Posted by Herbal remedies with psychoactive or sedative effects have been part of human traditions for centuries. Natural supplements like Kava and Kratom have become increasingly popular here in the United States and abroad, as more people seek natural ways to improve their well-being, manage stress, and boost energy levels.
It’s reported that in 2020, 1.7 million adults used a Kratom product, and surveys show 1 in 8 people who use natural supplements have tried Kava at least once.
More people are ditching conventional medicines for supplements like Kratom and Kava that were once only used in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. Think of this growing trend as ancient wisdom meeting modern wellness.
Though most people mention Kava and Kratom in the same breath, they are different. Each has unique active compounds, different origins, and the health benefits also vary. Knowing the similarities and the effects each of these natural supplements has on the body will help you decide which one is right for you.
What is Kava?
Kava is sourced from the root of the Piper Methysticum plant, which is native to South Pacific countries like Vanuatu and Fiji. Traditionally, the root of this plant would be ground into powder and soaked to make a healthy tea.
Today, the dried roots are processed the same way, but packaged in a more convenient way that suits the modern lifestyle. You can purchase Kava from a reputable store online, Real Botanicals, in the form of capsules, tinctures, Kratom +Kava shots, or powder.
One of the active compounds in Kava is kavalactones. It interacts with the brain’s GABA system to produce mildly sedative, relaxing, and calming effects that reduce stress and anxiety.
What is Kratom
Kratom is a supplement sourced from an evergreen tree that is common in Southeast Asia. The Kratom tree leaves are dried and crushed into a powder and used to brew tea. Field workers in this region would chew the leaves for stamina and to increase energy levels.
Kratom has over 40 active alkaloids, but the two main compounds that have beneficial effects on the body are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. You can purchase Kratom in either powder, liquid extract, pills, or capsule form from our store.
Kratom vs. Kava: How Do They Work
As mentioned earlier, most people think the two, Kratom and Kava, are twins; that’s not the case.
| Supplement | Key Active Compounds | Neurochemistry |
| Kava | Kavalactones and a small amount of flavokavains | It regulates GABAergic activity and interacts with monoamine systems to create relaxing, calming, and mild sedative effects. |
| Kratom | Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine | They bind to opioid receptors like mu, delta, and kappa receptors to influence the production of hormones like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. |
Effects and Benefits of Kratom and Kava Supplements
Kava and Kratom’s effects on the body depend on dose. A high dosage results in stronger and longer-lasting effects, and vice versa.
Kava Health Benefits
For centuries now, Kava has been part of the South Pacific communities’ culture. It’s widely used for ceremonial relaxation, social bonding, and uplifting moods. The powder would be kneaded into water and strained to produce a muddy, milky, and earth-smelling tea.
In modern society, Kava is used to relieve anxiety, stress and improve sleep patterns. Some people still use the powder to brew tea, but the consumption process is less ceremonial. People are more concerned about the taste, and this explains why most of the Kava drinks online contain sweeteners.
Low Dose (70 – 250 mg per day)
- Mild relaxation
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Subtle muscle relaxation
- Increased sociability – this is why it was widely used in ceremonies and social settings in the South Pacific.
High Dose ( >250 – 300 mg per day)
- Drowsiness and slightly impaired coordination, which could affect motor skills
- Stronger sedative effects
- Numbness of the mouth and tongue
- Increased risk of other side effects like liver strain, dizziness, and digestive upset
Check out our complete guide on how to use Kava and the health benefits.
Kratom Health Benefits
Kratom is an integral part of Southeast Asian culture, particularly in communities living in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Traditionally, farmers and laborers would chew fresh Kratom leaves as a pain reliever, to boost energy levels and stamina, and reduce fatigue after long hours in the fields.
Today, Kratom is processed and packaged as a supplement for mood enhancement, pain and stress relief, and as an alternative for managing opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Low Dose (1 – 5 grams)
- Mild stimulation
- Increased alertness and energy
- Improved focus, motivation, and concentration
- Mild euphoria
- Heightened talkativeness and sociability
High Dose (5 -15 grams or more)
- Sedation and relaxation
- Euphoric calm, which some people compare to mild opioid-like effects
- Reduce tension and anxiety
- Pain relief
- Drowsiness
⚠️ Very High dose (above 15 grams)
- Strong sedation
- Vomiting, dizziness, and nausea
- Risk of dependency and withdrawal symptoms with repeated use
Here is our complete guide on how to take Kratom.
Legality and Regulation of Kratom and Kava
The FDA has issued repeated advisories about the use of Kratom, but its legality still remains ambiguous in many places. Some states, like Alabama, Indiana, Louisiana, Arkansas, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Rhode Island, have banned Kratom.
Purity and potency vary widely because the products are unregulated in other states. Kava is legal in all 50 states in the United States.
Kratom vs. Kava: Which One is Right for You?
At the end of the day, both Kratom and Kava offer unique health benefits rooted in centuries of cultural tradition, from the calming, anxiety-relieving power of kava to the energy-boosting and pain-relieving versatility of kratom.
Kratom vs. Kava – Choosing between them comes down to your personal wellness goals, lifestyle needs, and how your body responds to each. One factor that you should never leave to chance is quality. With so many supplements in the market, ethical sourcing, purity, and reviews from other customers matter more than ever.
Real Botanicals is your ultimate source for authentic, lab-tested, and ethically sourced Kratom and Kava. Whether you’re looking for powders, teas, capsules, or extracts, you can trust us to deliver the very best, so you can focus on the wellness benefits without worrying about safety or quality.
You might also enjoy “What Works Better for Anxiety, Kratom or Kava.”