjoyed an explosion of popularity in the U.S. and other western countries. Kratom leaves are typically dried and then either brewed into a tea or crushed and processed into powders, capsules, or extracts.
Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant indigenous to the Pacific Islands, including Fiji, Vanuatu, Hawaii, and Tonga. It is a member of the Piperaceae family, which means it’s related to peppers. Most commonly, people brew tea from the roots and stump of the plant. However, kava extracts and supplements are also available.
Kava tea is used in traditional ceremonies and other cultural practices throughout the South Pacific Islands. Today, many people also use kava socially. Kava bars started popping up in the U.S. in the early 2000s.
Effects of Kratom vs. Kava
Kratom is known for its stimulating effects. It helps people feel more energized, more focused, and more alert. Some enthusiasts say kratom also helps them feel more sociable and talkative. Many report that it improves their mood overall. In other words, kratom is about feeling positive vibes.
At higher doses, and depending on the particular strain, kratom may have sedative effects. Some people take kratom to feel more relaxed. Traditionally, kratom was also used for physical wellness. Scientists are currently researching whether kratom may be a healthier, natural alternative treatment for chronic pain, although the FDA has yet to approve kratom for any medical use.
Overindulging in kratom may lead to a kratom hangover. Symptoms including headaches, dry mouth, and fatigue. Taking kratom responsibly can help avoid and mitigate the effects of a kratom hangover. It also helps to dose correctly, especially if you’re new to kratom. Always take the lowest possible dose and don’t increase your kratom intake until your body adjusts.
Kava, on the other hand, is primarily known for relaxation. Kava is renowned for its anxiolytic effects, meaning its ability to promote calm and reduce anxiety without unduly impairing cognitive functioning. Kava helps relax the mind, calm the muscles, and decrease muscle tension.
Traditional cultures have used kava to treat sleep disorders. Like kratom, many people also take kava in social settings to enhance communication and reduce social inhibitions.
Kava has been connected to some negative side effects, including headache, dizziness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
Chemical Composition of Kratom vs. Kava
The primary active compounds in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These are compounds called alkaloids, which interact with the opioid receptors in the brain. Although kratom is not in the same chemical class as opioids, researchers are looking into whether it could someday be prescribed as a natural treatment for pain relief as well as for conditions including anxiety and depression.
Kava’s primary active compounds are known as kavalactones. These chemicals interact with the GABA receptors. Kava acts as a depressant for the central nervous system, reducing anxiety and restlessness. The specific effects of a particular strain of kava can vary based on growing conditions, which affect the strength of the kavalactones.
Legal Status of Kava vs. Kratom
The legal status of kava and kratom is one arena in which they differ significantly.
Kava is generally legal across the United States, where it is available as a dietary supplement. The FDA does not treat kava as a controlled substance and has not otherwise taken steps to ban kava. A number of states have specific rules and regulations regarding kava, but it’s generally legal to buy, sell, and possess.
Kratom is primarily unregulated at the federal level–neither federal law nor regulations from the FDA or DEA prohibit the sale of kratom–although some states have their own kratom laws and rules. A number of states have enacted regulations to protect kratom consumers, including rules regarding kratom cultivation, product labeling, and alteration of kratom products. Many states also limit kratom sales to customers over the age of 18 or 21.
Six states currently ban kratom outright. At least one of those states, Vermont, has already made moves to declassify kratom as a controlled substance and provide a framework for the legal sale of kratom. The other states are more mixed as to whether kratom will likely be legal in the near future.
Outside of the United States, the legal status of kratom and kava can vary wildly. A number of European countries have banned kratom, including Denmark, Sweden, and Poland. The kratom industry is also regulated in many Asian countries.
Some European countries have also restricted or banned kava over concerns about potential liver toxicity. But in the Pacific Islands, where kava originates, it is widely legal and culturally significant.
Compare Kratom and Kava With Help from Mitra Bros
When you’re ready to explore the differences between kratom and kava for yourself, the Mitra Bros have your back!
We’re all about educating our customers on the uses, effects, and different strains of kratom, to help them make the most educated choices. Our blog is a great resource for kratom information, tips for getting the most out of your kratom experience, and general kratom news.
Check out our online shop for a wide variety of kratom strains and products. Give us a shout if you need help finding the right kratom product for you, or if you have any questions. We love helping our customers enjoy kratom to the fullest.
