Kava vs Kratom: What’s the Difference?
There’s a good chance that you’ve heard of kratom if you’re a regular drug user. If you haven’t heard of it, then you might have heard someone talk about it at some point. It’s one of the most common things to be discussed when it comes to illegal drugs.
So, do you know the differences between kratom vs kava? You may be using the two together, but do you know what they do, or how they differ?
We’re here to help. In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know before making your next purchase. That way you know whether to go with kava vs kratom.
Origins
Kava and Kratom might sound similar, but they are quite distinct. Kava is a crop native to the South Pacific Islands and has been traditionally used for medicinal, ceremonial, and recreational purposes for over 3000 years. It is a root extract from Piper methysticum, a member of the pepper family, and can be found in herbal teas or tinctures.
Kratom, on the other hand, is made from the dried and crushed leaves of Mitragyna speciosa. An evergreen tree from the coffee family, and has only been used in traditional medicine for a few hundred years. Kava tends to have a mild, sedative, and relaxing effect on the body and mind, while Kratom is frequently used as an energy booster.
Both have similar antispasmodic effects and are considered natural pain relievers. But Kava has far fewer side effects, and may also have anti-anxiety and stress-relieving properties.
Ingredients
Kava and Kratom are two medicinal herbs from different parts of the world. Kava is a root found in the South Pacific Islands. When made into medicine, it is used to treat anxiety and depression.
Kratom is a tropical tree from Southeast Asia. When the leaves of the tree are crushed, they can be made into medicine for chronic pain, anxiety, and fatigue. Both herbs have similar effects on the body but they differ in their ingredients.
Kava is made from the rootstock of a bush native to the South Pacific, while kratom is made from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. Kava is known for its calming properties and herbal sedative qualities, while kratom is known for its energizing, pain-relieving, and stimulating effects.
Side Effects
Kava and Kratom are two different substances with different effects and side effects. Kava is a sedative-like herbal supplement that is derived from the root of the kava shrub and is commonly consumed as a drink in many Pacific islands. The side effects may include:
- drowsiness
- mild nausea
- headache
- dry mouth
- potential liver toxicity
Kratom, on the other hand, is a psychoactive plant from Southeast Asia that produces an opioid-like effect with its active alkaloid mitragynine. While usually well-tolerated, the side effects of kratom can include dry mouth, nausea, itching, confusion, constipation, and potential liver toxicity.
It is important to use either substance responsibly and not exceed the recommended dose as excessive usage can lead to more serious and negative health effects. When comparing side effects, it appears that Kava may be associated with more adverse effects compared to Kratom.
Dosage
Kava and Kratom have similar health benefits, but there are important differences in dosage to be aware of. The key difference in the dosage lies in the area of water solubility.
Kava is made with water-soluble extracts, whereas Kratom is not. Therefore, it is recommended that Kava is taken in doses of 600-900 mg, as the solubility allows it to be absorbed more quickly.
Kratom, on the other hand, must be taken in higher doses, typically ranging from 5-15g to reach optimal effects. Additionally, Kava and Kratom have different absorption times. Kava reaches peak effects within thirty minutes of consumption, but Kratom can take up to 40 minutes to kick in.
It is important to be aware of the differences between Kava and Kratom when considering which supplement to use, as well as the appropriate dosage. Both can be purchased in health stores or online. You can even get kratom capsules available here for convenient, easy-to-take use.
Uses
Kava and Kratom are both herbal medicines with many uses, but they have notable differences as well. Kava is a small shrub that grows naturally in certain parts of the Pacific and is used in traditional ceremonies for relaxation and ceremonial purposes.
It is often consumed as a tea or tincture and also has uses as a natural remedy for insomnia, anxiety, and muscle tension. What is kratom used for? Kratom, on the other hand, is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia and is used for a variety of medicinal purposes.
One of the common uses of kratom is as a natural treatment for pain, anxiety, and depression. While there are some similarities in their uses, the effects and potency of each differ greatly. Kava has more mild effects that tend to relax and calm, while kratom can be more potent and have stimulating effects.
Health Benefits
Kava and Kratom are both considered herbal therapies with health benefits. What is Kava? Kava is a root that has been used in the South Pacific for centuries to treat anxiety and tension. It has also been found to help with insomnia, depression, and pain relief.
Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia that is known for its medicinal properties. While some people use Kratom to help with pain relief, it has also been found to be effective in reducing anxiety and providing a sense of focus and clarity.
Both Kava and Kratom have seen increasing use as a herbal remedy and the majority of consumers take them for their health benefits. However, the long-term safety of these substances is still being studied and the use of either should always be done under medical supervision.
An Overview of Kava vs Kratom
Both Kava and Kratom offer a variety of health benefits; however, they are very different drugs, so it is important to understand their differences. It is important to seek medical advice before taking either of these drugs, as it is possible for them to have serious side effects when used in the wrong ways.
We invite you to read more about Kava vs Kratom on our website and reach out to us if you have any questions.
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