Posted by We live in a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about health products. Natural supplements are the most talked about online and offline. You don’t need to look far; just scroll through social media or ask a friend, and you will hear dozens of “miracle” supplement stories.
This is especially true for kava supplements and kratom supplements, which are gaining traction across the globe. Some users swear by their results, while others boldly warn they’re dangerous and a waste of money. They seem to get love and hate in equal measure, making it hard for one to separate facts from fiction.
What are Kava and Kratom Supplements
Kava is a natural supplement sourced from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to the South Pacific Islands. In traditional cultures in this region, the roots would be ground into fine powder and ingested raw or used to brew tea. Kava is known for its potent ability to promote calmness, social bonding, and relaxation.
Today, kava powder is not the only option; you can order kava capsules, tinctures, and extracts like Kratom + Kava Shot by Real Botanicals to help you de-stress and sleep better.
Kratom, on the other hand, is sourced from the kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa) that is native to the Southeast Asia region. Farm workers would chew kratom leaves to boost their energy levels, improve their focus, and as a pain reliever.
Thanks to new technology like ChromaPure extraction, the best kratom supplement brands package kratom in the form of powder, capsules, and liquid extract. They contain active alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, in their purest form.
While there are many proven stats about their health benefits, there is still a cloud of myths around them, which leaves first-time buyers with more questions than answers. Not anymore, here are the biggest myths about kratom and kava supplements.
Myths About Kratom Supplements (and the Truth)
Kratom supplements are the most talked-about botanicals. Here are three myths about them and the truth to help you decide if they are worth buying.
Myth 1: Kratom is equivalent to opioids
This is probably one of the most widespread myths about kratom supplements. Some people are of the idea that taking kratom is equivalent to taking an opioid. This myth is informed by the fact that kratom contains active alkaloids that interact with the same brain receptors that opioids do.
Truth: Even though kratom interacts with the opioid receptors, it does not act the same way as the highly addictive and dangerous opioids. At low to moderate doses, it results in energizing and stimulant effects, but it doesn’t cause sedation like opioids. The risk of overdosing on kratom is low compared to opioids and causes few respiratory depression effects.
Myth 2: Kratom is 100% safe because it’s natural
It’s plant-based, so it’s harmless, isn’t it? Most people believe that natural supplements are safe, pose no risks, and cause no side effects after use.
Truth: Just because the best kratom supplements are natural, it doesn’t mean it has no risk or are 100% safe. If used in high doses, kratom can cause sedation and other side effects like nausea, liver toxicity, and interactions with other pharmaceutical drugs.
That said, the best kratom supplement brand has strict lab testing procedures that ensure every batch is free of any contaminants. Real Botanials, for example, has its own lab in South Carolina and uses patented technology, ChromaPure extraction, that ensures consistency and purity.
The effects depend on dosage. Here is a kratom dosage guide to help you get the best results.
Myth 3: Kratom isn’t studied enough
Many kratom supplement critics say there is no real science behind kratom, and everything written about the benefits is based on guesswork.
Truth: That’s not entirely true. Hundreds of studies, observational and clinical, report that kratom helps users with pain, energy, and mood. It has also been proven effective in helping users deal with opioid withdrawal symptoms like nausea and headaches.
Check out this blog on the legality of kratom in Ohio.
Myths About Kava Supplements (and the Truth)
In the world of natural supplements, few plants spark as much debate and misinformation as kava. Let’s get to it.
Myth 1: Kava Damages the Liver
This is arguably one of the most common myths about kava supplements. People who dislike it think it’s inherently hepatotoxic, that consuming kava even in small doses or in traditional form will damage your liver.
Truth: The reality about the effects of kava on the liver is nuanced. Some reports show that excessive use of kava causes liver injury, but the cases are rare. Because kava is not illegal in the U.S., there are gaps in quality control, which result in the distribution of low-quality kava products that contain harmful chemicals like ethanol and acetone.
Here is a blog that covers the risks and safety concerns of using kava supplements.
Myth 2: Kava supplements are addictive
Kava supplements cause physical dependence and harsh withdrawal symptoms when one stops using them. Once you start using kava, you’re hooked, and you can’t go a day without it. Nothing can be further from the truth.
Truth: To date, there are no conclusive data showing that kava is addictive. There are also no reported withdrawal symptoms when one stops using. Concisely, if someone values the relaxing effects so much, they may use it often, but that isn’t the same as opioid and other drug addictions.
Myth 3: Kava Has No Side Effects
Like kratom, most people believe that kava has no side effects because it’s plant-based. When people see “natural supplement,” they assume it’s zero risk.
Truth: Even natural or plant-based supplements can have side effects, but it all depends on the dosage and quality. Some users reported experiencing dizziness, headaches, digestive upsets, and skin issues like flaky and dry skin after using kava in high doses and for extended periods.
To get the best results from kava supplements, start by purchasing them from a reputable store. Then monitor the results to find your sweet spot.
Setting the Record Straight
The myths around kratom and kava often overshadow the facts. The truth is, quality, dosage, and sourcing determine safety and effectiveness. That’s why choosing a trusted provider matters. RealBotanicals delivers the best kratom and kava supplements, backed by science and rigorous testing, so you can focus on benefits, not rumors.
Learn more by reading “Microdosing Kava and Kratom: Myth, Hype, What Early Research Suggests.”
You might also be interested in “Top 5 Kratom Myths and Facts.”