If you’re involved in kava culture, you‘ve probably heard a word buzzing around recently and found yourself wondering, “What is kratom?” Kratom is often used interchangeably with kava because they are both teas that produce euphoric effects. Even though they have some similarities they are also very different. First, let’s review kava and kratom.

Kava, scientifically known as Piper methysticum, is a plant found in Polynesia, Fiji, and other Western Pacific Islands that belongs to the pepper family. Kava is used in celebrations and medicine due to the calming effects that can relieve pain, improve sleep, and promote sociability. To read more about kava’s unique effects, click here.

Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a plant found in Indonesida, Malaysia, and other areas of Southeast Asia that belongs to the coffee family. Kratom, like kava, produces mild calming effects in small doses, but can create more opiate-like effects if consumed in high dosages.

How are they similar?

Kava and kratom are both plants: kava comes from the root of the plant while kratom comes from the leaf of the plant. Both of these plants are ground into tea and consumed during celebrations for an alcohol-like, euphoric effect. In small doses, kava and kratom increase energy levels and relieve stress.

How are they different?

Although both kava and kratom produce calming effects, they react with your body in different ways. Kava contains kavalactones that influence GABA receptors in the limbic system and stimulate dopamine receptors. Kratom contains alkaloids that influence the mu and delta opioid receptors in the brain and stimulate norepinephrine receptors. Kratom influences serotonin and blocks pain receptors, which produces a morphine-like effect that can become addictive. Kratom has been banned in many countries due to its addictive qualities and it's future US. legal status remians unclear. Kava, on the other hand, is non-addictive and gaining popularity in the US with no legal issues.

Should you drink kava and kratom together?

When used in high doses, kratom can cause side effects that may get worse when combined with kava. It is not suggested to take the two together.