Kratom vs. Kava: Explore the Differences

In the world of natural remedies, Kratom and Kava are two plants that have quickly caught the attention and interest of people who are looking for help with stress management and relaxation. Both these plants have a rich history with cultural significance in the countries they originate from, but they’re quite different when it comes to their effects and how they’re prepared. In this post, we’ll go over the differences between Kratom vs. Kava, whether they’re safe to take together, and the best place to purchase Kratom. 

Kratom: An Ancient Leaf of Wonder

Originating from Southeast Asia, Mitragyna speciosa, or better known as Kratom, has a long history of traditional use. The leaves of the Kratom plant have been used for centuries to ease pain, boost energy, and enhance mood. The active compounds in Kratom are, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are responsible for the plants relaxing and pain management effects.  

• Effects and Benefits: 

One of the reason Kratom has become so popular is because it has many different uses and benefits. Certain herbs are able to help with relaxation and some others are helpful in boosting energy, or even elevating mood. What makes Kratom so unique and special is that when taking specific strains, it can single handedly provide all those benefits at once. It’s extremely popular with people who are looking to boost energy, increase focus, manage discomfort, or provide stress relief. It's also known to promote a sense of euphoria, which makes the herb appealing with those who want to enhance their mood.

• Consumption and Varieties:

Kratom is commonly consumed in various ways, such as:

1. Kratom Powder: The most traditional and versatile form of Kratom, where leaves are dried and ground into a fine powder. Afterwards, the powder can be mixed with water, juice, or other beverages. It can also be consumed using the ‘Toss and Wash' method, which involves measuring the desired serving size of Kratom powder, then tossing it in the mouth while washing it down with water or another beverage. Because of the powders bitter taste, we do not recommend this method for first time users. 
2. Kratom Smoothies: To completely mask the bitter taste, some people incorporate Kratom powder into their favorite smoothies. Learn How To Make The Best Kratom Smoothie. 
3. Kratom Tea: Kratom leaves or powder can be brewed into tea by steeping them in hot water. This method is popular for those who prefer a milder taste and soothing experience. Learn How To Make Kratom Tea.
4. Kratom Capsules: Pre-measured amounts of Kratom powder are enclosed in gelatin or plant-based capsules for easy consumption. 
5. Kratom Extracts: Concentrated forms of Kratom that are more potent than the regular powder. Extracts are typically available in liquid or powder form and require smaller serving sizes for desired effects. For the best liquid extract shot, we recommend our NuKine Wellness Kratom Nootropic Shot.
6. Kratom Tinctures: Concentrated liquid extracts made from Kratom leaves or powder. These are typically consumed by adding a few drops to any non-alcoholic beverage or simply taken sublingually.

Varieties: Kratom is also available in a variety of different strains. Typically these strains are named after the regions they first originated from, such as Bali, Borneo, or Malay. Each one of these strains will have a slightly different effect because they contain different combinations of alkaloids. To learn more, read the ‘Kratom Strains’ section on our ‘NuKine Learning Center’ page. Below you’ll find a list of the three main strains:

White Vein Kratom is harvested from the Kratom tree during the very beginning of its lifecycle. It's gets its name from the stems whitish hue. It's known to be the longest lasting strain and have effects that include a boost of energy, increased focus, improved mood, and euphoria. White vein Kratom also has the highest mitragynine content of any strain, which gives off its strong stimulating effect. The best White Kratom strains include White Maeng Da, White Borneo, and White Bali.

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Green Vein Kratom is harvested from the Kratom tree during the middle of it's lifecycle. It's gets it's name from the stems greenish hue during this period. In terms of effects, Green vein Kratom has benefits that are in between white and red strains. For example: whites are known for boosting energy, reds are known for relaxation, but greens are known for a having a mix of both. The best Green Kratom strains include, Green Maeng Da, Green Malay, Green Borneo, and Green Bali.

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Red Vein Kratom is harvested from the Kratom tree during the very end of it's lifecycle. It's gets it's name from the stems reddish hue during this period. It has the highest 7-hydroxy mitragynine content, which is responsible for it's sedative and pain management effects. The best Red Kratom Strains include, Red Bali, Red Borneo, and Red Maeng Da. To learn more about the most popular Red Kratom strains and what makes them the best, read our ‘Best Red Kratom Vein Strains’ article. 

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Kava: The Relaxation Ritual of The Pacific Islands

Piper methysticum or better known to many as Kava, comes from the Pacific Islands, where it’s been used in traditional ceremonies and social gatherings for centuries. The roots of the Kava plant are ground into a fine powder to create a beverage that induces relaxation and a sense of tranquility.

• Effects and Benefits:

Kava’s popular with many for its ability to calm the mind without causing sedation or clouding cognitive function. The active compounds in Kava, called kavalactones, interact with neurotransmitters, which are responsible for promoting a state of relaxation. It's also known to enhance sociability and is often sought after by those who are looking for a natural remedy to alleviate stress and find emotional balance.

• Consumption and Varieties:

Kava can be consumed in many different ways that include:

1. Kava Root Tea: One of the most popular methods is by preparing Kava root tea. This method is deeply embedded in the Pacific Island culture and used during Kava ceremonies. The process involves grinding the Kava root into a fine powder, which is then mixed with water. The mixture is typically strained through a cloth or a strainer to extract the kavalactones, which are the active compounds from the root itself. The resulting liquid is what is referred to as traditional Kava tea, which is then consumed for its calming effects.
2. Kava Drinks: Kava root is blended or mixed with water, coconut milk, or fruit juices to create a beverage that is served in bowls or cups. This is the most popular method at Kava bars and cafes. 
3. Kava Instant Mixes: Instant Kava mixes are pre-made formulations of Kava powder that are mixed with water or other liquids. This eliminates the need to prepare the Kava root from scratch.
4. Kava Capsules: Pre-measured amounts of kava root powder that allow for easy consumption.
5. Kava Tinctures: Concentrated liquid extracts that are made from Kava root. They’re often used as a convenient way to consume Kava when traveling or on the go. In this method, a few drops of the tincture are added to any non-alcoholic beverage or taken sublingually direct under the tongue.
6. Kava Chews: Some vendors now offer Kava chews or candies, which are flavored and contain Kava extracts. These chews offer a more palatable option for those who find the taste of traditional Kava to be too strong.

Varieties: Like Kratom, Kava comes in different varieties, that are known as cultivars or strains. These different strains are influenced by different factors such as the region of growth, the soil they’re grown in, climate, and different cultivation practices. Some well-known Kava cultivars include Fiji Kava, Noble Kava, Tonga Kava, Vanuatu Kava, and Hawaiian Kava. Each Kava strain offers a distinct taste, potency, and effects, that provide a different experience. If you’re interested in Kava, it’s important to always make sure that the Kava products you’re getting are sourced from reputable vendors that ensure safety and quality. Learn Where To Buy Kava. 

Distinguishing Factors

While Kratom and Kava share a lot of similarities by both being is powder form and having relaxing effects, there’s also some main differences that set them apart. To give you an example, here are some of the main differences:

• Origin: 

Kratom is native to Southeast Asia, and found in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Kava is indigenous to the Pacific Islands, including Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Hawaii.

• Active Compounds: 

The primary active compounds in Kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. The main active compounds in Kava are a group of lactones called kavalactones.

• Taste: 

Kratom leaves have a bitter taste that can be quite strong and intense for those trying it for the first time. Even though experienced users have said they become used to the taste after time, many new users might find the taste to be challenging to tolerate. This is especially when consuming the raw leaves or simple powdered form by itself. Kava root has a distinct, earthy taste, that is often described as peppery and slightly bitter. While it is not as intensely bitter as Kratom, it can still be an acquired taste for some individuals.

Is It Safe To Mix Kratom and Kava?

When it comes to Kratom and Kava, it's generally not recommended to mix these two herbs together. Although they both come from natural plants, they have their own unique chemical compositions, and combining them might lead to different effects. 

Where Can I Buy Kratom?

If you’re interested in trying Kratom or simply looking for a new vendor, NuKine Wellness is the go-to destination for purchasing top-quality Kratom products online. At NuKine Wellness, we take great pride in sourcing only the finest and purest Kratom from trusted suppliers, to ensure all our products undergo rigorous testing and are of the highest quality. We also carry a wide variety of options to choose from, including capsules, powders, and our famous NuKine Kratom Nootropic Shot. Transparency and safety are paramount to us, and we provide all the necessary information about our products, including sourcing and lab testing results directly on our labels. Our dedicated customer care team is available 24/7 to assist with any questions or concerns and provide exceptional customer service. Also, our fast and reliable free same day shipping ensures prompt delivery, and all orders are guaranteed with our 30 days hassle-free money-back guarantee. Experience the NuKine Wellness difference and shop with us today to discover the benefits of our top-notch Kratom products and service. To learn more about what makes NuKine Wellness unique, visit our 'About Us' page. 

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Conclusion

Kratom and Kava each offer unique roads to relaxation, and their individual effects and traditional uses both have a place in the world of natural herb remedies. Ultimately, the choice between Kratom and Kava comes down to personal preferences and the intended effects and benefits you are looking to achieve. 

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended to offer general information only. It does not constitute medical or health advice, and does not attempt to give you advice that relates to your specific circumstances. Kratom has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any diseases or health conditions. Therefore, any information on this website is presented solely as the opinions of the respective authors, who do not claim to be medical professionals in any way, shape, or form.