If you’re involved in kava culture, you‘ve probably heard a word buzzing around recently and found yourself wondering, “What is kratom?” Kratom is often used interchangeably with kava because they are both teas that produce euphoric effects. Even though they have some similarities they are also very different. First, let’s review kava and kratom.
Kava, scientifically known as Piper methysticum, is a plant found in Polynesia, Fiji, and other Western Pacific Islands that belongs to the pepper family. Kava is used in celebrations and medicine due to the calming effects that can relieve pain, improve sleep, and promote sociability. To read more about kava’s unique effects, click here.
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a plant found in Indonesida, Malaysia, and other areas of Southeast Asia that belongs to the coffee family. Kratom, like kava, produces mild calming effects in small doses, but can create more opiate-like effects if consumed in high dosages.
How are they similar?
Kava and kratom are both plants: kava comes from the root of the plant while kratom comes from the leaf of the plant. Both of these plants are ground into tea and consumed during celebrations for an alcohol-like, euphoric effect. In small doses, kava and kratom increase energy levels and relieve stress.
How are they different?
Although both kava and kratom produce calming effects, they react with your body in different ways. Kava contains kavalactones that influence GABA receptors in the limbic system and stimulate dopamine receptors. Kratom contains alkaloids that influence the mu and delta opioid receptors in the brain and stimulate norepinephrine receptors. Kratom influences serotonin and blocks pain receptors, which produces a morphine-like effect that can become addictive. Kratom has been banned in many countries due to its addictive qualities and it's future US. legal status remians unclear. Kava, on the other hand, is non-addictive and gaining popularity in the US with no legal issues.
Should you drink kava and kratom together?
When used in high doses, kratom can cause side effects that may get worse when combined with kava. It is not suggested to take the two together.
So, although kava and kratom are very similar, kava seems to be a healthier, non-addictive alcohol alternative. Kava’s stress reducing qualities and minimal side effects make it a safe way to celebrate or to wind down. Kava is readily available in the US and can be purchased through our online shop, along with our one-of-a-kind kava maker, which is now available in pitaya pink: Learn more
References:1) http://kratompowders.org/kava-kratom/
2) http://kratomguides.com/kava-kratom-better/
** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
1 comment
I received your excellent Aluball today and immediately put it to work. This product certainly made it easier for me to get the goodness out of the root. I had tried using two coffee filters and they would break through with the kneading. I knew there had to be a better way.
I was surprised to read on the product package that this was a product from Tampa, my place of residence, Although the shipping package was shipped from Kavafied, Shepherdsfield, Kentucky via an Amazon order. Doing some research I found your website. No need to order from Amazon now. Thank you for an excellent product so that we newbies here in the states can enjoy this wonderful beverage.