At kava bars and online stores, kava and kratom are increasingly being offered together. While they may have a name and a similar appearance, they are worlds distinct. We'll look at some of the similarities and distinctions in this post, as well as why it's critical for buyers and consumers not to mix them up.
In the realm of botanicals, kava and kratom are frequently used together. And it's understandable! These natural plant extracts are frequently utilized in comparable situations and for similar reasons. But, despite their similarities, there are a few differences to consider when comparing kava and kratom.
We'll go through the key similarities and distinctions between these two popular botanicals in this article. We'll cover all you need to know about kava and kratom, from their effects and origins to the most common ways to consume these natural nootropic herbs.
What is Kratom?
Kratom, botanically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical, evergreen tree belonging to the coffee family. It is native to Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, and other Southeast Asian countries), where it has been a part of traditional culture for thousands of years. It is historically chewed by laborers in raw leaf form to combat tiredness, reduce pain, and improve mood.
People are frequently startled to realize that kratom is a coffee-related plant. The horned Sumatra green kratom is commonly chewed for energy and pain treatment in its native Southeast Asian countries. Because of rising concerns about the potential for addiction, some of these countries have recently made kratom illegal. The plant, however, continues to be sold to the United States and other countries. The leaves are crushed and processed for commercial sale as a nutritional supplement by manufacturers.
What is Kava?
Kava is a pepper plant native to the Western Pacific with the generic name Piper Methysticum (Vanuatu, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, and Hawaii). Kava is drunk before the start of a significant religious event or ceremony in these Pacific island societies.
The kava plant is a member of the pepper family, and it is native to Fiji and Indonesia. The root of the kava plant is used to make several types of tea and juice beverages in its native location. You can easily buy kava root powder from any online store. Some restaurants and bars use it with either water or coconut milk to create social or recreational cocktails. Kava has been utilized in ceremonial ceremonies as well.
Kava is a drink, a supplement, and even an extra component in some baked items in the United States. It is frequently utilized by persons suffering from anxiety or insomnia due to its soothing properties.
What are the Differences Between Kava and Kratom?
Despite their similarities, kratom and kava are not the same. They come from completely distinct plant groups and exert their effects in quite different ways. When comparing the benefits of kratom vs. kava, it's important to keep in mind the distinctions in how the two supplements are utilized. Kratom is more typically used as a stimulant or for pain, whereas kava is utilized for anxiety, tension, and sleeplessness.
Both kava and kratom have dosage-dependent effects, which means that depending on whether you take a tiny or large quantity, you'll get various results. Due to the broad number of specialist kratom strains accessible, the effects of kratom are more versatile and customizable than those of kava.
Kava and most kratom strains provide an energetic, slightly euphoric impact in short dosages. Both have a soothing, moderate sedative effect that helps to alleviate anxiety in bigger doses.
According to many users, kava dosage is a little fussier than kratom dosage. Furthermore, the dosage window during which kava energizes is somewhat small.
Effects
Strains of kratom and its effects are inextricably related. The Bali strain, for example, provides euphoria similar to that of opioids. The Maeng Da kratom strain is more of a stimulant and pain reliever. It's also important to consider the dosage. Kratom has some of the same energizing effects as coffee in short dosages. The effects are more sedating in higher doses and are similar to those of opioid painkillers. Kratom is also recognized for its ability to improve one's mood. At very high doses, kratom has the following effects:
The effects of kava are more similar to those of a sedative or depressive. People who take it frequently do so to aid in sleep or relaxation. Kava can also alter a person's mood by affecting a brain area associated with emotions.
It's vital to understand that kava has different effects than opioids. It can help you relax and improve your mood, but it isn't addictive. However, kratom provides a high that is comparable to that of opioids and can lead to tolerance or addiction.
Dangers
Although both kratom and kava are natural plant-derived medications, each one poses unique physical and mental health hazards. Kratom has been the source of investigation from both the DEA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to safety concerns. Kratom risks include addiction and overdose, and research suggests that it can produce addiction and withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen with heroin and other opioids.
The amount of kratom overdoses is a contentious issue. In a recent CDC investigation of 27,000 drug overdose deaths, kratom was identified as the cause of death in 91 cases, more than double the number previously disclosed by the FDA.
Addiction
The resemblance of Kratom to opioid medicines, as well as the areas of the brain it activates, contribute to its addictive potential. The euphoric effects of the supplement are important in the development of addiction, since some people may come to rely on the feelings they get when they take it. People who have a history of substance abuse are more likely to develop a kratom addiction. Frequent usage, especially at high doses, increases the risk of addiction significantly.
The need for specialized treatment is recognized by drug rehab centers in Florida and other states. Many clinics provide specialist programs for persons who are suffering from kratom addiction symptoms.
Wrap up
Kratom and kava are plant-based supplements that are used to improve mood and relax the body. Supplements exist in a variety of forms, with the raw leaves of both plants being used to make consumable goods. Despite the fact that some of their effects are similar, kratom and kava are derived from separate plants. They also cause similar effects in other ways.
