Kava the Strongest Alternative to Kratom

What would you choose if you have a herbal remedy and a synthetic pill to kill that pain that is not letting you move, the stress that ruins your entire day, and the mood-related issues that come up all unannounced? I know, most of you would like to go for herbal remedy because this solution is entirely pure yet free of side effects.

As the herbs are replacing pills, so are the preferences of individuals from medications to plant-based solutions.

In the world of herbs, Kava and Kratom are exclusively used for numerous problems. Moreover, Kratom enthusiasts often use Kava as an alternative to Kratom when they cannot use it due to any XYZ reasons.

Here in this piece, you will get to know all the essential details about Kava and for what reasons you can use it as an alternative to Kratom.

So let’s get straight into it, folks!

What is Kava?

Kava is scientifically known as Piper Methysticum, and other familiar names are Kava Kava, Kava Pepper, Ava Pepper, Sakau, and Tong. Although, this plant is famous for its sedative qualities, traditionally, people use it as a hypnotic, psychotropic, and anxiolytic.

The Chemical Make-Up of Kava?

The composition of Kava is pretty unique and helps it to stand out among other ethnobotanicals. The following exclusive bio-actives give Kava its characteristic properties:

• The essential active ingredients are composed of a mixture of six bio-actives (Methysticin, Di-hydro-methysticin, Kavain, Di-hydro-kavain, Yangonin, and Des-methoxy-angonin). These are collectively known as Kavalactones or Kavapyrones.
• 12 other lactones
• Small amounts of Kawaine, and Pipermethystine
• Derivatives of Kavain that are known as Flavokavains
• Glutathione

How does Kava work on our system?

Kava works through Glutaminergic, GABAergic, Dopaminergic, and Serotonergic signalling. Head over to know the details of each pathway!

Glutaminergic Signalling

The active ingredient, Kavain, acts as a Glutaminergic agent and triggers the Glutamate amino acid. This amino acid sends the signals by exciting the nerve cells of our brain. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in learning.

GABAergic Signalling

According to research, Kavapyrones enhance GABA(A) signalling through other ligands by increasing the number of binding sites. Dihydromethysticin mainly mediates this action.

The sedative state we experience after consuming Kava is primarily the product of GABAergic Signaling.

Dopaminergic Signalling

According to the study, Kava increases extracellular Dopamine, but some of its active ingredients can also cause inhibition of D2 receptors of Dopamine. Kawain decreases levels of Dopamine while Djhydrokawain and Desmethoxyyangonin increase it.

Serotonergic Signalling

Isolated Dihydromethysticin can increase levels of Serotonin while Desmethoxyyangonin decreases it. According to research, the Sertotonergic signalling takes away the anxiety and stress by relaxing the skeletal muscles.

That is how Kava travels through different pathways and produce the ever-lasting effects that we all want to experience!

What are the benefits of using Kava?

Kava used as a therapy for Anxiety

Some clinical studies and users on different online forums like Reddit state that Kava is effective in treating the symptoms associated with stress. It is a herbal remedy for stress, anxiety, and depression. The kavalactones in Kava work on the brain’s non-opiate pathways and create a sense of complete relaxation. Some studies suggest that Kava is as good as benzodiazepines.

Kava does not produce cardiac or reproductive abnormalities, so it is a preferred herb. Still, cases of liver toxicity have raised some questions about Kava as the drug of choice of the treatment of anxiety.

Kava as a remedy for Mood swings

Kava helps in reducing mood swings and increasing cheerfulness like Kratom. It induces a healthier and pleasant feeling. Menopausal women take it to help them with their mood swings without affecting other systems of the body.

Kava as therapeutic support for Dependence on mind-altering pills

Kava just like Kratom has a significant value when it comes to the therapeutic support of substance abuse. Kavapyrones are responsible for binding to particular receptors in brains that are associated with cravings and dependence.

Kava promotes better sleep

Kava is the best herbal remedy for inducing sleep and fighting off insomnia like Kratom. Kava has sedative actions as that of Kratom. It helps improve the quality of sleep and the duration of time required to fall asleep.

Kava helps fight cancer

Flavokawains present in Kava, have anti-cancer properties. It inhibits the growth of tumour cells present in the prostate and also helps in the prevention of metastasis.

It also boosts the immune system as it possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps combat breast cancer by decreasing the weight and volume of the tumour.

Kava stimulates the sex drive

The research shows how Kava significantly increased the female’s sexual drive when it was compared with a placebo group. It is an ideal herbal supplement if you have been facing issues related to sex drive.

How does Kava Work Similar To Kratom?

Kratom is a medicinal herb that provides you with an active and socially energetic effect after consuming small doses. In contrast, a higher amount creates calming effects, relieves pain and enables you to experience a state of euphoria.

Kratom is also used as an anti-anxiety remedy that also reduces stress disorders and helps relax muscles.

If you use Kratom frequently, you must be familiar with Red, White, Green, Yellow, and Gold strains. Different strains of Kratom have varying properties and effects.

The Red strains are exclusive sedatives, the White ones are exceedingly stimulating, and the Green vein leaves have a blend of both White and Red leaf powders.

Similarly, Kava reduces stress, alleviates pain and serves as an anxiolytic. Moreover, it acts as a muscle relaxant and reduces muscular tension and cramps. It helps in making one feel light and calm.

The two medicinal herbs are also similar in the method of consumption.

You can consume them in the form of tea, capsules, and dry powder.

How Kava and Kratom are different herbs?

However, due to individual differences, we cannot say that Kava replaces Kratom 100%. They both share some differences, as mentioned below:

• Kratom has its origin in South East Asia while Kava has it’s homeland is Pacific Rim.
• The most significant difference is that Kratom acts on opiate receptors of the brain while Kava interacts with the limbic system of the brain.
• The vital chemical agents in Kava are Kavalactones, while in Kratom, Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxy Mitragynine are essential alkaloids that trigger the effects.
• If you consume higher doses of Kratom, you may establish tolerance against it. In the case of Kava, the tolerance potential is comparatively low.
• Kava has massive, heart-shaped leaves located on a dense and giant shrub. The kava root has strangled lines inside it. While Kratom leaves have an average size and exhibit different vein colors as they mature.
• Kava tea is muddy-brown in colour while Kratom tea has a bright green color.
• Kava comes from pepper family, while Kratom belongs to the coffee family.
• Kratom has legality issues in a few states of the USA, but Kava is entirely legal to use.

Kava and Alcohol: Does Kava produce similar effects like alcohol?

Kava users often find it as the best alternative to alcohol. This plant resembles in producing effects that are similar to that of alcohol. These effects include:

• alleviating anxiety
• creating a sense of calmness
• analgesic and anti-depressing properties
• enhancing sociability
• combating mood disorders

Are there any side effects of Kava?

Kava is hepatotoxic; it should not be used continuously for more than three months. With the continuous use of Kava, there is yellowing of skin, hair, and nails, and it also causes allergic skin reactions in some users. Long-term Kava use can lead to shortness of breath, liver issues, scaly rash on the skin, facial puffiness and swelling.

What precautions should I take when consuming Kava?

• Avoid mixing Kava with any prescription drugs.
• Do not drink concentrated extracts of Kava
• Don’t drive after intake of Kava as it has sedative properties.
• If you have liver disease, do not drink Kava.
• Breastfeeding mothers should avoid the consumption of Kava
• Take Kava under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking Kava.

Final Thoughts

Kava is one of the most potent options for Kratom. Kava is a herb that produces a calming effect similar to Kratom. It also helps relax muscles and evoke a sense of contentment like that of Kratom. They both have related preparation styles, i.e. tea.

Moreover, these herbs relieve anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and stress-related chronic pain and muscular spasm. Due to these pharmacologic actions, Kava is supposedly the best alternative to Kratom, and thus it is widely used in many parts of the world as a replacement to Kratom.

Enjoy the benefits of supreme ethnobotanicals – Kava and Kratom, with every sip you take!

Frequently Asked Questions

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