Kava vs Kratom—heard the comparison but not sure what really sets them apart? You’re not the only one. They show up in similar spaces, but they couldn’t be more different in how they’re made, where they come from, and why people choose them. If you’ve been debating between the two, this quick guide breaks it all down in simple terms—so you can decide what fits you best.
| Feature | Kava (Piper methysticum) | Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) |
|---|---|---|
| Native Region | Originates from the South Pacific Islands | Originates from Southeast Asia |
| Plant Part Used | Roots are used | Leaves are used |
| Active Compounds | Kavalactones are present. | Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine are present. |
| Legality | Legal in all the states of the USA. | Legal in U.S. states and banned in a few others. |
| Kava | Kratom |
| It may help you relax [1] after a long day | May give you a steady energy boost [2] |
| You might get support to get better sleep [3] | It may help sharpen your daily focus [4] |
| May ease anxious [5] thoughts or stress [6] | Might spark creative [7] thinking |
| Might help you enhance your mood [8] | It may boost motivation [9] for daily tasks |
| It may promote calmness [10] | You may get the push to stay alert [11] |
| Might deal with PMS [12] | May uplift mood [13] on gloomy days |
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