There are countless ways to help yourself wind down at the end of the long day and melt away the stress that’s still clinging to you. Mother Nature has provided plenty of solutions, including kanna and kava.
These two herbal helpers have been compared for years since they share a lot of similarities, but as you’ll discover below, the differences between kanna vs kava are jarring. They have different active compounds and thus evoke unique responses.
Kava interacts with GABA receptors to potentially promote deep relaxation and a sense of tranquility, helping to ease a racing mind and tense body.
In contrast, kanna works through serotonin reuptake inhibition to potentially improve mood, alleviate stress, and it may even support cognitive function in some cases.
There are differences in legality and consumption methods you need to be aware of as well. We’ll cover all this and more, including the possibility of combining these plants for the best of both worlds.
What is Kanna?
Also known as Sceletium tortuosum, this succulent plant native to South has been used for centuries by indigenous Khoisan tribes. Traditionally it would be chewed, smoked, or brewed into tea for ceremonies or even just to tap into its mood-enhancing effects.
The potential kanna benefits are abundant. It may have powerful relaxing properties so it could help alleviate stress and its harmful effects.
But, it might even go as far as creating a mild euphoric feeling in certain doses, without the heavy sedation associated with other botanicals. It may improve cognitive function in the right circumstances as well.
This is all thanks to two alkaloids known as mesembrine and mesembrenone. These are thought to interact with serotonin pathways in the brain to stimulate the mood-boosting sensations that have earned kanna a place in nootropic and wellness communities
Today, you’ll find Kanna available in capsules, extracts, tinctures, teas, and more - but the best way to take kanna is actually sublingually, with our tongue tabs. More on that later on, let’s introduce the other half of the kava vs kanna comparison for now.
What is Kava?
Referred to scientifically as Piper methysticum, Kava is a tropical shrub indigenous to the South Pacific islands. There, its roots have been a cornerstone of traditional ceremonies and social gatherings for centuries.
It produces many of the same effects as Kanna. However, it works differently, acting on GABA receptors in the brain. This brings out deeply relaxing, almost sedating effects. It’s why kava has been used as a natural defense against anxiety, tension, and sleeplessness.
We’ve seen kava referred to as nature’s benzodiazepines - It creates a powerful sense of calm and tranquility but with less risk of dependency (and the other issues associated with Big Pharma).
Kava’s active compounds are called kavalactones. What makes this plant unique is that it’s grown in different strains, and you’ll find nuanced effects depending on which you use. Some support social interactions and mild euphoria while others are much more sleep-inducing.
Kava root was traditionally ground into a powder and mixed with water to create a ceremonial drink. Enjoying it today is much more convenient, as it is also available in capsules, tinctures, and instant powders.
Is Kanna the Same as Kava?
It’s fair to wonder, is kanna the same as kava? They share so many similarities. However, they’re definitely distinct botanicals from different plant families. Their active compounds and mechanisms of action are unique from one another.
That being said, we understand the question. Both have been used for centuries as natural mood enhancers to help people relax and unwind, especially in social settings.
Kanna and kava are also both looked at as potential alternatives to pharmaceuticals, and even their consumption methods can be the same. But when you compare kanna vs kava side-by-side, you start to see which has an edge - so let’s get into it below!
Kanna vs Kava: What are the Main Differences and Which is Right For You?
Ultimately only you can determine whether kava vs kanna is the right herbal solution for your needs. Because kava is more sedating, it tends to be the better choice for supporting better sleep.
In contrast, kanna is a more well-rounded solution. It may promote subtle relaxation, better cognitive function, ease social anxiety, and could even produce euphoric effects in the right dosage. Here’s a closer look at the differences between kanna vs kava.
Active Compounds
The differences start and end with the active compounds each herbal remedy contains, as this influences how they interact with the brain and the effects they produce.
Kanna contains mesembrine and mesembrenone, two powerful alkaloids that interact with serotonin transporters in the brain to bring out its potential mood-boosting and stress-relieving properties while keeping the mind clear and sharp.
On the other hand, kava’s kavalactones influence GABA receptors to relax not just the mind but also muscles, creating a much deeper sense of tranquility with some level of sedation.
Potential Effects
You can easily choose between kava vs kanna based on the effects you want to feel. Sure, there is some overlap in that both promote relaxation. But ask yourself, exactly what type of relaxation are you craving?
Remember, kava can be a bit sedating and is known for inducing drowsiness in certain doses. Maybe that’s a good thing, though. If you struggle with insomnia because you can’t seem to ease your body and mind at night, kava might be the perfect choice.
It’s worth noting that some kava strains can support easier interaction in social settings too - but really, that’s where kanna shines. The nervous introvert dreading a night out, a meeting with a client, or a first date might benefit from kanna.
Its relaxing effects may come with some level of uplifting sensations as well. It could potentially provide some euphoric effects, leaving you happy and at ease.
Safety and Risks
You need to be aware of the potential kava and kanna side effects when choosing between the two as well. Fortunately, both can be very well tolerated in the right dosage - but are not without their risks.
Kanna has a relatively low risk profile, with the only concern being mild headaches or nausea in some users. The way you consume kanna matters in these cases, as some powders and capsules can be hard on the stomach. Again, that’s why our sublingual tabs are so great.
It’s also important to note that kanna should not be mixed with SSRIs given its effects on serotonin. If you’re on medication prescribed by a doctor, talk with them about tapering off and trying kanna as a natural alternative.
As for kava, it has a few more concerns to be aware of. Kava has been linked to potential liver toxicity with excessive use, so you’ll want to use it for special occasions or emergency situations only rather than as a regular addition to your wellness regimen.
You should also keep in mind that kava can also cause drowsiness and impair coordination, which is why it’s best used at night or before bed (depending on the strain, of course). Under no circumstances should you mix kava with alcohol or drive your car afterward.
The Taste Test
You want to actually enjoy using kava or kanna, so taste matters as well in comparing the two botanicals. This is where you’ll see a really distinct difference between kanna vs kava.
Kanna is slightly bitter and earthy, which is why extract and sublingual tabs are the way to go. You won’t taste it as much this way. Kava, on the other hand, is notoriously unpleasant. We’ve seen it described as muddy, peppery, and numbing.
Now, there are capsules that can help you avoid the gross flavor kava is known for. But traditional kava drinks are definitely going to take some getting used to.
Consumption Methods
Speaking of consumption methods, there are more ways to enjoy kanna than there are kava. Kanna can be brewed into a tea, or its raw leaves can be chewed. These days, though, capsules, extracts, and fast-acting sublingual tabs are the better choice.
Meanwhile, kava can also be consumed as a tea or found in other instant drink powders for convenience. It’s available in capsules and tinctures as well.
There are kava bars in some areas where you can actually have a professional mixologist prepare you a kava drink! However, this is where the conversation on legality comes into play…
Legal Considerations
To a certain extent, you may have to choose between kava vs kanna based on what’s legal in your country, state, and/or city. Kanna is legal worldwide with no real history of misuse.
That being said, kava is banned or restricted in some countries given its link to liver toxicity. Today, it’s widely available in the U.S. and of course in the Pacific regions it's native to. Still, it’s worth doing your due diligence into the laws in your specific area.
Should You Try a Kava and Kanna Combo?
In comparing kanna vs kava it’s clear they each have their place - so does it ever make sense to combine them for the best of both worlds? The short answer is no.
While they may sound like a dynamic duo for relaxation, they ultimately serve too similar a purpose. Stacking them together can feel a bit overwhelming for most users. You’re better off choosing between one or the other.
If we had to recommend one, it would be kanna. It’s more versatile as it can deliver powerful relaxation and mental clarity without inducing grogginess or numbing social settings. It’s associated with fewer side effects and is more enjoyable to consume.
That being said, it’s true that kanna can work wonderfully with other synergistic compounds. Is kava one of them? Not necessarily. They’re just too similar. But the good news is we have formulated a few great wellness solutions for you harnessing the power of kanna.
We believe you deserve more out of life. Tabs has worked to develop pharma-free products to help elevate any moment, from supporting better sleep to easing social anxiety. Here are some of our kanna-based products you need to try:
- Sex chocolate: Cocoa boosts energy, epimedium enhances arousal, maca increases blood flow, and kanna supports relaxation and hormone balance.
- Sleep Tabs: Valerian root, California poppy, saffron, and Kanna promote deep sleep, with 0.3mg melatonin for a refreshed wake-up.
- Mood Tabs: Kanna relaxes, theobromine lifts mood, and L-theanine sharpens focus for a smooth, stress-free boost in any setting.
- Stress Tabs: Kanna calms, theobromine enhances mood, and L-theanine eases tension without causing drowsiness. This is the ultimate alternative to kava.
Everything at Tabs is carefully crafted from safe, effective, and ethically sourced ingredients. We have strict quality control standards in place, but our satisfaction guarantee protects every order so you can shop with confidence knowing you’re getting the quality you deserve.
Our blog has more resources on the optimal kanna extract dosage, how long does kanna last, and other comparison guides like theobromine vs caffeine and L theanine vs ashwagandha. Learn more or shop today as we wrap up our kanna vs kava comparison below.
Bringing Our Kava vs Kanna Comparison to a Close
There you have it, everything you need to know about kava vs kanna. We hope this quick resource has provided you with clarity on where kanna and kava intersect and where they differ.
While they can be used for the same purposes to some degree, the choice comes down to how you want to feel. Kava is known for causing grogginess and almost dulling your senses, whereas kanna may be able to relax you without having the same numbing effect.
It could be great for social settings, workday enhancement, or winding down at the end of the night. It’s as versatile an herbal supplement as you’ll be able to get your hands on. Here at Tabs, we make it easier and more convenient to enjoy all that kanna has to offer.
Unwind, uplift, and find your balance with Kanna-infused products from Tabs - crafted for clarity, relaxation, and a better you. Spoil yourself today!
Disclaimer: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and these statements haven't been evaluated by the FDA.