Kratom vs Kava: What Is the Difference?

Interest in plant-based supplements has increased significantly in the past decade. Two products frequently compared are kratom and kava. Many consumers ask: What is the difference between kratom and kava? Although both are plant-based supplements consumed for their psychoactive effects, they come from entirely different plant families and produce very different outcomes in the body.

This article provides a clear, evidence-based comparison of kava vs kratom, including safety concerns, legal status, health risks, and potential benefits.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally used in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, kratom leaves were chewed or brewed as tea for energy and pain relief.

Today, consumers purchase kratom in kratom powder, capsules in pill form, extracts, and teas. The primary active compounds are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain.

How Kratom Affects the Body

Kratom’s effect depends heavily on dosage:

• Low doses: stimulant effects, increased mental clarity, alertness
• Higher doses: sedative effects, pain relief, and opioid like effects

Because kratom binds to opioid receptors, it can produce effects similar to opioid drugs. This has raised concerns about kratom addiction and physical dependence.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), kratom can produce stimulant effects at lower doses and sedative effects at higher doses, along with nausea, itching, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. NIDA also notes that regular kratom use can lead to withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opioid drugs.[1]

The Drug Enforcement Administration lists kratom as a “drug of concern,” although it is not currently scheduled under federal law in the United States.[2] However, its legal status varies by state and country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported hundreds of kratom-related overdose deaths between 2016 and 2017, often involving other substances such as opioid painkillers or prescription medications.[3]

What Is Kava?

Kava comes from the Piper methysticum plant, native to the South Pacific islands. In Polynesian cultures, drinking kava has been part of ceremonial and social practices for centuries.

The kava plant is processed by grinding the kava root into a powder, mixing it with water or coconut milk, and straining it to produce a beverage. Today, kava is also sold as capsules, tinctures, and extracts.

How Kava Works

Kava’s active compounds are called kavalactones. These compounds act on the central nervous system but do not bind directly to opioid receptors.

Kava is generally used to:

• Promote relaxation
• Provide stress relief
• Support mental health
• Produce calming and sedative properties

Unlike kratom, kava does not produce stimulant effects. Its effects are primarily sedative and relaxing.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is some evidence that kava may help with anxiety in the short term, though more research is needed due to insufficient evidence on long-term safety.[4]

Kratom vs Kava: Key Differences

When comparing kava vs kratom, the differences are significant.

Plant Origin

Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree from Southeast Asia. On the other hand, kava originates from the Piper methysticum plant from the South Pacific islands.

They come from entirely different plant families and evolved in different cultural contexts.

Mechanism of Action

Kratom interacts with opioid receptors, producing opioid like effects. Kava works through kavalactones, affecting neurotransmitters such as GABA, promoting relaxation without acting as an opioid.

This is one of the most important differences between kratom and kava products.

Effects

Kratom causes the following effects:

• Energy and pain relief at low doses
• Sedative effects at high doses
• Pain-relieving properties
• Potential for physical dependence

The effects of Kava may include:

• Relaxing effects
• Sedative properties
• Stress relief
• Minimal stimulant effects

Risk of Addiction

Kratom addiction is a documented concern. Regular kratom use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, muscle aches, insomnia, and mood changes.

Kava does not typically produce the same level of physical dependence. However, excessive use may still pose significant health risks.

Safety Concerns and Health Risks

Kratom Safety Concerns

Major health concerns associated with kratom include:

• Substance misuse
• Drug abuse
• Physical dependence and kratom addiction
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Adverse effects such as nausea, seizures, and confusion
• Interaction with other drugs or prescription medications

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation warns that kratom can pose significant health risks, especially when combined with opioid drugs or other substances.

Because kratom acts on opioid receptors, individuals using it as a natural alternative to opioid painkillers should consult a medical professional. It is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for pain relief or addiction recovery.

Kava Safety Concerns

Kava has its own safety concerns, primarily related to liver toxicity.

In the early 2000s, several countries restricted kava due to reports of liver damage and liver toxicity. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, kava may cause liver injury in rare but serious cases.[4]

Risk factors include:

• Pre-existing liver disease
• Combining kava with alcohol
• Using non-traditional preparations
• Consuming products contaminated with harmful substances

Neither kava nor kratom is considered completely risk-free.

Legal Status of Kratom and Kava

The legal status of kratom varies significantly.

The Drug Enforcement Administration has considered scheduling kratom in the past, but as of now, it remains federally legal in the United States, although some states and cities have banned it.

Kava’s legal status is generally more stable. Kava is legal in most U.S. states and many countries, though it has faced temporary restrictions due to liver toxicity concerns.

Consumers should always verify local regulations before purchasing kratom or kava products.

Use in Mental Health and Traditional Medicine

Kratom and Mental Health

Some individuals use kratom for mental health issues, including anxiety or depression. Others use it during addiction recovery as a natural remedy for opioid withdrawal.

However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states there is insufficient evidence to support kratom as a safe or effective treatment for substance misuse or opioid withdrawal.

Because kratom has opioid like effects, it may complicate recovery from opioid drugs rather than support it.

Kava and Mental Health

Kava has a stronger research base in integrative health for anxiety. Several clinical trials suggest short-term use may help reduce anxiety symptoms.

It is commonly included in complementary and integrative health approaches focused on stress relief and calming the central nervous system.

However, healthcare professionals still advise caution due to potential liver damage.

Cultural Context: Traditional Use vs Modern Consumption

Kratom has long been used by laborers in Southeast Asia to combat fatigue and enhance productivity.

Kava, by contrast, has deep roots in Polynesian cultures, where drinking kava is ceremonial and communal. Today, kava bars have become popular in some U.S. cities, offering kava beverages as an alcohol alternative.

Modern commercial products differ significantly from traditional medicine practices. Extraction methods, concentration levels, and mixing with other drugs can increase health risks.

Can You Take Kava and Kratom Together?

Some users experiment with both kava and kratom. However, combining substances that affect the central nervous system may increase adverse effects.

There is limited clinical research on combining kava and kratom. Because kratom interacts with opioid receptors and kava has sedative effects, the combination may increase drowsiness, impair coordination, and potentially elevate risk when mixed with prescription medications.

A medical professional should be consulted before combining either substance with other drugs.

Which Is Safer?

There is no simple answer.

Kratom poses significant health risks related to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and overdose when mixed with other substances.

Kava carries concerns about liver toxicity and liver damage, especially with prolonged use.

Neither kava nor kratom is approved by the FDA for medical treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, kratom-related deaths often involved other substances, highlighting the dangers of combining plant-based supplements with prescription medications or illicit drugs.[3]

From a dependency perspective, kratom presents a higher risk of addiction and physical dependence compared to kava.

What Are the Signs That You Need Help for Kratom or Kava Addiction?

Although kratom and kava are plant-based supplements often marketed as natural remedies, regular use can lead to serious health concerns. Recognizing early warning signs of kratom addiction or problematic kava use is critical for protecting both physical and mental health.

Signs of Kratom Addiction

Because kratom interacts with opioid receptors, it can produce opioid like effects and lead to physical dependence. Over time, kratom use may shift from occasional use to compulsive behavior.

Common signs that you may need professional support include:

• Increasing tolerance: Needing higher doses of kratom powder to achieve energy and pain relief or stimulant effects.
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using kratom, such as irritability, muscle aches, insomnia, sweating, anxiety, or nausea.
• Cravings or persistent thoughts about taking kratom.
• Using despite harm, including continuing use after experiencing adverse effects or health concerns.
• Failed attempts to quit, especially when trying to stop without medical guidance.
• Combining kratom with other substances, including opioid drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications.
  

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, kratom can produce symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal, including emotional instability and physical discomfort. This increases the risk of substance misuse and drug abuse.

If kratom use begins interfering with work, relationships, or daily responsibilities, that is a strong indicator that professional evaluation is needed.

Signs of Problematic Kava Use

Kava does not typically bind to opioid receptors, and it carries a lower risk of physical dependence compared to kratom. However, excessive or prolonged use can still pose significant health risks.

Warning signs include:

• Daily use to cope with stress relief or mental health issues
• Difficulty relaxing without drinking kava
• Sedative effects that impair concentration or coordination
• Skin changes, sometimes called “kava dermopathy,” are linked to heavy use
• Symptoms of liver toxicity, such as fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin (possible liver damage)
  

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has noted concerns about liver toxicity associated with kava plant products. Anyone experiencing symptoms of liver damage should seek immediate medical care.

Behavioral and Psychological Red Flags

Whether involving kava and kratom, addiction is not defined only by physical symptoms. Behavioral patterns are equally important.

You may need help if you:

• Use either substance to manage unresolved mental health issues
• Feel anxious or depressed without access to the substance
• Hide or minimize your use from family members
• Spend significant money on kratom kava products
• Continue use despite warnings from a healthcare professional
  

Even though both kava and kratom are legal in many areas, legal status does not guarantee safety. Plant-based supplements can still pose significant health risks when misused.

When to Seek Professional Help

If withdrawal symptoms, cravings, or health concerns develop, consulting a medical professional is strongly recommended. Healthcare professionals can evaluate for physical dependence, assess liver function, and review potential interactions with prescription medications or other drugs.

For individuals experiencing kratom addiction, attending medical detox is safer than abrupt discontinuation. In some cases, addiction recovery programs may be appropriate, particularly if kratom was used as a substitute for opioid painkillers.

If you are unsure whether your use qualifies as substance misuse, consider this guiding question: Has your use begun to control you rather than serve you? If the answer is yes, seeking support is a responsible and proactive step.

Early intervention reduces long-term health risks and improves outcomes. Neither kava nor kratom should be considered harmless simply because they originate from plants.

Get Connected to Treatment for Kava and Kratom Addiction 

Both kratom and kava are plant-based supplements consumed for psychoactive effects, but they have entirely different risk profiles.

Anyone considering kratom use or drinking kava should consult healthcare professionals, especially if they have mental health issues, take prescription medications, or have liver disease.

While marketed as a natural alternative for pain relief or stress relief, these substances can pose significant health risks. Evidence remains limited, and long-term safety is not well established.

If you or a loved one abuses kava or kratom, it’s time to seek professional help. At Eleve Behavioral Health, we can help you achieve long-term sobriety. Contact us today for more information on how to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can kratom or kava cause a positive drug test?

Standard workplace drug tests typically screen for common substances such as opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and cannabis. Kratom and kava are not usually included in routine panels. However, specialized testing can detect kratom’s active compounds in certain settings. Additionally, because kratom interacts with opioid receptors, false assumptions may arise if symptoms resemble opioid use. If you are subject to drug testing, consult a medical professional or testing provider for clarification.

2. Are kratom and kava regulated by the FDA?

Neither kratom nor kava is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for medical treatment. Both are sold as dietary or plant-based supplements, meaning they are not subject to the same pre-market safety and efficacy testing required for prescription medications. This lack of oversight increases safety concerns related to product purity, contamination, and inaccurate labeling. Consumers should be cautious, as some products may contain harmful substances or inconsistent concentrations of active compounds.

3. Can pregnant or breastfeeding individuals use kratom or kava?

There is insufficient evidence supporting the safety of kratom or kava during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Because both substances affect the central nervous system and cross biological barriers, exposure could pose significant health risks to a developing fetus or infant. Health authorities strongly advise against use during pregnancy due to potential adverse effects and unknown long-term consequences.

4. Are there safer alternatives for stress relief or pain management?

For stress relief, evidence-based options include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, exercise, and certain prescription medications prescribed by healthcare professionals. For pain management, non-opioid medications, physical therapy, and integrative health approaches may be recommended. Unlike unregulated plant-based supplements, these treatments are supported by stronger clinical evidence and medical oversight.

5. Why do some people view kratom or kava as a “natural alternative”?

Many consumers associate plant-derived products with safety, especially when compared to opioid painkillers or synthetic drugs. However, “natural” does not automatically mean safe. Numerous plant compounds have powerful psychoactive effects and may pose significant health risks when misused. Evaluating scientific evidence, consulting a medical professional, and understanding legal status are more reliable measures of safety than marketing claims.

6. How can you verify product quality if you choose to use these substances?

If someone decides to use kratom or kava despite potential health concerns, quality verification becomes critical. Look for products tested by independent third-party laboratories for contaminants, heavy metals, and accurate labeling of active compounds. Avoid products that make unsupported medical claims or promise guaranteed results. Even with testing, risks remain, but quality control may reduce the likelihood of exposure to harmful substances.

References:

1. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Kratom
2. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Kratom
3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Notes from the Field: Unintentional Drug Overdose Deaths with Kratom Detected — 27 States, July 2016–December 2017
4. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Kava