Kava vs. Ashwagandha: A Real Guide to Ashwagandha and Kava Together

Today, Real Botanicals presents two botanical substances that may provide targeted relief for even the most apprehensive minds, calming the mind and body with holistic care. Similar, yet different, by the end of this article, you'll understand the real difference between kava kava vs ashwagandha:

• Discover their effects on the body and mind 

• Learn about common benefits and possible drawbacks

• Understand how each may provide holistic, natural relief from anxiety & tension

• And more!

We'll compare kava and ashwagandha, explain where these natural supplements come from, how they're used, and how to combine them when the time (and your body) calls for it. Let's learn!

 

Introduction to Kava and Ashwagandha

When it comes to home remedies, botanical support, and fancy root names, we're in! Not only do we love sharing nature's gifts with you, but we also love sharing botanical health with the world. If you're new to plant-based care or are unsure about what they are, kava and ashwagandha are both herbs that have been used for centuries to provide plant-based relief for apprehensiveness, unease, tension, or anxious discomfort. 

Kava and ashwagandha are two unique herbal supplements. Kava is known for its psychoactive effects, while ashwagandha is recognized for its adaptogenic properties. While both offer targeted relief, they are often used a little differently. Substances like these kava kratom drinks or ashwagandha supplements can be used separately or combined, regularly or as needed, as long as you understand how they work and how to use them in the most beneficial ways.  

Let's take a deeper look at their benefits and differences so you can feel confident choosing the best botanical solutions for your needs!

What Are Kava and Ashwagandha?

For centuries, people have been using native plants for many purposes: creating a balm out of one plant to soothe the skin, a poultice from another to get rid of the itch of bug bites. But a lot of these botanical uses have been lost to our modern cultures.

Thankfully, now we have access to nature's healing properties just by opening up a web browser tab and typing in “about Real Botanicals” or "natural supplements for stress" online. Chances are you'll find lots of information about kava and ashwagandha, two well-known supplements that are often confused. They are so well-known because their histories are long, with many years of trusted cultural use. Kava has a 3,000-year history in Pacific Island cultures, while ashwagandha has a 6,000-year history in Indian Ayurvedic medicine.

Kava and Ashwagandha Are Used for Similar Purposes

There are two main reasons why people confuse ashwagandha and kava kava:

1. They are used for similar reasons: They are both used for relaxation and stress relief, as a natural way to calm down and reduce tension, but each has its own history and benefits.

2. They are harvested in similar ways: Kava comes from the kava plant's root, while ashwagandha comes from the ashwagandha plant's root. 

Let's explore what makes them unique.

Overview of Kava Kava Root (Piper Methysticum)

Kava kava is a plant-based supplement from the Pacific Islands. It is derived from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant.

Kava kava, or simply kava, is used to relax and bring people together. The active molecules in kava kava, called kavalactones, may calm the mind and body while reducing social discomfort. This makes it a popular social drink, evidenced by the popularity of kava bars in many parts of the world, including the US. 

Traditionally, kava may be steeped into a room-temperature liquid and passed around (shared) at a ceremonial or social gathering. Kava was often given as a gift to visitors to the native islands where it is grown. Kava is closely cultivated and treasured in the South Pacific islands like Fiji and Vanuatu. It's no surprise that this beloved herb has gained respect and popularity in the West.

Today, you can find this relaxing herb in kava teas, powder capsules, and kava extracts, which are often used to add a calming agent to other supplements. Kava is generally considered safe when used in moderation.

Try our regular kava and kratom shot or the more potent version, MAXIMUM kava and kratom shots. Learn more about how to use kava and kratom here. 

Overview of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is derived from the roots of the Withania somnifera plant. An adaptogenic substance is one that may enhance the body's ability to manage stress and may increase resiliency and adaptability to tense situations. Ashwagandha, then, may help with overall health and well-being.

Ashwagandha, also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry, may be found in capsule form or may be added to teas and other herbal blends as a stress-busting substance, thanks to the withanolides it contains. Ashwagandha is generally considered safe to use for your wellness.

Since they are similar, which is best for you to use: ashwagandha or kava? By comparing their benefits and differences, you can see that both are useful if they are used properly. 

 

Comparing Benefits: Kava vs. Ashwagandha

We've looked at what makes kava and ashwagandha unique. Now, let's see how they compare in terms of their use. With botanical supplements, each may work a little differently for us based on our body's reaction to the herbs and our sensitivities to their active compounds. 

Learn about them and try them, but also pay attention to how your unique physiology responds. As with other nature's gifts, it's recommended to consult with your health practitioner for guidance.

Key Benefits of Kava and Ashwagandha

Some shared key benefits and effects of kava kava and ashwagandha include:

• Reducing tension 

• Promoting resilience to stress

• Promoting relaxation and calmness

• Improving sleep quality

• Boosting mood and cognitive function

The main unique benefits of kava and ashwagandha include:

• Kava: May help with tension and stress, help you relax, and increase sociability and a sense of togetherness. Used generously in its native cultures, kava is an excellent way to connect with yourself and with a sense of community. 

• Ashwagandha: May lower stress and anxiety by reducing cortisol, which may help in various ways: focus, stress, sleep, natural energy levels and stamina, and immune health.

Therefore, the most significant understanding of how these two herbs compare is to think of kava as more short-term relief and ease (helpful in social situations) and ashwagandha more in terms of long-term overall balance and ease.  Knowing these distinctions can help you design a benefits-rich wellness plan that suits your needs.

Want another alternative, or need something stronger than ashwagandha for stress and relief? Try 7-hydroxymitragynine products, which may provide unique benefits tailored to your more elevated needs. Learn everything you need to know about 7-hydroxymitragynine here. 

 

Key Differences Between Kava and Ashwagandha

We've looked into what kava and ashwagandha are; now, let's explore their main differences more thoroughly. Both affect the mind and body in unique ways.

Origins and Traditional Uses

To reiterate, kava comes from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant. It's been used in South Pacific cultures for centuries. Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, has been part of Ayurvedic medicine (India) for thousands of years. Both cultures embrace local plant life for relaxation and anxiety relief, making these botanicals important to their native peoples. Their traditional uses have influenced their modern uses. This is why you'll often see kava in drink forms and ashwagandha in a more medicinal, pill-like form.

In a modern capacity, however, people use both, separately or together, in supplement form or as additives. Both appeal to modern users who seek plant-based alternatives for stress management and overall well-being. 

Want to make your own relaxing drinks for health and wellness at home? Try these kava drink recipes today!

Effects on the Mind and Body

Kava and ashwagandha have different effects on the mind and body. Kava is known for its calming and euphoric effects. These can be felt within 20-30 minutes of taking it. The first effects may include a "tingly" sensation in the lips or tongue, followed by that notable ease kava offers. You can feel the effects of kava in just one use as the kavalactone content acts as a natural calming agent. Plus, kava's known for its ability to make you feel good quickly, making it an enjoyable way to relax, unwind, and connect.

Kava works quickly because its primary active compounds, kavalactones, are psychoactive. (This is where the potential for euphoria comes from with kava.) 

Ashwagandha, on the other hand, has a more subtle effect and is not psychotropic or psychoactive. You must take ashwagandha consistently over several weeks to see its full benefits. As an overall, long-term support system, ashwagandha is quite beneficial.

This key distinction in how kava and ashwagandha work means you can devise a support system for long-term management and one that gives you immediate relief when you need it. Both offer unique benefits and are helpful in their unique ways! 

 

Can You Take Kava and Ashwagandha Together?

Many people wonder if they can mix kava and ashwagandha and if that will provide more support for relaxation and stress relief. Combining supplements like kava, ashwagandha, and other herbal remedies should be done with caution. Many natural remedies have an ability to help the body, but it's crucial to understand if it is ok to use kava and ashwagandha together at the same time or if you might need to adjust your dosage of one or both of them if you use them together.

To safely use kava and ashwagandha, follow the right dosages, and never exceed dosing recommendations on the products you use. Consult with a healthcare professional for guidance (especially if you have health issues or take other medications), and educate yourself on any possible interactions and side effects. 

Here is a generalized guide of suggested dosages:

 

Speaking of dosages, be sure to read up on our complete kratom dosage guide. 

Using Herbal Supplements Plus Other Natural Ways to Combat Stress

A holistic, natural approach to reducing anxiety and balancing your stress management can include supplements like kava, kratom capsules, CBD, or ashwagandha, but they may work even better when paired with stress-busting action.

Consider these supportive activities that can contribute to a more well-rounded approach:

• Getting enough restorative sleep. Sleeping at least 8 hours per night may help you manage stress.

• Meditation, mindfulness, gratitude, and breathing exercises can all help you keep a positive outlook and reduce mental discomfort.

• Regular exercise or yoga practice, along with a healthy diet, can also help you manage tense muscles, stay healthy, and feel better.

Final Thoughts on Kava and Ashwagandha

As we wrap up our look at kava and ashwagandha, it's clear these herbs are a natural way to relax and manage stress. Kava is known for its calming effects, which makes it great for social situations. On the other hand, ashwagandha is a strong and proven adaptogen that can help with stress.

It's important to know that while natural supplements may help, they are not intended to cure anxiety disorders or diseases of the body—so talk to your doctor first for guidance on use, dosage, and any potential side effects or complications with your current health and current meds. A tailored approach is best for natural wellness, to manage stress, and to promote overall relaxation without worry!

Thinking about adding kava or ashwagandha to your routine? Or kratom supplements for intense botanical support? Check out our wellness blog for informative articles and more information!