Kava and Kratom Tea: Side-By-Side Comparison

In this post, I’m going to share with you everything you need to know regarding kava and kratom tea so that you can make an informed decision about which is best for you. 

Kratom tea is made from kratom, also known as Mitragyna Speciosa, which originates from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, where the natives have been using it for hundreds of years.

The plant’s leaves contain many alkaloids that are responsible for its amazing experiences. However, two in particular, Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine, bear the majority of the responsibility, the former even more so than the latter.

A higher concentration of alkaloids per leaf translates to a more potent strain. Once the leaves reach a certain maturity, they are harvested, dried (also known as curing), sometimes fermented (depending on the strain), and either grounded into a fine powder or cut into tiny pieces known as crushed leaves.

To make kratom tea, boiling water is poured into a container containing the kratom and allowed to simmer for at least 15 minutes. The alkaloids are extracted from the plant during the simmering process and released into the water. The plant material, whether it’s powder or crushed leaves, is filtered, and the water is then drunk as a tea. Sweeteners can be added to improve the taste.

Once the alkaloids enter your system, they are absorbed into your bloodstream and transported to the brain where they bind to the same receptors as opioids. Thus, producing very similar results.

Kratom comes in four colors, including:

• Red
• White
• Green
• Yellow/gold

Each color produces a different experience. Therefore, you can make kratom tea depending on what results you’re looking for.

Kava, also known as Piper Methysticum, is a small shrub that originates from the Pacific Islands, specifically Fiji, Tonga, and Hawaii, where it’s been used for centuries as part of rituals, ceremonies, and improving well-being.

Kava’s constituents responsible for its amazing experiences are known as kavalactones. It is believed that 18 kavalactones exist. However, six out of the eighteen kavalactones are considered to be the most active ingredients. There are over 103 different types of kava, and each contains a unique variation of kavalactones, which is why they produce different experiences. Some varieties are better for daytime use while others are best used at night.

Traditionally, it’s the root and stump of the plant that is grounded into a powder, soaked in water, and prepared into a tea. Just like kratom’s alkaloids, kavalactones are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the brain where they bind to the same receptors as opioids. Thus, producing very similar results. 

Assuming you use Kava in beverage form, both kava tea and kratom tea will kick in as quickly as five to ten minutes.

Since your stomach does not have to break down solid material, the experience from both plants is extremely fast. 

Despite its amazing use, kava has been frowned upon by the FDA, stating that kava can lead to long-term side effects, but more on that later.

Fortunately, the FDA is not the law, which means kava is here to stay. Furthermore, the FDA considers kava to be a supplement intended for personal use.

There are no jurisdictions within the US that have banned the distribution, possession, or use of kava.

Kratom is legal in the United States, but only under federal law. State and local governments have the right to take further action against kratom, and many have.

As of February 2023, kratom is illegal in six states, including:

• Wisconsin
• Vermont
• Indiana
• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Rhode Island

Getting caught with kratom in your possession while in the six states mentioned above can get you in serious legal trouble. Additionally, certain counties and cities like San Diego and Oceanside in California have also banned the use, possession, and distribution of kratom, regardless of state law.

For a complete list of jurisdictions which have outlawed kratom, click here. 

Like most plants and herbs, incorrectly using kava or kratom can lead to unwanted side effects, especially if you intentionally abuse them.

Therefore always make sure to use both plants responsibly. Otherwise, you may experience the following side effects.  

Kava’s short side effects are caused by taking more kava than your body can handle, such as:

• Drowsiness
• Restlessness
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Tremors
• Allergic reactions in the skin

However, long-term and consistent use can lead to long-term side effects including:

• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Flaky, dry, and yellowish skin
• Partial loss of hearing

Never combine kava and alcohol, as doing so will significantly increase your chances of experiencing side effects. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should never use kava.

Always consult your doctor before using kava. 

Just like kava, kratom tea can produce both long and short term side effects. Short-term side effects are caused by either taking too much kratom and/or not drinking enough water. Long-term side effects are caused by taking kratom consistently for many years. How many years exactly we do not know, as there is still a lack of studies in this particular area.

Kratom is known to dehydrate your body, which means you have to drink plenty of water, regardless of whether you’re using kratom in tea form. If you fail to drink enough water, the side effects include:

• Dry Mouth
• Constipation

You can rehydrate your body, and make the side effects go away faster, if you drink a few cups of water immediately after realizing you’re dehydrated.

If you’re accidentally drink more kratom tea than your body can handle, you may experience the following side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomit

I have experienced all of the aforementioned side effects, and believe me, nausea is by far the worst. If it’s severe, the nausea may result in vomiting. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to make these side effects go away. However, on the brightside, they will go away on their own within a couple of hours, and none of the short term effects are life threatening.

Long term side effects are a result of long-term use. These include conditions like:

• Psychosis
• Hyperpigmentation (darkening of facial skin)
• Weight loss

If you suspect any of the aforementioned long-term side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not drink kratom tea. 

Always contact your doctor before using kratom tea.