In the world of botanicals, kratom reigns. This natural plant is used for numerous purposes and is believed to provide a wide range of benefits. To put things into perspective, we compared kratom with some of the most famous natural plants used for similar purposes and conditions. From their origins to the most popular ways to take, we’re sharing everything you need to know.
What Is Kratom
Originating from Southeast Asia, kratom is a tree whose leaves contain over 20 known alkaloids. It was first discovered and classified in 1859 by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals. Over the centuries kratom has been used as herbal medicine. Natives are often used to chew kratom leaves or brew them into a tea to fight fatigue, increase energy, and relax. Nowadays, kratom has broad usage. It can be used as a stimulant and energizer, relaxant, opiate substitute, and pain reliever.
Kratom vs. Acuamma
Akuamma comes from the Picralima nitida tree and has been used as a traditional medicine in Africa. In its native region, most notably Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, the plan was used to treat diarrhea and malaria.
Much as kratom, acuamma has a unique alkaloid composition that acts with the brain’s opioid receptors. Both plans also have anti-inflammatory features. Users of akuamma report numerous benefits of using akuamma.
It should be noted, however, that akuamma’s bond to the brain’s opioid receptors is weaker compared to that of kratom. Also, numerous users have confirmed kratom’s analgesic effects which isn’t the case with akuamma.
Should You Take Akuamma Powder?
Akuamma powder has gained traction in recent times but the compound is yet to be tested extensively. Currently, there isn’t any substantial evidence nor consistent testing protocols that can prove the supplement’s effects and benefits. When comparing kratom vs. akuamma, it should be noted that while there aren’t enough kratom studies, the plant has proven benefits supported by many users.
Is It Safe to Mix Kratom and Akuamma?
Both kratom and akuamma contain alkaloids that act on the opioid receptors to elicit analgesia and boost energy. According to some anecdotal evidence, these two herbs can be used together for treating pain both acute and chronic. When used together, it’s said that they will potentiate each other effects and effectively suppress pain.
Kratom vs. Kava
Kava (Piper methysticum) is part of the pepper plant family whose active components are known as kavalactones. It grows in the Pacific Islands, most notably Hawaii, Polynesia, and Vanuatu. The product reaches the shelves in a powdered form that is extracted from the plant’s root rather than its leaves.
Kava and kratom are very similar. The effect of both kava and kratom depends on the dose yet kratom has a wider effects spectrum due to the numerous different kratom strains. When taken in small doses, kava, much as kratom, tends to have energizing effects that could branch out to mild euphoria. When taken in larger doses, both substances have sedative effects and manifest with a sense of relaxation and reduced stress and anxiety. It also causes muscle relaxation and sleepiness.
Taking kava is similar to kratom consumption methods. You can use the popular toss and wash method or prepare a delicious beverage. But, according to people’s experiences, kratom is more easily customized to the individual’s preferences. It’s also fairly simple to achieve consistent results with kratom, whereas kava is known to deliver inconsistent results even with laser-measured doses.
Should I Take Kava Instead of Kratom?
We would recommend sticking to Kratom as both supplements can help you achieve the same benefits but the limited research on kava points to severe liver damages. Kava’s side effects can be quite severe ranging from visual impairment seizure to dermatitis and severe weight loss. Additionally, kratom covers a broader range of conditions and can be used to achieve an energy boost, pain relief, mental calmness, or mood enhancement, to name a few.
Is It Safe to Mix Kratom and Kava?
Kratom and kava are often compared because both supplements can elicit relaxation and anxiety-relief. If used appropriately and with caution, mixing kava and kratom can be safe to take.
When used together, they can create very intense effects which might include euphoria, improved alertness, and reduced stress. Additionally, the benefits of using kratom and kava together include improvement in cognition and significant pain relief.
However, you should keep in mind that mixing kratom with other supplements might lead to adverse effects.
Kratom vs. Coffee
Countless times coffee has saved the day. Arguably the most popular beverage, coffee is part of our daily rituals. Coffee belongs to the same group of plants as kratom, the Rubiaceae family. This means that these plants share more than you could imagine.
As kratom, coffee is abundant in alkaloids. The most powerful alkaloid in coffee’s composition is caffeine which has strong stimulative effects. Caffeine is most notably helpful to reduce drowsiness and sleepiness, fight headaches, improve motor coordination, and enhance cognitive functions.
Should You Choose Coffee Instead of Kratom?
Coffee has potent stimulative properties but demonstrates quite limited effects. On the other hand, kratom has a wide range of effects that can go from sedative to energizing. Additionally, kratom effects tend to be more potent and last longer.
Another potential benefit of kratom is that it comes in many forms. If you’re in a rush, just grab your kratom capsules and you won’t have to skip your morning ritual. Also, you can try out new kratom recipes to diversify your kratom ritual.
Is It Safe to Mix Kratom and Coffee?
Mixing kratom and coffee is possible but it can have very potent effects so you should be careful. Coffee will enhance kratom’s energizing properties and give the needed stamina before a busy day.
Kratom vs. CBD
A phytocannabinoid, CBD is one of the 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants. CBD is believed to relieve anxiety, improve cognition, and help with pain management. It can be found in form of capsules, tinctures, as well as more versatile products like CBD coffee. CBD is a non-psychoactive substance which means it doesn’t provide mind-altering effects.
Both herbs are edible and can be consumed “as is” or in mixed forms. CBD is most often consumed as a tincture, whereas the most popular method for intaking kratom is tea. Regulation-wise, both CBD and kratom are legal but kratom remains unregulated and illegal in certain states.
When comparing kratom vs. CBD, there are a few similarities. Both supplements are quite popular and believed to help with pain management, withdrawal symptoms ease, and anxiety relief.
Should You Use CBD Instead of Kratom?
According to anecdotal evidence, kratom is preferred over CBD when it comes to acute pain relief. Also, it’s more potent in relieving opiate withdrawal symptoms. However, clinical data are lacking for both kratom and CBD so you must conduct thorough research and decide which supplement is the best for you.
Is It Safe to Mix Kratom and CBD?
Mixing CBD and kratom is safe when taken with caution. When taking them together, you’ll experience the effects of both and they will complement each other well. Some of the combined benefits are antidepressant, antianxiety, and stress-relieving effects, potent pain relief, mood and energy boost, sedation and relaxation, as well as relief of opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Kratom vs. Kanna
Kanna, also known as Sceletium Tortuosum, originates from South Asia and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. South African tribes used to ferment the roots and leaves and then chew them.
Kanna contains alkaloids that act as serotonin inhibitors and boost the levels of the neurotransmitter in the brain which leads to an increased sense of euphoria. Kanna is also a PDE4 enzyme inhibitory which means it positively influences cognitive function, improving long-term memory.
Although there isn’t much evidence that proves kanna is beneficial, people often share their experiences. According to them, kanna is often used as a stimulant. However, similarly to kratom, it can induce a relaxation sensation when taken in higher dosages. Additionally, kanna and kratom share other benefits like mood boost, relieving anxiety, reduced tension, and euphoria.
Should You Use Kanna Instead of Kratom?
There isn’t a definitive answer as to whether kanna is better than kratom. Both botanicals are good in their own way. However, users prefer kratom more because the resources for kanna’s effects and benefits (even anecdotal ones) are very limited.
Is It Safe to Combine Kratom and Kanna?
Kanna can effectively potentiate the effects of kratom. Since both herbs act to improve the mood, relieve anxiety, and energize the consumer, using kanna and kratom in combination can improve the serotonin imbalance and elicit feelings of happiness and overall well-being.