What Ingredients Are Typically Inside a Kava Kratom Shot?

Introduction

In today’s wellness market, kava kratom shots have surged in popularity, positioned as quick, convenient beverages promising relaxation, focus, or a balanced lift—often labeled as natural alternatives to coffee or alcohol. But what exactly goes into these shots? What ingredients are common across brands—and what should consumers know before taking them? In this article, we explore the typical components found in kava kratom shots, dive into their properties and potential benefits, and offer guidance on usage, safety, and key considerations. Let’s unpack the blend.

1. Core Botanicals: Kava & Kratom Extracts

Kava Extract (Piper methysticum)

• Description: Sourced from the South Pacific, kava is a root traditionally used for social and ceremonial purposes. Its active compounds, particularly kavalactones, offer relaxing, anxiolytic, and muscle-relaxing effects.

• Function in Shots: Provides calming, mood-relaxing properties and contributes to a smooth, tranquil feel.

Kratom Extract (Mitragyna speciosa)

• Description: Native to Southeast Asia, this plant contains alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. Depending on dose, kratom can produce stimulative effects or sedation.

• Function in Shots: Contributes focus, energy, mood stabilization, or relaxation, depending on formulation and dosing.

2. Examples of Ingredient Profiles from Popular Products

Several brands offer varied blends, combining the core botanicals with additional functional and flavor ingredients:

• Super Feels Chill Vibes Kratom & Kava Shot:
  Kratom extract, kava extract, purified water, natural apple flavor, sucralose, citric acid, sodium citrate. Dosage: ~35 mg mitragynine + 25 mg kavalactones per serving.

• Mitra9 Blue Razz Kava & Kratom Shot:
  Kava extract (165 mg), kratom extract (105 mg), plus Blue Razz flavor.

• Krave Kava + Kratom Shot (2 oz):
  Proprietary botanical blend (650 mg) combining kava root and Mitragyna speciosa leaf. Contains less than 0.005% of 7-OH-mitragynine, a potent kratom derivative.

• Smooth Vibes Kratom/Kava Shot:
  Kratom extract (160 mg), kava extract (276 mg), glycerin, citric acid, polysorbate 80, sodium citrate, xanthan gum, natural tropical flavor.

• Zana Chill Kratom Kava Shot (60 ml):
  Mitragyna speciosa extract, Piper methysticum extract, purified water, propylene glycol, sucrose, artificial flavoring.

• Kanva Botanicals Focus + Flow Kava Kratom Shot (2 oz):
  Water, propylene glycol, maltodextrin, polysorbate 80, sucralose, citric acid, natural and artificial flavors.

• Utopia Kava and Kratom Caffeine Blend Shot:
  Distilled water, vegetable glycerine, kava extract, caffeine, standardized Mitragyna speciosa extract, citric acid. Dosage: 60 mg kavalactones, 40 mg mitragynine, 0.17 mg 7-hydroxymitragynine per serving.

3. Common Ingredients Across Formulations

From these examples, we can identify key ingredient categories typically found in kava kratom shots:

A. Core Active Extracts

• Kava extract (with kavalactones) for relaxation and mood enhancement.

• Kratom extract (with alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-OH-mitragynine) for mood, focus, or sedation.

B. Solvents & Buffers

• Purified or distilled water as a base solvent.

• Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine to dissolve and stabilize extracts.

• Maltodextrin, polysorbate 80 as thickeners or solubilizers.

• Xanthan gum as a gel-forming agent.

C. Flavorings & Sweeteners

• Natural or artificial flavors (e.g., Apple, Blue Razz, lemon-lime, tropical).

• Sweeteners: Sucralose, sucrose.

• Acidifiers: Citric acid, sodium citrate—for taste and pH balance.

D. Other Additives

• Caffeine in energy-targeted blends.

• Glycerin not just as solvent, but adds texture and shelf-life.

4. Why These Ingredients Are Used

• Botanical Extracts: Provide the core desired effects—relaxation, mood modulation, focus.

• Solvents: Ensure potency, uniform distribution, and stability of active ingredients.

• Flavor & Sweeteners: Mask bitterness, enhance palatability, appeal to broader audiences.

• Additives: Improve texture, mixability, and shelf stability; caffeine adds alertness when needed.

5. Safety Considerations & Public Health Concerns

While attractive in marketing, these shots carry important risks and regulatory concerns:

• Potency & Psychoactivity:
  Kratom’s alkaloids (mitragynine and especially 7-hydroxymitragynine) can act like opioids—potential for dependence, sedation, and serious side effects.

• Addiction Risks:
  Real-life stories highlight rapid escalations in use, addiction, withdrawal, and relapse. Some individuals have consumed multiple shots daily before requiring treatment.

• Overdose & Fatalities:
  Kratom products, even marketed as natural, have been linked to deaths—due to toxic levels of mitragynine or derivatives like 7-OH.

• Regulatory Scrutiny:
  FDA warnings emphasize that kratom “is not lawfully marketed” and some of its derivatives may be classified as illicit opioids. Certain states and jurisdictions have begun regulating content, raising awareness of dangers.

6. Best Practices for Consumers

If you're considering a kava kratom shot:

1. Check ingredient transparency: Look for full disclosure of extract concentrations and additives.

2. Watch for 7-OH content: Avoid shots high in this potent alkaloid.

3. Start small: Begin with half a serving and observe effects.

4. Avoid mixing with alcohol or medications: Especially sedatives or antidepressants.

5. Monitor usage patterns: Be alert to signs of dependency or escalating use.

6. Know your source: Prefer third-party tested products with clear lab reports.

7. Consult healthcare professionals if pregnant, nursing, or managing health conditions.

Conclusion

Kava kratom shots typically combine:

• Kava extract (for relaxation),

• Kratom extract (for focus or sedation),

• Solvents and stabilizers like water, glycerin, or propylene glycol,

• Flavor agents and sweeteners for taste and enjoyment,

• Occasionally, caffeine or thickening agents.

Although positioned as natural wellness boosters, they carry risks—psychoactive potency, addictive potential, and limited regulation. If you're exploring these shots, proceed cautiously: understand ingredients, dose responsibly, and stay informed about regulation and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the main active ingredients in kava kratom shots?
They typically include kava extract (kavalactones) and kratom extract (mitragynine, possibly 7-hydroxymitragynine), which are associated with relaxation and focus/sedation, respectively.

2. Why are solvents like glycerin or propylene glycol used?
They help dissolve and stabilize the botanical extracts, ensuring consistency, shelf stability, and palatable texture.

3. Are the sweeteners and flavorings safe?
Generally regarded as safe in appropriate amounts. Commonly used substances include sucralose, sucrose, natural or artificial flavors, and citric acid.

4. What is 7-hydroxymitragynine and why is it concerning?
7-OH is a potent opioid-like alkaloid derived from kratom. It has a high risk of addiction and serious health effects—some products include it in significant amounts.

5. Can mixing kava and kratom increase risks?
Yes. Their combined sedative and psychoactive properties can lead to increased sedation, cognitive impairment, dizziness, and potentially dangerous effects.

6. Are kava kratom shots regulated?
In most places, they are not FDA-approved. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing due to health incidents, and some localities are imposing bans or age limits.

7. How should one use these shots safely?
Start with lower doses (half shot), use infrequently, avoid combining with other sedatives, and stop use if noticing withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, or dependency signs.