I’ve used valerian in the past before
Bed but stayed away from Kava because of stories around dependence/withdrawal from it. While I need to drop Kratom I’m not willing to become dependent on another plant. If the situation becomes unbearable though it is something I may consider.
The impression and general understanding I have gained with recent research, is that Kava sort of has far less true downside than Kratom. Less harsh and aggressive on both the body and the mind.
Not physically addictive, nor as harmfully habit forming as Kratom can too easily be by the sounds of it.
I have been testing both out the past 10 days or so, first time ever. I'm not sure that the car is really my cup of tea because I'm supremely fat eat due to health conditions and severe long-term sleep deprivation.
Kava is pretty mellow, not lethargic but also not wakey in any way. I prefer the Kratom because I need that pick-me-up boost.
I adore the euphoric aspect of the kratom high which goes brilliantly with my cannabis intake, but I notice a much stronger antidepressant effect with Kratom.
Only tried the Kava 3 times yet, and it is a little different to Kratom in how it is dosed and assimilated routine and effect wise.
Fully empty tummy is even more necessary for Kava I think. I took 2 good doses of instant Kava at 45 mins apart. 1st one with edible cannabis, after the 2nd dose I vaped some Sativa bud. My carpet doses were bigger this time then I have been previously I was pushing it a bit more to get a better impression of the drug.
I didnt need the vaporizer. Vaping spoiled it. Would have been a lot nicer with just the edible. I felt a little uncomfortable and restless for about an hour until the the effects levelled out. Just dipping my toes friends getting a feel more than anything and I did learn from that.
I don't think kava combines as well with cannabis as kratom, which does particularly well in my experience so far.
But
@KratomDemon I think for anybody who is struggling with the down sides of kratom usage or addiction, Kava could potentially be very helpful, and I don't think you need to see it like replacing one bad thing or habit with another it's more like using different tools to come up the job from a different angle.
I would imagine, or even predict, that by including kava then ones lifestyle and routine the problematic side to kratom may be better handled or Limited.