If you are a native to kava culture, you might have heard “what is Kratom” buzzing all around. Both of the terms are used interchangeably due to their common euphoric effect.
Despite having several similarities, kava and Kratom are still way too different. They are most of the time sold alongside others in kava bars. They both belong to a herbal family rendering various effects on the body and mind.
In this article, we will be exploring what they share in common. In addition to this, what makes kava different and better than kava?
Kratom vs Kava Introduction
Kratom is a tropical herb. It originates from southeast Asian soil of Thailand and Malaysia. It relates to the coffee tree. The natives of south Asian countries mostly use Kratom extract or powder to treat chronic pain. It is exported to various other countries where it is finely grounded or extracted to be used by GRH Kratom enthusiasts.
Whereas, kava belongs to the pepper family scientifically termed as Piper methysticum. It originates from Polynesia, Fiji, and other western pacific islands. People use its root to get extract for kava tea and other beverages.
Kava is used in various cultures for its pain-relieving potential. Both the plants share a common physiological capacity that makes them similar.
Similarities: Effects And Preparation
You can chew the Kratom leaves but drying the leaves under the sun is the most preferred form. People love having Kratom tea brewed during celebrations. Similar goes with kava leaves. People add dried kava leaves to simmering water until they get a nice aroma coming out of it. You can also get Kratom and kava capsules or pills.
Considering their effects, both the plants give a stimulating and sedating effect.
Just like Kratom, the Kava plant has been researched to ameliorate stress and anxiety. They both promote muscle relaxation thus relieving fatigue.
Akin to other nootropics, kava and Kratom can initiate a sense of happiness and euphoria.
It means both kava and Kratom can be used for recreational purposes. But what makes them different?
The Difference between Kratom and Kava
Despite having so much in common, both plants have different origins. Both belong to different plants. Considering what is more beneficial depends solely on the way the supplements are used.
Listing few of the differences which include:
Effects
Since Kratom has a variety of strains, each strain has its specific physiological effects. For instance, where Bali strains have an opioid effect, the Maeng Da Kratom strains are known for their anti-inflammatory potential.
Kratom at high doses can cause:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Toxification
Whereas, the high doses of kava are not that intriguing. In addition to this, high doses of kava neither cause addiction. Kava does produce sedation and mood-enhancing effects instead.
Legal Status
Kratom shares different legal statuses in different countries. It means the legality depends on the place where you live. Still, the DEA believes it is a drug of concern. By the end of the year 2019, six big countries declared Kratom as illegal. Whereas, kava shares an entirely different status. Kava is legal in almost every state of the U.S.
Due to a restricted status, people couldn’t find Kratom easily. You can only find a few Kratom vendors.
Pharmacology
Kratom is rich in two main alkaloids, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. Whereas, Kava is rich in kavalactones. Each biomolecule has its metabolic pathways and mode of action.
Side effects
There is no doubt that both plants have a herbal origin. But they still have some physiological side effects associated with them. Both the DEA and FDA have their concern about Kratom. Kratom creates a sense of addiction and tolerance at high doses. In addition to this, Kratom addiction results in withdrawal just like heroin and opioids.
Why Is Kava Better Than Kratom?
Many deaths have been found associated with Kratom. The reports found that people mostly consume Kratom with other illicit drugs to enhance their potency.
Other potential side effects that might turn out to be fatal include:
- Seizures
- Hallucination
- Nausea
- Sweating
- High blood pressure
- Constipation
- Headache
- Heart attacks
Increased doses of Kratom drug mostly increase the pulse that a person might feel palpitations and in extreme cases, heart failure.
Whereas, kava has just been found in causing liver damage, the research is still underway.
Summary Of Effects With Their Respective Dose
| Doses | Kratom | Kava |
| Low-Dose Effects | Boosts energy
Moderate agitation |
Increased physical activity
Moderate stimulation Euphoria |
| High dose effects | Anti-inflammatory
Euphoria Sedation |
Relieves anxiety
Muscle relaxant |
| Origin | Thailand, Borneo, and Indonesia | Western Pacific Islands |
| Active ingredients | Alkaloids (mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine) | Kavalactones |
| Preparation | Powder
Capsules Extract |
Kava tea
Powdered |
| Pharmacology | Works against opioids (deals with delta receptors) | Mimics dopamine
Opioid antagonist |
Final Verdict
Concluding it, we have found out that kava is better than Kratom. You can get the same promising effects with a herb that won’t affect your system badly. So, it’s best to consume kava for Kratom to enjoy the potency.