{"id":3593,"date":"2023-07-27T10:49:49","date_gmt":"2023-07-27T10:49:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/?page_id=3593"},"modified":"2025-02-07T12:34:53","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T12:34:53","slug":"kratom-vs-kava","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/kratom\/kratom-vs-kava\/","title":{"rendered":"Kratom vs. Kava: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Though kratom and kava have similar effects, they are very different substances. Learn about how they work in the body and discover the benefits, effects, and dangers of each.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kratom<\/a> and kava are plant-based supplements consumed for their mood-enhancing and relaxing effects. Supplements come in various forms, with the raw leaves of both plants used to manufacture items for consumption. Although some of the effects of these substances are similar, kratom and kava come from different plants. They also work in different ways to produce similar effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Kratom?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People are often surprised to learn that kratom<\/a> is a plant related to coffee. In kratom\u2019s native Southeast Asian countries, locals often chew the leaves for energy and pain relief. In recent years, some of these countries outlawed kratom because of growing concern about the potential for addiction. However, the plant is still exported to the United States and other countries. Manufacturers crush the leaves and process them for commercial sale as a nutritional supplement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

U.S. consumers purchase kratom in powder form or as a liquid extract. The powder form is sometimes made into a tea or mixed into beverages. It\u2019s also sold in capsule form, which many people prefer because of the strong taste of kratom powder. In liquid extract form, kratom comes as a potent concentrate, which is easy for people to consume in high doses. Kratom is used recreationally to promote relaxation or medicinally to help with various physical and mental health issues and promote well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Kava?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kava is made out of the roots of the kava plant<\/a>. The plant belongs to the pepper family, and it\u2019s native to countries like Fiji and Indonesia. People in its native area use the root of the kava plant to create different types of tea and juice beverages. Some restaurants and bars mix it with either water or coconut milk to create drinks that are consumed socially or recreationally. Kava has also been used for ceremonial rituals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the U.S., kava is used as a tea, a supplement or even an extra ingredient in certain baked goods. Because of its relaxing qualities, it\u2019s often used by those experiencing anxiety or insomnia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Differences Between Kava and Kratom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite some similarities, kratom and kava are quite different. They come from entirely different plant families, and they act in different ways to produce their effects. Those weighing the benefits of kratom vs. kava should also consider the differences in how these supplements are used. Kratom is more widely used as a stimulant<\/a> or for pain, and kava is more commonly used for anxiety, stress, and insomnia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kratom strains and effects are closely linked. For example, the Bali strain produces opioid-like<\/a> euphoria. The Maeng Da strain acts more like a pain killer and stimulant. The dose also matters. In small doses, kratom produces some of the same stimulating effects as coffee. In larger doses, the effects are more sedating and are similar to those produced by opioid painkillers. Kratom is also known for its mood-enhancing properties. At very high dosages, kratom produces effects such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n