You may have heard of kava vs kratom, both of which are becoming increasingly popular herbal teas that offer natural calming effects and boost mood. But while they’re similar in some ways and are often marketed together in kratom shops, kava bars, or cafes, the two plants actually have distinct differences that you should be aware of.
Kava vs kratom
While both kava and kratom are natural plant extracts, the two have very different effects when ingested in high doses. The primary difference is that kava has calming effects while kratom can have opiate-like effects in large doses. Kratom has alkaloids that interact with the brain’s opioid receptors, causing it to produce effects that are similar to opiates. This can include pain relief, stress reduction, heightened mood, euphoria, and more. In some cases, kratom can even lead to addiction, which is why it’s regulated in many areas.
In contrast, kava has a chemical compound called kavalactones that interacts with the limbic system of the brain to produce calming and relaxing effects. This can reduce anxiety, improve sociability, relieve tension, alleviate stress, and promote relaxation and sleep. It does not contain any stimulant effects, so it can be used as a replacement for prescription sleep aids. There is also a growing body of evidence that supports the effectiveness of kava in relieving depression, and it’s considered safer than a variety of anti-depressants and other pharmaceutical medications. This makes kava an excellent alternative to kratom for those looking to manage their symptoms without the risks associated with some of these drugs.
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