Exploring Kratom vs Coffee: Discover the Kratom and Coffee Botanical Family

Coffee lovers everywhere will tell you coffee is magic. We can’t argue with that, but we must admit that coffee can be decidedly distasteful to some people. We add flavoring and creamers to offset coffee’s signature bitterness because we love the morning boost and clear head that comes with the caffeine kick. 

But did you know there’s another botanical related to coffee that provides a similar boost? Yes, kratom—a member of the coffee family! When we compare the energizing properties of coffee and kratom, we can see they do share some similarities. But understanding their differences can provide the insight you need to select the right botanical beverage for the right purposes. 

Today, Real Botanicals is sharing a little about both botanicals so you know how and when to use them for the best results. 

What Is Kratom and How Does It Relate to Coffee?

Kratom is an evergreen tree from Southeast Asia, where kratom leaves have been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. Its formal name is Mitragyna speciosa.

Fresh-plucked kratom leaves were either chewed or brewed into a drinkable “tea” to fight fatigue, boost energy, and improve mental stamina to get through long and arduous work hours. Kratom’s use dates back thousands of years, but only in the local region. Westerners didn’t join the kratom craze until a few decades ago. Since then, its use has grown exponentially.

Historically, coffee’s effects were discovered much later than kratom, somewhere around the 15th century, spreading from Ethiopia into various trade markets. Coffee became a global commodity due to its richness and the notable boost its caffeine provided. 

Coffee and kratom belong to the same botanical family, called Rubiaceae. Both are celebrated for their energizing properties. While they may share botanical similarities, each provides unique effects. 

Understanding the botanical family of kratom

The Rubiaceae family consists of plants with opposite leaves, various bioactive compounds, and interpetiolar stipules. These plants mainly thrive in tropical and subtropical locations. Examples include kratom, coffee, gardenia, quinine, and others. 

The kratom alkaloid profile is unique, which makes it stand out within the botanical family. There are dozens of alkaloids in kratom that are psychotropic in nature. The two most commonly known are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. 

The active compounds in kratom are concentrated in the leaves of the trees. Traditionally, the leaf matter was chewed and then spit out, rather than consumed. Today’s Western users usually ingest processed kratom powders in juice or water, or take them in capsule form. There are many ways to take kratom and get its effects.  

The origins of coffee and its family

Coffee belongs to the Coffea genus, a classification within the Rubiaceae family. The plant thrives in African countries, particularly in tropical and high-altitude regions. Like its kratom relatives over in Southeast Asia, coffee is well-known for its economic and medicinal value. 

The primary active compound in coffee, caffeine, is found in the coffee seed, also known as a coffee cherry. Contrary to what we Westerners call them, coffee beans aren’t actually beans. They are ground and steeped to produce an aromatic brew. The grounds are strained during the brewing and are not consumed. 

Another thing many people do not know is that, like kratom, there are many active compounds in coffee. 

• Chlorogenic Acids (CGAs)

• Trigonelline

• Diterpenes: Cafestol and Kahweol

• Theobromine and Theophylline

• Melanoidins

How kratom and coffee compare

Coffee and kratom are both well-known for providing an energizing boost. But it’s the differences between these two well-loved plants that create nuance in how each can be used. 

For example, you may want a coffee and kratom blend in the morning for smoother energy and less jitters. But in the afternoons, a quick cup of coffee can get you through a slump. Or, a quick kratom boost may work better for those who are caffeine sensitive. In the evenings, a rich kratom brew can help you wind down. 

We know these things because of the unique and different properties coffee and kratom have. 

Here are the most important differences between coffee and kratom, how they are used, work in the body, and how they make us feel, by comparison.

Comparing Coffee and Kratom

In addition to all these differences, kratom is far more versatile. You can buy kratom powders, kratom shots, kratom capsules, gummies, and other product forms, wherever it’s legal.

The legality of kratom varies from one state to another. Be sure to confirm its legal status (which may include an age restriction) in your locality before purchasing any kratom product.

Additionally, drinking coffee generally does not require a doctor’s advice. But if you’re on medications or have health issues, you may want to run your plans to use kratom by your primary doctor, just to be sure it’s ok for you to use.

What Are the Benefits of Kratom and Coffee?

If all we want is energy and fuel for our thoughts, coffee is a great option. But if there are times we need relaxation, energy that doesn’t make us jittery, or even some help with sore muscles, then kratom is the more versatile choice. Let’s explore in more detail the potential benefits of coffee and kratom. 

Benefits of kratom

Kratom has a plethora of benefits that most individuals find appealing. While coffee is pretty much drunk on an as-needed basis, kratom can be more effective when it is taken on a schedule. Here are some of the benefits you may enjoy with a kratom routine:

• Energy & focus boost: Kratom can kick off your day with an energetic tone and keep you focused throughout the day. The effects last 4-6 hours, outperforming that of caffeine. 

• Mood lift: Whenever you feel low in mood or stressed, kratom can help raise your spirits and restore emotional balance. Feel optimistic and pleasant, making it easier to socialize, have fun, or get through a tough day. 

• Discomfort relief: Some kratom strains or higher doses can provide a feeling of relaxation and calm. Some people experience relief from bodily discomforts. (Coffee can’t do that!)

• Relaxation: Prepare a cup of kratom tea in the evening after work and sip it while resting on the couch or catching up on Netflix. Kratom can relax your body and mind to welcome a restful night.

Learn more about kratom dosage and our powerful 7-Hydroxy product formulas that target relief. 

Why people consume coffee

Coffee is famous for its stimulating and energizing properties, which is why most people like it. You can make a cup of coffee in the morning to boost your energy, improve concentration, and keep you alert for a short time. But be careful. Too much caffeine can leave you feeling shaky or queasy. 

Comparing the energizing effects of both

Kratom provides a blend of stimulating effects, which include energy uplift, mood boost, and mental clarity for several hours. The feelings of energy are often described as “jitter-free” or “clean”. With kratom, you’ll want to be careful with dosing to get the recommended amount of your kratom product and avoid any side effects like nausea.

In contrast, coffee is loved for its immediate results, but they last for a short while. This leads to people consuming more than one cup of coffee to keep their energy levels steady.

Can You Mix Kratom and Coffee?

Mixing kratom and coffee together may provide amplified benefits while tempering your caffeine "jitters".  Mix coffee and kratom if you’re looking for heightened energy, elevated mood, and boosted cognitive function during your daily tasks. Coffee is also thought to boost the effects of kratom—so it’s a win-win!

When combining kratom and coffee, begin with moderately low doses of your kratom powder product, or use a small amount of liquid kratom extract in your coffee. For the best kratom experience, it's best to start "low" and slowly make small increments to your doses until you find the best dose for you. This is especially important if you're new to kratom.

The science behind mixing kratom and coffee

Coffee contains caffeine, the active ingredient responsible for its super energy. This compound blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, resulting in increased energy and alertness.

Kratom has two primary active alkaloids: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds primarily interact with opioid receptors in the brain and may also influence other neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine and serotonin pathways. Their effects can be stimulating at low doses and sedating or relaxing at higher doses.

When you mix coffee and kratom, caffeine delivers the quick-acting effects, while kratom prolongs these results to last longer. Kratom’s relaxing properties may also counter those caffeine jitters.  

Are There Alternatives to Coffee and Kratom?

Some people might be sensitive to kratom or coffee, or simply do not like them. If that’s the case, other natural botanicals could deliver almost similar properties.

Exploring coffee substitutes

If you suffer from side effects of coffee, such as anxiety, jitters, or afternoon crashes, there are a few other alternatives, like the following botanicals: 

• Matcha

• Golden milk

• Ginseng tea

• Chaga mushroom tea

• Dandelion root tea

• Chicory root coffee

• Yerba mate 

Kava Coffee: What is it? 

As the name suggests, kava coffee combines kava and coffee in particular ratios. You may be familiar with kava if you are a fan of our kava and kratom Mood Boost shot. Just like kava can partner with kratom for some feel-good results, so can kava add a little something special to our coffee drinks.

Caffeine is quite stimulating, while kava is recognized for its calming effects. So, kava coffee strikes a perfect balance between stimulating and relaxing properties. Kavalactones, the active ingredients in kava, help reduce the jitters associated with caffeine. Sipping a cup of kava coffee may provide a milder energy boost, more centered alertness, and a sense of relaxation. 

Other herbal alternatives to kratom

Kratom does not suit everyone. Perhaps the bitterness is too much, or you’re sensitive to its effects, or kratom isn’t legal to buy where you live. While no other botanical delivers the same group of benefits as kratom, here are some options to try based on your particular needs:

• Shilajit

• Kava kava

• Kanna

• Akuamma

• Rhodiola rosea

• Lion’s mane

• Blue lotus

• Ginseng 

Combining kratom with other natural energizers

Most people use kratom on its own because it is a versatile botanical with a wide range of properties. Kratom targets several receptors in the body, so it can complement a botanical that works through different pathways. This allows you to customize your effects and experience to ensure a more elevated wellness journey. Kratom can perfectly blend with botanicals such as CBD, kava, kanna, lion’s mane, and more.

Remember to consult your doctor when combining botanicals, especially if you are taking medications. They may have some critical insight to guide you.

Real Botanicals Kratom Products Make a Difference!

Real Botanicals' kratom products and other natural supplements are unique and top-grade. We source organically cultivated kratom directly from expert farmers in Southeast Asia and do the rest in our facility. Production is handled in-house by experienced professionals. Our testing procedures are thorough, so you can feel confident when you take any Real Botanicals product. Visit our store of top-shelf natural botanical products today and feel the difference for yourself!