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The organic market offers much more than just the kitchen herbs in your house or the trending organic compounds. Scientists have been exploring the organic compounds space and have only been able to scrape off the surface. As a result, several other compounds are coming forth for their potential benefits.
Through our articles, you must have become well aware of Kratom and why it is the most-talked-about compound in the organic space. However, scientists may have found a worthy opponent to Kratom, Kava. If you are unaware of both compounds, let’s learn what is kava and kratom.
What Is Kava And Kratom?
Kratom is an organic compound that is otherwise known as Mitragyna Speciosa. It comes from the Kratom leaves of a tropical evergreen tree. The leaves of the Kratom plant contain active alkaloids like Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine and are used as herbal medicine. It grows abundantly in Southeast Asia and is used by the natives as tea.
Kratom Strains
The organic compound comes in several varieties that are known as Kratom strains. For example, the most popular strains in the market are Green Vein Kratom, Red Vein Kratom, White Vein Kratom, Yellow Vein Kratom, and Maeng Da Kratom, known as the most potent of all other strains.
What Is Kava Kava?
Kava is another name for the plant Piper Methysticum, which produces the organic compound known as Kava. It is commonly found in South Pacific Islands and is not a discovery. History shows that Kava extract from Kava root has been used for several centuries in traditional ceremonies and as a recreational drink. You can learn more about the compound via the Kava Kava administration.
Kava Extract
Like Kratom, Kava also has its variants, primarily characterized by their chemistry determined by Kavalactone’s content. Unlike Kava root, Kratom extracts are distinguished based on the color of the veins of their leaves. The two main Kava chemotypes are noble and tudei. Thus, the two most popular Kava strains are noble and tudei Kava.
5 Similarities Between Kratom And Kava Extracts
Unlike in the chemical industry, where each chemical widely differs from the other in terms of its composition, usage, and effects, the organic industry works in unison. Though the compounds may vary in origin or composition, their effects or side effects are similar. So, even Kratom and Kava aren’t much different from each other. Let’s find out how.
They Are Both Organic
One similarity that individuals cannot miss is that both compounds are natural. They both belong to naturally occurring plant species that originate in specific regions. For example, Kratom is abundantly available in the southern part of Asia, whereas Kava comes from the southern part of the Pacific Islands.
Moreover, both of them do not react well when mixed with chemicals. Both compounds also do not require the help of chemicals to boost their potency and are sensitive to the environment. Kratom and Kava react to extreme environmental conditions like humidity, heat, and air.
Also, though the compounds are now coming into focus, they have been used for decades for traditional purposes in herbal preparations.
They Are Both Consumed In A Similar Way
It is interesting to note that both Kratom and Kava are consumed similarly. Traditionally, they are both ideal welcome drinks or are used for recreational purposes. The natives of Southeast Asia traditionally consumed Kratom tea just as much as the natives of the Pacific Islands like to drink Kava tea.
However, manufacturers are now bringing them in various new forms. Kava and Kratom extracts are now available as Kratom powder, acetonic Kava Kava extract, etc. Thus, even though the extract from the Kava plant is not as potent as Kratom, people still use it similarly.
They Both Have Similar Effects
The most significant similarity between the organic compounds – Kratom and Kava- is their similar properties. Kratom has properties that may help with physical and mental issues, like enhanced cognitive performance. However, recent studies show that Kava also contains properties that may produce a similar effect to that of Kratom.
Thus, premium extracts from both Kava and Kratom plants may help with treating non psychotic anxiety disorders like generalised anxiety disorder, comorbid anxiety, mental stress, stress induced insomnia, or treating major depressive disorder. They also help with other physical issues that individuals face daily.
They Both Are Affordable
Organic products are gaining popularity for two primary reasons: their potency and affordability. Individuals are intrigued to try out products they may benefit from in the long run without burning a hold in their pocket. Though organic compounds do not provide fast results like chemical products, experts say they may have health benefits, and thus they may help improve one’s overall health. That said, we do not want our readers to perceive these products as a one-stop solution to their health problems, as they may also lead to severe consequences if one continues drinking Kava and Kratom without medical supervision.
They Both Have Side Effects
Unfortunately, not all the similarities between the two compounds are not beneficial. It is a common belief that organic products do not produce side effects. However, that is not the case.
Kratom and Kava Kava extract are considered beneficial for humans but, if consumed excessively, may lead to side effects like nausea, dizziness, headache, etc.
For example, consuming Kava extracts over their recommended dosage can lead to liver damage, otherwise known as Kava hepatotoxicity. Similarly, Kratom may have several consequences if consumed in higher doses.
5 Differences Between Kratom And Kava
Surprisingly, Kratom and Kava are not always similar. The compounds also differ in several ways, making users choose between the two organic compounds. So, let’s check out their differences:
They Come From Different Species
You may wonder that both Kratom and Kava coming from plant species is one of their similarities, but it also separates them the most. Kratom comes from the coffee family and thus has properties one may associate with caffeine.
On the other hand, Kava comes from the pepper family and thus has different properties, far from being similar to Kratom.
Also, Kava is not as potent a herbal remedy as Kratom as it does not contain the active alkaloids – Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
They Have Different Properties
As Kava roots and Kratom belong to different plant species and contain different properties, they produce different effects. For example, studies show that Kratom may produce both stimulating and soothing effects depending on the dosage one consumes.
So, if you consume a low dosage of the organic compound, you may feel energetic, whereas if you consume a higher dosage of Kratom, you may feel sedative effects.
On the contrary, Kava may not produce stimulating effects. Kava use may only lead to soothing effects.
Kratom May Lead To Addiction
Kratom users may already know that Kratom contains properties that may help with opioid withdrawal symptoms; however, prolonged use of the compound may also create dependence.
That is why medical professionals advise users to stick to their recommended dosage and to take breaks after taking Kratom for a long time.
On the contrary, no reports suggest that Kava consumption may lead to addiction. Thus, one can continue taking Kava for a long time within the recommended dosage.
However, excessive consumption of the compound may cause liver toxicity. Kava affects the body’s muscles and may lead to neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal or toxic hepatitis.
Their Legality Is Different
Though Kratom and Kava may produce similar effects, the Government views them differently. Kratom is considered a Schedule I drug, and thus, the compound is banned in several countries.
Even in the United States, several counties and states do not allow using Kratom.
On the other hand, the Government does not view Kava as a toxic drug; thus, there are no such legal constraints on the organic compound.
Kratom Is Better For Edibles
Though both edibles of Kratom and Kava are available on the market, Kratom blends well with other ingredients, and thus individuals prefer Kratom edibles over Kava. Kava special extract from the Kava plant can be boiled and used as tea, one of the most traditional Kava preparation.
But as Kava is not as potent as Kratom, mixing it with other herbs may reduce its potency further. Also, its regular consumption is not advised as it may cause liver disease. On the contrary, Kratom functions better as an edible as the other ingredients help mask the pungent earthy smell of the organic compound.
Final Words
Both Kratom and Kava have properties that may help individuals with physical or mental issues like generalized anxiety disorder or rare hepatotoxicity. But they may not work in the same way for everyone. It is advised that users consult a medical professional before consuming Kava or Kratom. It is advised for the users to check the fact, “does kratom expire” and then start with low doses if they are consuming any of the compounds and work up to high doses, as scientists are still studying the properties and effects of the organic compounds extensively.
You should also follow a healthy lifestyle while consuming Kava or Kratom, as adding too many chemicals to your diet may affect the results. You must also drink sufficient water and work out regularly to keep your body fit to endure the effects of organic products.
