Kratom and kava are two unrelated plants that are often shelved side by side: kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a Southeast Asian tree in the coffee family harvested for its leaves, while kava (Piper methysticum) is a Pacific Island shrub in the pepper family harvested for its root. They differ in origin, plant part, measured compounds, formats and legal status. This guide compares them side by side. Shop both in our kratom and kava collections. Published by Bedrock Botanicals.

What is the difference between kratom and kava?

Where do kratom and kava come from?

Kratom grows across Southeast Asia, where leaves have historically been chewed fresh or brewed as tea in Thailand and Malaysia. Today leaves are dried and milled into powder. Kava was domesticated in northern Vanuatu about 3,000 years ago and spread across the Pacific, where the root is prepared as a communal drink in ceremonies such as the Fijian sevusevu. Read more in What Is Kava?

How are kratom and kava measured and tested?

Kratom lab reports center on alkaloids, especially mitragynine; see our MIT percentage guide. Kava reports center on kavalactones, sometimes expressed as a six-digit chemotype. Because the compound classes are unrelated, a kratom number and a kava number cannot be compared. Each label should be read on its own terms, ideally with a batch number that links to a certificate of analysis.

How do the product formats compare?

For how shots are labeled, see what are kava shots.

How are kratom and kava regulated?

Kava is not a controlled substance; the DEA’s fact sheet confirms it is unscheduled (DEA Diversion Control Division). Natural kratom leaf is also not federally controlled, but concentrated and synthetic 7-OH products were placed in Schedule I on August 6, 2026, and several states ban kratom outright. Bedrock Botanicals sells natural leaf only and does not ship kratom to banned states. Check yours on our kratom legality by state page.

How do other sellers compare them?

Many sellers frame kratom vs kava around how each one feels. Root of Happiness, a kava brand, ranks with a kratom-vs-kava article built that way. Bedrock Botanicals compares them on verifiable facts instead: plant, origin, compounds, lab testing, formats and law.

Frequently asked questions

Are kratom and kava the same plant?

No. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a Southeast Asian tree in the coffee family; kava (Piper methysticum) is a Pacific shrub in the pepper family.

Which part of each plant is used?

Kratom products come from the leaf. Kava products come from the root.

Are kratom and kava legal in the U.S.?

Neither natural kratom leaf nor kava is federally scheduled. Kratom is banned in some states; kava is sold nationwide. Verify your local law before ordering.

What formats do they come in?

Both are sold as powder, liquid shots and seltzers. Kratom is also widely sold in capsules.

Can you take kratom and kava together?

We do not advise on combining products. Talk to a healthcare professional.

Must be 21 or older to purchase. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Verify your current local law before ordering.

Published by Bedrock Botanicals.