There are many similarities that Kava and Kratom share. First of all, they are traditional herbal supplements that have an effect not only on the body but also on the mind. Secondly, they’re both legal in most areas of the US and the world (but not all!). Thirdly, they’ve been cultivated and consumed for centuries.
However, if you take a closer look at them, you’ll find significant differences. If you want to get the benefits of both you might be thinking about combining them.
So can you mix Kava with Kratom?
Although the answer is technically yes, you can mix Kava with Kratom, I would recommend against it. Combining the herbs could produce unexpected results. And kratom itself is risky, even on its own.
My recommendation: stick to the kava!
There is debate about whether you can take them together because there could be health risks involved when you use them in high and regular quantities.
I’ll talk more about mixing them below but first, I’ll go over each substance in detail.
What Is Kava?
Kava comes from the roots of a Piper Methysticum tree. This plant usually grows on the islands of the Pacific Ocean. This is usually available as a South American beverage that is served in Tonga and Fiji during their traditional healing and social events.
Kava contains kavapyrones that have an effect many compare to Xanax. In fact, the NY Times called Kava “Nature’s Xanax“. The non-addictive herbal drink causes you to become cheerful, relaxed, sleepy, and peaceful.
Traditionally, it has been used to help relax the muscles, alleviate pain, brighten the mood, and prevent seizures.
Kava is typically used for anxiety but can also be used for sleeplessness, stress management, muscle relaxant, nervousness, and mood enhancer.
Kava works by attaching to the GABA receptors. This will cause the body to feel tranquil and calm. This is why Kava is so helpful for those who suffer from anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbance.
Apart from this, they help release dopamine to help relax the muscles.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is another plant that’s usually found in the tropics. The plant is called Mitragyana Speciosa and is originally from Southeast Asia. There are many different strains of Kratom and they also have various effects on the body.
It is quite difficult to classify them but there are four major classifications that they could fall under– white vein, green vein, red vein, and yellow vein kratom.
Regardless, they have a similar effect on reducing pain. When used in low doses, kratom could act like a stimulant like coffee. However, with higher doses, it could act as a sedative.
Kratom works by targeting mainly the opioid system. This is responsible for pain management and the more active the opioid receptors are, the less pain we feel.
Many of the opioid receptors are found in the area of the brain that’s also responsible for the release of dopamine. As more opioid receptors are activated in the area, there is a release of dopamine too.
Unfortunately, the biggest problem with Kratom is that it is addictive, and can be hard to quit. Also, kratom is illegal in many countries, and in several states.
Unfortunately, the biggest problem with Kratom is that it is addictive, and can be hard to quit.
Mixing Kava With Kratom
If you mix kava with kratom, you will find a sense of peace and calm, at least for a while. But things could eventually get rocky.
Precaution should be taken when mixing Kava with Kratom. Both have effects on physical and emotional health. Although they produce similar impacts and benefits, you should still know the body’s limitations when mixing them or taking them jointly.
Precaution should be taken when mixing Kava with Kratom.
Pros Of Mixing Kava And Kratom
Many people compare Kava and Kratom because of their effects in inducing relaxation and relieving anxiety. When they are taken simultaneously, they could result in even more potent results that could cause mood enhancements, euphoria, and attentiveness.
When used together, they could help fight against depression by decreasing anxiety. It can help people sleep better.
The overall mood is improved and pain is alleviated.
Cons Of Mixing Kava And Kratom
Although the combination of Kava and Kratom can produce positive effects, there are still some cons to consider. First of all, not everybody has the same response to the mixture. There are still health hazards that could occur when both are combined.
When taken in excessive doses, it could cause damage to the liver and kidneys. It is possible to cause death when too high dosages are used.
Additionally, kava can make you fall alseep, as can kratom at higher doses. Combining the two may lead to excessive tiredness, and operating machinery would be highly dangerous.
How To Mix Kava And Kratom
When mixing Kava and Kratom, it is best to make your kava the right way, first. That’s because the preparation for Kava is much more involved than that of karatom, and you’d have to strain the kava to filter it.
Afterward, you can just add the Kratom powder and stir, as that doesn’t have to be filtered.
Kava already tastes bad, and kratom won’t add any positive flavor!
Some people use milk and add a combination of supplements before straining them out. You can take Kratom first on an empty stomach and use Kava to wash it down. Kava also works better on an empty stomach.
Eating food afterward helps remove the aftertaste.
Usually, the Kratom dose should only be kept at about 10%. When mixing it is best to start with lower doses than what you usually would do for either of them. That’s because the effects could be amplified when they are combined and they can be much stronger than what you anticipate.
The best thing to do is to go low and gradually build up. However, don’t use excessively high amounts. You should never exceed 8 grams for Kratom and 60 grams for Kava.
Also, make sure that you don’t mix them with any other medication or alcohol. Limiting the dosage for both will help prevent you from building a tolerance to it.
Are They Addictive?
Kratom can definitely be addictive. However, the addiction isn’t the same as other pharmaceutical addictions. And it’s complicated, as many people use kratom to help them wean off of a more powerful opiate.
Kava, on the other hand, is completely non-habit-forming.
Final Thoughts
I’m a big kava fan, but dislike kratom due to its potential for abuse. I recognize that many get positive benefits from it, and support the ability to purchase and consume kratom.
But be careful!
If you’re curious about both substances, kava is certainly worth trying first. Yeah, it tastes bad, but the effects are pleasant, and you won’t regret it in the morning (or for the rest of your life).
