KAVA · kava drinks · Kratom · kratom beverages · Kratom Drink · kratom drinks · Plant-based · wellness ·Oct 10, 2024

Natural Remedies for Mental Health: Kratom and Kava

In today's fast pace world, finding alternate ways to manage stress, improve mood, and reduce anxiety is highly important than ever. Many people are turning to natural remedies to help them relax and feel good, and two popular options have gained attention are kratom and kava. These plants have been used for centuries in various cultures and are now becoming more well-known for their potential mental health benefits. How does kratom and kava work, and what should you know before trying them? In this article, we will explore how these all-natural products may help with anxiety, relaxation, and mood, along with important legal and safety considerations.

What Is Kratom and Kava?

Kratom comes from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. It has been used traditionally in countries like Thailand and Indonesia for many reasons, including energy, mood enhancement, and relaxation. The main active compound in kratom is called mitragynine, which interacts with certain receptors in the brain.

Kava, on the other hand, is a plant from the South Pacific islands, where it’s been consumed for centuries during social gatherings and ceremonies. The active compounds in kava are called kavalactones, which promote calming effects.

Both kratom and kava have unique properties that make them popular for different reasons. Let's take a closer look at how they may benefit your mental health.

Mental Health Benefits of Kratom and Kava

May Help Relieve Anxiety

Many people use kratom and kava to help reduce feelings of anxiety. Anxiety can cause a lot of discomfort, from racing thoughts to difficulty focusing or sleeping. Some individuals find that kratom or kava may help them feel calmer and relaxed.

Kratom for Anxiety: Kratom’s active compound, mitragynine, interacts with certain receptors in the brain that may influence how we feel. While kratom is often known for its stimulating effects at lower doses, higher doses may help promote a sense of calmness, which is why some people use it to manage their anxiety levels.
Kava for Anxiety: Kava is more well-known for its calming effects. The kavalactones in kava interact with neurotransmitters in the brain, such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA plays a big role in calming the nervous system, and by enhancing GABA activity, kava may help people feel more relaxed and less anxious.

Promotes Relaxation

One of the biggest reasons people turn to kratom and kava is to unwind and relax. After a stressful day, it's important to have a way to ease the tension, and both kratom and kava may help with that.

Kratom for Relaxation: When taken in higher doses, kratom can have a sedative effect. This is due to mitragynine binding to certain receptors in the brain, which may help ease physical and mental tension. While it’s known for its stimulating effects at low doses, many users find that kratom can be deeply relaxing when taken in moderation.
Kava for Relaxation: Kava has long been used in Pacific Island cultures for relaxation. The kavalactones in kava work by reducing muscle tension and calms the mind, without causing mental fog or fatigue. This makes kava a great option for people who want to relax while keeping a clear mental state.

May Help Boost Mood

Everyone has those days when they feel a bit down or lack energy. While kratom and kava aren’t cures for mood-related issues, they may help give a natural lift to your day.

Kratom for Mood: Many people use kratom to help improve their overall mood. The way mitragynine interacts with the brain’s receptors may help create feelings of well-being. This has made kratom a popular option for those looking for a natural way to boost their mood.
Kava for Mood: Kava is often used to enhance mood as well. Because it promotes relaxation and reduces tension, it can help people feel more positive and uplifted. The calming effects of kava may make social interactions more enjoyable, which can contribute to a better overall mood.

How Kratom and Kava Work in the Brain

Understanding how kratom and kava work can help you see why they may have these effects.

Kratom’s Active Compound - Mitragynine: The main active ingredient in kratom is mitragynine. This compound interacts with the brain’s receptors, which can influence mood, stress, and pain. It’s important to note that, unlike synthetic opioids, kratom’s effects are milder and its use varies widely depending on dosage.
Kava’s Active Compounds - Kavalactones: Kava’s kavalactones primarily affect the brain’s GABA receptors, which play a major role in calming the nervous system. By boosting GABA activity, kava helps to create a sense of calm without interfering with mental clarity. Kavalactones may also have effects on dopamine receptors, which can help explain why people feel uplifted after consuming kava.

Legal and Safety Considerations

As with any natural product, it’s important to understand the legal and safety aspects of using kratom and kava.

Legal Restrictions

Kratom: The legal status of kratom varies by state and local laws. In the United States, kratom is legal in many areas but is banned or restricted in certain states. It’s essential to check the laws in your location before purchasing or using kratom.
Kava: Kava is legal in most countries, though some have placed restrictions due to concerns about potential liver toxicity. Always ensure that the kava product you're using is from a reputable source to minimize risk.

Possible Side Effects

While kratom and kava are generally well tolerated by many users, they can come with potential side effects.

Kratom Side Effects: Some common side effects of kratom include nausea, dizziness, constipation, and drowsiness, particularly at higher doses. Long-term or excessive use of kratom can potentially lead to dependency or other health issues. It’s important to use kratom in moderation and to follow recommended usage instructions.
Kava Side Effects: Kava is considered safe for short-term use, but long-term consumption or high doses can pose risks to liver health. Some users also report drowsiness or dizziness after taking kava. To avoid any serious side effects, use kava responsibly and avoid mixing it with alcohol or other substances that could strain the liver.

Dosage Recommendations

Kratom Dosage: Dosages of kratom vary depending on the desired effect. Low doses (1-5 grams) tend to be more stimulating, while higher doses (5-10 grams) are associated with calming and sedative effects. Always start with a lower dose if you are new to kratom and gradually adjust based on how your body responds.
Kava Dosage: For kava, a typical dosage is 70-250 milligrams of kavalactones per day. As with kratom, it’s recommended to start with a lower dose to see how you feel before increasing.
We advise consulting with your Health Care Physician before consuming Kratom or Kava.

Kratom and kava are natural products from mother earth that may offer benefits for mental health, particularly in relieving anxiety, promoting relaxation, and boosting mood. While both have their unique properties, they also come with considerations around legality, safety, and dosage. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns.