A Modern Guide
The 7 Essential Facts About Kava
- New Energy, New Rituals
- The Basics of Kava and Kratom
- Key Differences Between Kava and Kratom
- What Are the Effects of Kava and Kratom?
- Kava vs Kratom for Discomfort
- Kava and Kratom Drinks
- Recent Kava and Kratom Research
- Use and Safety Tips for Kava and Kratom
- Frequently Asked Questions About Kava and Kratom
But before you sip, it helps to know what you’re working with.
This guide breaks down the basics of kava and kratom—what they are, how they work, and why they’re showing up in cans, shots, and seltzers designed to support your flow.
Important Note About Uchie
Uchie beverages are designed for mindful, occasional use by adults 21+.While our drinks feature kratom and kava—two culturally rooted botanicals with traditional uses—their effects can vary from person to person.
This guide is intended to support informed, responsible enjoyment and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always check your local regulations and consult a healthcare provider if you have questions.
The Basics of Kava and Kratom
Kava
Is a root from the South Pacific, traditionally used in community rituals to promote relaxation, connection, and calm without clouding mental clarity.
Kratom
is a tropical leaf from Southeast Asia. At low doses, it’s known to support energy, focus, and motivation. At higher doses, it leans into relaxation and physical recovery.
Though both are botanicals, their chemistry and effects are different—and understanding those differences can help you choose what fits your moment best.
Are Kava and Kratom the Same?
Nope—and knowing the difference matters.
What is Kava? Grounded Calm
Traditionally pounded and brewed into a ceremonial drink, kava is now finding new life in functional beverages. It’s known to promote:
- Mental clarity with a calm edge
- Reduced stress and social tension
- Gentle physical relaxation without drowsiness
Kava is often used to support presence and ease—especially during post-work resets, social hangs, or unwinding in the evening.
The uses of kava have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Uchie makes no claims regarding the safety, efficacy, or intended use of kava product.
What is Kratom? Adaptive Energy
Kratom offers a more dynamic profile. At low doses, it supports:
- Alertness and mental focus
- Physical stamina and motivation
At higher doses, it’s used to:
- Ease physical tension
- Promote a more relaxed, body-centered state
In short: many users find kratom supports them in creative sessions, workouts, or decompressing after a long day.
The uses of kratom have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Uchie makes no claims regarding the safety, efficacy, or intended use of kratom products.
Key Differences Between Kava and Kratom
Kava and kratom might land in the same fridge or bar cart, but they play different roles in your wellness stack.
Kava vs KratomThe graphic below illustrates key differences between these active botanicals. |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| ORIGIN | South Pacific | Southeast Asia |
| TRADITIONAL USE | Social & Ceremonial Relaxation | Energy, Recovery, Physical Relief |
| PRIMARY EFFECTS | Calm, Connection, Light Euphoria | Low Dose: Focus & Motivation High Dose: Calm & Relief |
| BEST FOR | Unwinding, Social ease, Mental Reset | Productivity, Recovery, Dual-effect |
| FORMS | Teas, Tinctures, Seltzers, Shots | Powder, Capsules, Seltzers, Shots |
| TIME TO EFFECT | 15-30 Minutes | 10-20 Minutes |
| DURATION OF EFFECT | 2-3 Hours | 3-5 Hours |
Why Some Use Both
Some drinks—like our Uchie Botanical Seltzers—combine both kava and kratom for a balanced experience. The goal? Clarity meets calm. Lift meets ease.
Used together, they can complement each other: kratom brings energy and engagement, while kava rounds it out with grounding and presence. We always recommend trying each on its own first. Everyone’s body is different, and understanding your personal response helps you build your own flow state, safely.
What Are the Effects of Kava and Kratom?
Kava and kratom both deliver a “buzz”—but the effect you get depends on the plant and the dose.
Effects of Kava
Kava is a go-to for mental relaxation and physical ease. It can:
- Reduce mental and physical tension
- Promote a mellow social mood
- Enhance presence without impairing focus
Effects of Kratom
Kratom is more versatile. In lower doses, users report:
- Enhanced focus and mental clarity
- Increased energy and motivation
In higher doses, kratom tends to:
- Promote body relaxation
- Support recovery and relief from physical tension
Kava vs Kratom for Discomfort
Kratom is more commonly used by those seeking relief from physical discomfort.
Kava, on the other hand, may support easing general tension but is less commonly used for deep physical relief.
Choosing What Works for You
- For recovery or discomfort long-arrow-right kratom
- For unwinding and easing into presence kratomFor unwinding and easing into presence long-arrow-right kava
Start low, go slow, and always source from trusted brands.
Can You Drink Kava & Kratom Together
Can you mix them?
Yes, but only if you're experienced. Combining kava and kratom may deliver a layered effect: grounded energy or clear calm.
If you're new, try them separately first.
Mixing Tips:
- Everyone responds differently—what works for one may not for another
- Use low doses of each when combining
- Stick to reputable sources
- Listen to your body
Kava and Kratom Drinks
When combined in a single drink, kava and kratom can offer a unique, balanced buzz—calm meets clarity, chill meets charge. It’s not about doubling the dose—it’s about layering the effects for a more complete, functional experience.
That’s exactly what we’ve done with the Kratom + Kava Seltzer—crafted for those who want the focus and feel-good lift of kratom with the smooth, grounded flow of kava.
Why Combine Them?
Kratom-Only Drinks
(like Uchie’s Kratom Seltzer) are perfect when you need to dial in: think energy, clarity, and motivation.
Kava-Only Drinks
Kava-only drinks shine when you want to unwind—ideal for easing stress or winding down in social settings.
The Combo
Hits the middle ground: alert but relaxed, energized yet grounded. Great for creative sessions, balanced workouts, or mindful socializing.
If you’re looking for a functional beverage that adapts to your vibe—whether it’s a chill night or a flow state moment—the kava + kratom combo is where it's at.
Why Uchie Kava and Kratom Drinks?
We believe in drinks that move with you. Whether you’re gearing up for focus or winding down from the day, Uchie’s botanical blends are designed to meet your moment.
No hangovers. No sugar spikes. No pressure.
Just crisp, clean refreshment that fits your flow.
Recent Kava and Kratom Research
Kratom: Well-Tolerated with Smart Use
Recent research from the Global Kratom Coalition and a new pilot study found kratom to be well-tolerated across a variety of doses, with only mild side effects (like nausea) reported at high levels.
The GKC’s risk assessment concluded that kratom’s dependence potential is closer to caffeine than to opioids or alcohol—challenging some outdated assumptions. It’s not risk-free, but when used mindfully, it may offer a more functional alternative to conventional stimulants or pain relievers.
Kava: Grounded Calm, Backed by Tradition
Kava has been used for centuries in Pacific Island communities as part of social and ceremonial rituals. Modern consumers turn to it for its ability to support a more relaxed state of mind without clouding focus.
Recent observational studies, such as those collected by the Kava has been used for centuries in Pacific Island communities as part of social and ceremonial rituals. Modern consumers turn to it for its ability to support a more relaxed state of mind without clouding focus. Recent observational studies, such as those collected by the Kava has been used for centuries in Pacific Island communities as part of social and ceremonial rituals. Modern consumers turn to it for its ability to support a more relaxed state of mind without clouding focus. Recent observational studies, such as those collected by the Kava Coalition, suggest that kava may support a calm mindset when used moderately and responsibly. Most people tolerate it well, but—as with any botanical—individual responses may vary.
Use and Safety Tips for Kava and Kratom
To stay safe:
Start Low, Go Slow
Always begin with a small dose to test your body’s response.
Don’t Mix
Avoid combining with alcohol, sedatives, or strong stimulants.
Choose Trusted Brands
Look for products that test for purity and potency.
Listen to Your Body
Take breaks and avoid daily overuse.
Used intentionally, these botanicals can fit seamlessly into a high-performance, wellness-first lifestyle. Just keep it clean, consistent, and informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Kava is known for promoting calm without impairing cognition—it doesn’t cause intoxication like cannabis. You’ll likely feel relaxed, not spaced out.
Kava is traditionally used to support relaxation and social ease, while kratom may promote either focus or relaxation depending on the dose. Everyone’s experience may vary.
Avoid mixing kava with alcohol, sedatives, or anything that also acts on the central nervous system. Doing so may increase drowsiness and place additional stress on your liver.
Kava is legal in most of the U.S., but kratom’s legal status varies by state and country. Always check local laws before buying or traveling with either botanical.
Making an Informed Choice About Kava & Kratom
Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, power through a workout, or find a cleaner social buzz, kava and kratom offer smart, plant-based alternatives. But like any powerful tool, they work best when you know what you’re doing.
Start slow. Stay curious. Pay attention to how your body responds—and choose products that put transparency and quality first.
At Uchie, we believe feeling good shouldn’t come with a crash, a hangover, or a compromise. That’s why our kava and kratom drinks are crafted for clarity, connection, and clean energy—so you can sip different and live sharp.
Disclaimer:
For adults 21+. Please enjoy responsibly. Effects may vary. Regular use may be habit-forming for some individuals. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Uchie products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The statements regarding the potential effects of Uchie products are based on anecdotal feedback and traditional use of kratom and kava. However, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please visit www.uchie.com for more information.
