What is the Difference Between Kava and Kratom Shots

Are you tired of the regular kratom tablets, powder, and kava drinks? Try kava and kratom shots to get a different feel of these two botanicals. The majority of us got introduced to kratom and kava after trying alcohol and coffee to relax and unwind, only to deal with nasty hangovers and crashes as the effects wear off. 

Despite the similar packaging, kava shots are different from kratom shots. Knowing the difference will help you decide which one to buy. 

Key Takeaways

• Kava shots and kratom shots may look similar, but they deliver very different effects and experiences
• Kava shots focus on calm, smooth relaxation, while kratom shots can feel either stimulating or sedating, depending on the dose
• Kava works faster and wears off quickly, while kratom takes longer to kick in and lasts much longer
• Kratom shots are more potent due to concentrated alkaloids, which increase both effects and risks
• Kava has a lower risk of dependence, but poor-quality products may still cause liver issues
• Regular use of kratom shots can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms
• Choosing between the two depends on your goal, with kava being more predictable and kratom requiring more caution

Kava and Kratom Shots Comparison Table

What Are Kava Shots?

Have you ever tried the traditional kava drink, often served in a coconut shell? The effects felt subtle and took a long time to kick in, right? That’s because it contains other ingredients that have to be broken down and absorbed into your bloodstream for you to feel any changes. It’s also less concentrated, and this explains why most people complain that the effects are weak. 

Kava shots are concentrated liquid extracts from the same kava plant root. They are designed for faster use and convenience.  Kavalactones, the active compounds in kava, are isolated and concentrated to create a more potent kava product. 

Because of the high concentration, they interact more with GABA receptors, resulting in stronger effects than with a raw kava drink. Most people who prefer kava shots use it for;

• Stress relief after a long day
• Social relaxation and interaction without alcohol, coffee, or caffeinated drinks
• Mild mood support

As mentioned in one of our kava shot reviews, the effects feel smooth and controlled. That is, you do not get a strong mental push or overstimulation. Instead, it feels like your body and mind slow down in a manageable way, and you can still go about your daily chores after using it.

What Are Kratom Shots?

Like kava shots, kratom shots are concentrated extracts made from kratom leaves. Brands like Real Botanicals have invested in proprietary technology, ChromaPure, which enables them to isolate and concentrate either or both mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragyine alkaloids and package them in small bottles. 

The effects of kratom are stronger than those of kava. They are;

• Stimulating at low doses
• Relaxing, overstimulation, or sedating at high doses

Due to the high concentration of alkaloids in the shot, you only need a few drops to start feeling the effects. Concisely, they hit harder and faster than standard kratom products, so it’s important that you stick to the recommended dose and start slow. 

If you are a new kratom user, we recommend starting off with the regular kratom products before upgrading to kratom shots. And before using concentrated 7-OH shots like the 7-Hydro Shot from Real Botanicals, try the mild kratom kava shot, which is less potent. 

So, Are Kava and Kratom Shots Safe?

Safety should be your top priority when shopping for kava and kratom shots. First, do due diligence to find a reputable brand that ships to your location. 

Ideally, the risk of getting hooked on kava is low, but you should not use it daily. Poor-quality kava shots can cause serious liver issues. Only buy lab-tested shots, and you can also request a certificate of analysis to know the exact ingredients and proportions before buying. 

Kratom has a higher risk profile, and regular use can result in dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. As mentioned earlier, the concentration of the active alkaloids is higher in kratom shots than in regular kratom products, so the risk is higher. 

In conclusion, kava shots are more predictable and easier to manage. On the other hand, kratom shots, especially concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine shot is stronger and less forgiving if misused. 

Have you ever used kava and kratom shots? Which one do you prefer? Share in the comment section. 

FAQ

What is kava and kratom used for?
People use both for relaxation, stress relief, and mood support. Kava is more commonly used to unwind and ease anxiety, while kratom is used for a mix of energy, focus, or relaxation depending on the dose.

What does a kava shot do to you?
A kava shot helps you feel calm, relaxed, and less tense. The effects are usually smooth and clear-headed, so you can still function normally without feeling overwhelmed.

What does a kratom shot do to you?
A kratom shot can either boost your energy or make you feel relaxed, depending on how much you take. Lower amounts tend to feel stimulating, while higher amounts can feel more calming or sedating.

What feels better, kava or kratom?
It depends on what you are looking for. If you want a calm, steady feeling, kava usually feels better. If you want something stronger or more noticeable, kratom may feel more satisfying, but it comes with more risk.

How long does a shot of kava last?
A kava shot typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, with effects starting within 10 to 30 minutes.

How long does a shot of kratom last?
A kratom shot usually lasts around 4 to 6 hours, sometimes longer depending on the dose and your body. Effects often start within 20 to 40 minutes.