What exactly is Kava?

Kava is made from the root of the plant Piper methysticum. It is sometimes called kava root and kava leaf. It is found worldwide and is used as a recreational drug, a traditional drink, a digestive aid, a tranquilizer, a mind medicine, and in traditional ceremonies among the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Islands.

What exactly is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant that is native to Southeast Asia, specifically in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The plant contains a number of alkaloids and stimulant compounds, and some of these compounds have shown potential for medicinal use. The leaves are typically chewed or used as a tea to provide the user with a stimulant effect. The leaf also contains 7-hydroxy mitragynine, which is the primary active alkaloid of the plant and is responsible for the psychoactive effects.

Let’s discuss the main similarities and differences between Kava and Kratom:

Similarities Between Kava and Kratom:

We’ve written extensively about the similarities between Kratom and Kava. Both are botanical medicines, natural highs, and are in decline in the U.S. and many other states of the world.

1.  Both are Herbs:

As shown above, both are an herb that is brewed with water and contain musk. The pharmacological profile of Kava and Kratom is similar, although not identical, including effects such as inhibition of mu-, delta-, and beta-receptors and inhibition of various serotonin, dopamine, and GABA receptors.

Although the mechanisms by which these substances may exert their therapeutic effects are not completely understood, they are widely used to treat a wide range of conditions, including headaches and period pain. They also show promise as an antidote for overdose in dogs and horses.

2. Similar Supplemental Uses:

Kava and Kratom are often used as supplemental substances for the treatment of opiate withdrawal. Studies show that both are effective in stopping opiate withdrawal symptoms when taken after regular detoxification. Kratom has a history of use as an alternative pain reliever for those suffering from osteoarthritis and chronic pain, a particularly common complaint about users of Kava.

Organic Kava and Kratom are generally unpalatable when consumed raw. One study shows that this is due to the methyl and cinnamic acids in Kava, which has the unpleasant taste of wood chips or pine nuts. In contrast, the methyl isopropylamine and cinnamic amines in Kratom are pleasant to the palate.

3. Both are available online.

Both can cause withdrawal symptoms similar to opioids if the user stops taking them. “Kratom and Kava get into the brain very quickly, and with opiates, it usually takes weeks to months for them to get into the brain,” Dr. Shaffer says. “So, if you stop it, you could get withdrawal symptoms from taking Kratom and Kava.” Both are available in online marketplaces in the form of capsules and other doses.

4. Similar Researches:

According to various researches, kratom leaves contain chemicals similar to those found in the kava root. For centuries, the herb has been used by kava-drinkers to relieve anxiety, depression, insomnia, and opioid addiction. But researchers still aren’t sure how they work. That’s also true for Kava. Studies have shown that the herb can help people recover from opiate withdrawal but also cause stomach discomfort. That’s not to say both herbal remedies aren’t potentially effective.

Both substances have been used for centuries in their respective cultures, usually ceremonial and in groups of friends and family. Both are derived from the same plant species, the tea plant. Kava and Kratom are both readily absorbed in the system and released from the body quickly. Although, due to the lower concentration of the active constituents in Kratom, it takes more time to have a peak effect.

Differences between Kava and Kratom:

A common question people ask us is what the differences between Kava and Kratom are. The term “Kava” is most commonly used for two different plants found in the wild and is often mixed to simulate the effects of the herbal drug. Kava has a very mild caffeine taste, while Kratom has a little bit more. Let’s review a few differences:

1. Isolation as an Industry

While there are significant differences between Kava and Kratom, both were developed independently and within the confines of indigenous culture. Kava is produced in the Pacific Islands, and Kratom is native to Southeast Asia.

Kava has more of an earthy taste than Kratom. You can usually find Kava in the health food store with the other Chinese herbal pills. Kratom is most commonly found at a lot of gas stations. Kava was the natural choice to look into first, as Kratom doesn’t get you any positive effects.

2. Different Associated Terms:

Kava is often said to possess mild to intense mind-altering properties, especially when taken on its own. However, the two plants are often combined, and the effects are not quite the same. Kratom is known as a “warrior herb” because of its use as an “energy tonic” for victims of post-traumatic stress disorder. Kratom also exhibits the properties of an opioid analgesic and is known for its stimulant qualities. Both are very different in terms of how they’re ingested.

3. Difference between Uses and Effects:

Kratom is one of the more popular herbs used to treat opioid withdrawal, and this is likely due to the nature of the herb. Kratom is highly concentrated, and the extract can help reverse the effects of other opioids. It is, therefore, less likely to be abused or contaminated with other substances. In contrast, Kava has a relatively low content of active ingredients. This means that those with a medical cannabis card can readily and safely consume it.

Conclusion:

Kava is highly valued in many Asian countries as well as other parts of the world. Many believe that consuming Kava regularly will offer a significant boost to a person’s energy levels, in a milder dose, without the harsh and psychoactive effects commonly associated with smoking or inhaling Kava. When it comes to Kratom, some of the chemical compounds found in Kratom and the similar senna plant are also found in the kava plant’s roots. Still, it is also possible to experience the same results without consuming Kava. Both have similarities and differences; now, it is up to the consumers how they take it according to the prescriptions.