There is a significant difference between kava and kratom. Many people prefer to use them together to reap effective benefits, which also happens to be safe.
Both are wonderful herbs that have the potential to help people in treating issues such as chronic pain, PTSD, muscle tension, depression, anxiety, and opiate addiction naturally.
Before getting into the preparation of the magical kava and kratom recipe, let’s take a look at each one of them in a little detail.
Understanding the similarities and differences between the two are significant. It will help in ensuring that the two are combined in a way that is effective as well as safe for consumption.
Kava – Meaning
Kava is a plant that is originally found in the Western Pacific. It is also consumed widely among the Pacific Ocean cultures of Polynesia because it offers anesthetic (Painkilling) and sedative (calming) effects to the body.
Kava can induce a state of relaxation in the body that can improve cognitive function and mental clarity at the same time.
Cultures residing near the Pacific highly respect kava and the benefits it has to offer. These cultures also conduct kava ceremonies very frequently, which also comes along with social, religious, and political functions.
During these ceremonies, the people prepare “kava bowl”, containing a drink, that everybody gets to taste.
Many people are known to use kava in order to deal with anxiety, pain, depression, insomnia, and muscle tension. Kavalactones are the active ingredients present in the plant.
The effects of kava are quite similar to alcohol. They include –
• Euphoria
• Talkativeness
• Relaxation
However, kava does disrupt mental clarity as alcohol does to the users.
The primary properties that kavalactones have to offer include –
• Anticonvulsant (Anti-Seizure)
• Muscle Relaxing
• Analgesic (Painkilling)
• Anxiolytic (Anti-Anxiety)
When it comes to pharmacological actions, kava and its active ingredients have to offer the following changes –
• The levels of GABA will increase in the brain, leading to restful sleep and mental relaxation.
• The reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine is inhibited, leading to an increase in concentration, euphoria, and pleasure.
• Agonism of the CB1 receptor will result in mild effects that are quite similar to THC, the main ingredient found in marijuana.
Kratom – Meaning
Kratom is an evergreen herb that is found in Southeast Asia that is a part of the coffee family. At present, kratom is not being regulated by the DEA or Drug Enforcement Agency of the United States. However, a few states have passed bills to ban kratom, and soon more states will be banning it.
Many might consider kratom to be an opiate, but it is nothing but a misconception. In simple words, kratom is a form of opiate-agonist.
When a person takes kratom, the drug tends to bind with the opioid receptors present in the brain and different parts of the body, which results in effects that are similar to opiate drugs.
Mitragynine is one of the two major alkaloids present in kratom. The effects produced by this alkaloid is quite similar to morphine. The other alkaloid would be 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is considered to be even more potent than morphine.
When both work together, they result in pain alleviation in people who exhibit opiate withdrawal symptoms.
In short, kratom isn’t an opiate but can create effects that are quite similar to opiates. Therefore, many people prefer using kratom as a natural alternative to illicit or prescription opiates.
It is important to note that kratom can also result in addiction, especially in high doses. Some of the other effects kratom have to offer include –
• Mood-Enhancement
• Sedation
• Mental Stimulation
• Pain Relief
• Euphoria
Kratom comes in many strains – some are more potent than the others. The dosage of every strain will vary due to this reason. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before including kratom into your lifestyle.
Kava and Kratom Together – Effects
When the two plant extracts are mixed together, it could result in changes that are noticeable and remarkable. As both the plants share several similarities, it will help in enhancing the intensity of the effects.
It can provide relaxing, mood-enhancing, and painkilling symptoms in a healthier and safer version. You can consume it in the form of a drink to reap these benefits.
Kava and Kratom – Drink Recipe
When kava and kratom are used together safely, it provides you with several benefits. There are many vendors online; however, you shouldn’t trust anyone.
In order to prepare a drink, you will require top extracts of kratom and kava. Further instructions are mentioned below –
Take 1-2 teaspoons of White Borneo Kratom, Classic Red Bali Kratom, or any other top extract of kratom powder and add it to a glass of juice or water. You can use orange juice or grapefruit juice for potentiating the effects.
Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of Kava extract and add it to the mixture.
You will have to mix the concoction well using a spoon. If you would like your drink cold, you can add a few ice cubes. It will make the drink more refreshing. However, it is optional.
In order to enhance the taste and make the drink more presentable, you can also include a few mint leaves.
Your drink is ready! However, you need to consume it in an empty stomach. You can try having this drink for at least three or four times a day, if necessary.