Kratom works well for a lot of people and can offer you improved wellbeing. However, sometimes you may want something else or a replacement for when you take a tolerance break from kratom. Two of the most popular alternatives or synergistic plants are Kava and Blue Lotus. Some people mix these natural supplements along with kratom or on their own for unique benefits.
Let’s look at what each of these plants is and how they work. Then, we can compare them with kratom to help you decide if they may be right for you.
What is Kava?
Kava is a tropical evergreen with the scientific name Piper methysticum. It is traditionally consumed as a drink in the Pacific. It is used for social gatherings and rituals. The traditional Kava drink is made from the roots that are ground into a paste.This paste is mixed into water and then the concoction is strained before consumption.
The active compounds found in Kava are called kavalactones. There are 18 of these alkaloids that contribute to the psychotropic effects of kava. They influence different aspects of the mind and body to provide a wide range of benefits. Kavalactones are good for regulating the body’s natural response system to tension and discomfort.
Kava Benefits
There are several benefits to Kava that the kavalactones, which make up between 3 and 20 percent of the plant’s root, contribute to. This is because of the way that kavalactones influence the neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily GABA.
Kava is known mostly for its relaxing effects. A lot of people consume kava when they are feeling tense and want to have a relaxing weekend at home. There is also evidence that Kava may have neuroprotective benefits as well.
Since Kava is mentally and physically relaxing, its most common uses are for providing a sense of tranquility and calm. Some people use it for this purpose around bedtime as well. It may also be a great way to improve your meditation time for eliminating pervasive thoughts.
What is Blue Lotus?
Blue Lotus, or Nymphaea Caerulea, is a flower that originated from Egypt and the Nile River, as well as other portions of Africa. It has been used medicinally and ritualistically in Egyptian culture for centuries. It is commonly added to sacred drinks for religious ceremonies, but may also be concocted into a plant extract.
Research suggests that the compounds responsible for the effects and benefits of Blue Lotus are Apomorphine and Nuciferin. Apomorphine is an alkaloid that binds with neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine. Dopamine is beneficial for mood and offers us pleasure. Nuciferine offers sedation and other relaxing properties.
Blue Lotus Benefits
There are a plethora of unique benefits attributed to the Blue Lotus flower. Some people find that it helps them when they feel under the weather. Blue Lotus not only provides relaxing properties, but may also be a good choice for those suffering with brain fog or fatigue.
Blue Lotus also provides a sense of calm that can eliminate distracting thoughts. It may help to provide tranquility at bedtime and may even reduce tension in the body. Some people found a correlation with reduced swelling with Blue Lotus consumption as well.
Finally, Blue Lotus may help to dig you out of that bad mood you have been in for too long. This is because of its impact on neurotransmitters. Some people like to take it with their morning coffee to get ready for the day.
Kratom vs. Kava
Kava is often used for those who have trouble with distracting and worrisome thoughts. It also has relaxing properties. Kratom, on the other hand, has energetic properties along with relaxing qualities.
One of the main similarities is that different Kava and Kratom strains or types can produce different effects. There are heady Kava varieties that may compare more to a white strain of Kratom. There are also heavy Kava types that mimic a red Kratom strain. Even though there are different effects of Kava, kratom has a much wider variety of potential results from hundreds of unique strains divided into 4 vein colors offering specific benefits.
Kava has a moderate duration of 1 to 3 hours. However, Kratom will usually last 3 to 4 hours and for some people can last up to 5 or more. Both substances also provide more euphoric results near the beginning of the duration and more relaxing results later. They are both commonly used for social gatherings as well.
Some people love to combine Kava and Kratom. This is particularly good for those looking to relieve tension in the muscles and to relax after a long day. However, you also need to be careful because mixing the two can increase the risk of side effects and make for a much stronger experience.
Kratom vs. Blue Lotus
Blue Lotus is a great option for a lot of people, but how does it compare with the highly beneficial Kratom plant? Kratom is undoubtedly stronger overall than Blue Lotus, but both can offer a boost to your positivity.
Like Kratom, Blue Lotus is often used to relieve tension and to provide a relaxing experience for the body and mind. Not only that, but some people find that Blue Lotus is less likely to cause nausea and other effects. In fact, some people mix the two as a method for reducing the side effects they experience with kratom.
It is important to note that if you are looking for an energetic plant, then Kratom would be the best option. Blue Lotus may help with the ease of thought processing, but is unlikely to give you a strong boost to your vigor.
One final note is that Blue Lotus can be a healthy addition to a good diet because it is full of antioxidants, including flavonoids, quercetin, and myricetin. In addition, it offers more methods for consumption because it can actually be vaporized or smoked, unlike kratom (this is not without risks though).
Final Thoughts on Kratom vs. Kava and Blue Lotus
For a lot of people, the wide ranging benefits of Kratom are second to none. However, that is not to say that there aren’t any potential alternatives for some of the effects. Kava and Blue Lotus can both offer tranquil properties with a boost to your spirit. They are also quite affordable and a good addition to a natural weekly routine.
