Nowadays, people are more drawn towards the ‘natural’ herbs to find remedies for stress relief and health enhancement. Now, when it comes to natural ways of relaxation, you might have heard about Kava and Kratom. But are they really beneficial?
Kava and Kratom are both plant-based drinks that have properties of stress relief and relaxation. However, both of these substances are not related, as Kratom carries a higher risk of addiction. The main advantage difference between Kava and Kratom is that Kava is not addictive like Kratom.
To give you a brief overview of what is Kava and Kratom, we have written this detailed guide to discuss everything you need to know about these herbs. We will also look into the benefits and differences of both herbs, along with their effects on your health.
What is Kava and Kratom?
Kava and Kratom belong to different plants and regions. Both of these substances are popular as stress relief remedies, and they are consumed all over the world. However, the chemical composition of both substances is different, just like their origin. So, let’s discuss more about Kava and Kratom to understand them better.
Brief Introduction of Kava
Kava is a substance that belongs to the pepper family of plants that grows in the origin of the South Pacific Islands, like Polynesia. This substance is collected from the roots of the tree-like plant, and these roots are then grinded to cook like tea. Kava is highly popular in the regions of Fiji and Hawaii, where people have been using it for a long time as a source of relaxation.
In some regions of the world, people make Kava drinks to greet guests as a welcoming drink. The vital part of Kava is called the kavalactones, which directly interacts with your brain’s limbic system. Drinking Kava helps you feel calm and relieves stress without making you fall asleep. However, if you suffer from liver problems, then it’s recommended to consult a doctor before consuming any amount of Kava.
Brief Introduction of Kratom
Kratom originated from the regions of Southeast Asia where it’s the leaves of Kratom are grinded and consumed in different forms. Unlike Kava, you can find Kratom tincture and powders as well as various options for consumption. Kratom leaves have chemicals with opioid-like properties (mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxymitragynine), which are responsible for stress relief and pain relief, and give a sedative feeling.
Kratom directly affects the opiate receptors of your brain, which enhances the mood, makes you feel energetic, and works like an anti-depressant as well. However, we do not recommend the use of Kratom as an alternative to anti-depressant as Kratom is not an FDA-approved medication. The effects of Kratom may vary on dosage, and it could become addictive if you consume Kratom in the long term.
What is the Difference Between Kava and Kratom?
While Kava and Kratom may both seem like herbal products and to some extent, they are both used for the same purpose, there are some distinct qualities in both.
Distinct Qualities of Kava
- Kava originates in the region of South Pacific Islands including Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.
- It is used traditionally as a drink in ceremonies, dinners, and parties for its calming effects that promote relaxation.
- Originally made from the roots of Kava plants that belong to the pepper family (Piper methysticum).
- To prepare Kava, you have to grind the roots of the Kava plant before mixing them in water to make a drink.
Distinct Qualities of Kratom
- Kratom is native to the regions of Southeast Asia, which prominently includes Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.
- Kratom is consumed for its stimulating and sedative effects that help to deal with pain, stress, and fatigue.
- Kratom belongs to the leaves of the Kratom tree called the Mitragyna speciosa in the medical language.
- To consume Kratom, the leaves are dried and crushed to make a powder that can be turned into different forms like powder, tincture drops, capsules, and more.
What is the Legal difference between Kava and Kratom?
Besides finding Kava and Kratom in different regional parts, there is also a major difference in the legal status of both herbs in the United States, which is mentioned below.
Legal Status of Kava
- Kava is legal in most parts of the United States, but there are regulation restrictions in some states.
- It is not considered a substance of addiction, and it is not a controlled substance on the list of DEA.
- Kava can be found in various formations like roots, powders, and extracts.
- There is not much of an international regulation on Kava, unlike Kratom.
Legal Status of Kratom
- Kratom faces higher regulations across the United States, and it is considered an illegal substance in many states.
- Kratom has opiate-like effects, which is why it is considered a controlled substance in many regions.
- You can find Kratom in many forms, like powder, capsules, and extracts, which could face legal restrictions.
- Most countries consider Kratom an illegal substance and have imposed a complete ban on it for its sedative and addictive effects.
FAQs
Is Kava Considered a Sedative Drug?
Kava affects the nervous system, which is why it is considered a sedative drug that promotes feelings of relaxation.
Is Kava Dangerous for Your Body?
If you consume Kava with medication or alcohol, it might cause severe liver damage.
Is it Safe to Use Kratom?
Kratom is safe to use in low dosage, which only affects your stomach a bit. However, the regular dosage and higher consumption of Kratom could make you addicted to it.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between Kava and Kratom, the choice depends on your body and mind. Undoubtedly, Kratom is far more addictive than Kava and has more side effects as well. However, Kava is not a miracle drink either, and it could affect your liver health if consumed excessively. We hope this article gave you brief insights into what is Kava and Kratom along with their difference.
