Kava originated as an important cultural practice in the South Pacific Islands, where it is used in both religious and political ceremonies, as well as used socially. The kava root is prepared as a brew with water and drunk for its ability to help the drinker relax, be more open and more sociable.
Kratom is a traditional plant medicine with a long history of use in Southeast Asia, where the leaves are often chewed or made into a tea to increase energy. Kratom is also used as an herbal medicine in this region to treat ailments such as diarrhea, fever, pain, and even diabetes.
Both are derived from plants, and they both contain compounds that interact with the brain to produce psychoactive effects. So what's the difference?
Kava is completely legal in the US. → Kratom has been made illegal in 6 states.
The active compounds in Kava interact with the limbic system in the brain, inducing feelings of calm. → Kratom can act on opioid receptors in the brain, which is how it relieves pain.
Kava is totally non-addictive and actually has a reverse tolerance effect. → Kratom does carry some risk of addiction and other side effects, especially with long term use.
In the US, kratom powder or capsules are generally used as a pain reliever, and sometimes used as a more natural means of weaning off of opioid drugs, though there is a growing trend of using kratom recreationally to induce a mild euphoria.
Kava has become popular in many other parts of the world and you can now find kava bars in most cities across the US. It is generally used to ease anxiety, deepen social interactions, and relieve pain or stress, as well as improve sleep.
While kratom can be a very useful herb for effective pain relief, it carries a higher risk of dependence, and acts similarly to opioids in the brain. It also has a higher risk of side effects, espeically at large doses.
Kava has a very low incidence of side effects and does not cause dependence. Kava is an incredibly safe herb, and while it induces a noticeable relaxation in the body, it has no negative effect on cognitive function or capabilities.
We source & offer only the highest quality kava in our powder form & electuaries.
