Since at least the 19th century, people in Southeast Asia have been using kratom as natural medicine. Laborers used to chew or brew kratom leaves to reduce fatigue, relieve tension, deal with muscle pain, and get energized to go through the day. In modern times, kratom is found in form of capsules and powder and it’s for a wide spectrum of conditions and
What Is Kratom?
Kratom or Mitragyna Speciosa tree is part of the Rubiaceae family — the family of coffee. The tree grows in Southeast Asia, primarily Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines.
How Kratom Works?
Kratom is abundant in alkaloids. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine are the most active alkaloids in kratom. They bind to the opioid receptors in the brain and mimic the effects that opioids cause but without the toxic side effects typically associated with them. At low doses kratom is an excellent stimulant and energizer; at high doses, it can be used as an opiate substitute.
What Are the Main Types of Kratom?
The three main types of kratom differ in the color of their veins which depends on the maturity of the leaves. When trying to figure out what type of kratom to buy, you should consider the different benefits that different kratom veins provide.
White Vein Kratom
Best known for its energizing and stimulant effect, white vein kratom is great for getting an energy kick. It’s often the first choice of people suffering from anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Red Vein Kratom
The red vein kratom is the most popular type among kratom strains. Rich with pain-relieving properties, red vein kratom gives a sedative and relaxing sensation. Red strains are typically used for chronic pain relief, relaxation, and restlessness.
Green Vein Kratom
Green vein kratom is the golden mean. It combines the pain-relieving properties of the red vein and the energy-boosting features of the white strain. It is knowns for having subtle effects and balanced benefits. Green strains offer the perfect balance of energy and relaxation.
What is Kratom Good For
Contrary to the opiates that give sedating effects, Kratom provides a full spectrum of benefits. It acts as a stimulant, providing pain-relief and relaxation. The effects can vary depending on the dose you take. So what is kratom good for?
Managing Chronic Pain
People who struggle with severe pain caused by chronic conditions can include kratom in their daily diet to alleviate the pain without affecting their daily productivity. The two most active alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine attach to the opioid receptors, stimulating the release of endorphins, enkephalins, and other neurotransmitters that block the pain signals from the periphery to the brain.
Boosting Energy
The energizing properties of kratom are widely known. The compounds of kratom communicate with the cell receptors, affecting the sympathetic nervous system. Consumers say it’s better to take kratom in the morning and on an empty stomach to reinforce its energizing effect.
Alleviating Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Kratom contains psychoactive ingredients that stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin. This is the perfect supplement if you want to feel more optimistic, confident, and euphoric. People suffering from anxiety and depression often use kratom to calm the nerves and elevate the mood. Additionally, it’s can be very good for social anxiety and alleviating other stress-related symptoms like sweating, insomnia, and hyperventilation.
Improving Productivity Levels
Kratom acts on the mu receptors which are responsible for cognitive performance. Consuming kratom will provide intense focus and stamina. Additionally, kratom entices the release of dopamine and serotonin which help in increasing motivation.
Improving the Sex Drive
Kratom is said to work well as a sexual enhancer. It works and an aphrodisiac and it’s also useful in treating some sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction and low libido.
Managing Addiction
As we mentioned several times, kratom activates the opiate receptors and creates an opioid-like effect without the harmful side effects. This is what makes kratom the ideal supplement for managing addiction effects. Kratom curbs the drug cravings and also helps alleviate the pain caused by opioid withdrawal.
Regulation Sleeping Disorders
Kratom has sedative effects so it’s a great supplement for people who are suffering from insomnia or other sleep disorders. Plus, it brings about increasing the sleep quality.
Which Is the Best Kratom for Pain Relief?
Among the top choices for alleviating pain is Red Bali. It has strong pain-relieving features and has long-lasting effects. Additionally, it doesn’t provide a mild sedation effect that won’t prevent you from going through with your day. Other alternatives include Yellow Trainwreck, Red Borneo, and Red Maeng Da.
Which Kratom Is Best for Energy?
If you are in need of an energy kick, try Green Maeng Da or Green Malay. Both types are stimulating and entice mood-elevating sensation that can lead to euphoria depending on the dose.
Which Kratom Is Best for Anxiety?
If you’re suffering from anxiety, you might want to try Green Malay and Red Maeng Da. These are the best kratom types for relieving anxiety and depression symptoms. They offer a mild mood boost and just the right stimulation.
What Is the Best Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal?
The most potent strains that can assist with opiate withdrawal and alleviate the common symptoms are Red Bali, Red Maeng Da, and Red Horn Kratom.
How to Dose Kratom?
Each individual has a different level of tolerance for kratom. This means that there’s no one-size-fits-all measure of daily kratom intake. It is, however, advisable that you start with small doses of 1-2 grams. This dosage is enough to achieve mild stimulation and mood enhancement. Then, you can gradually increase the dose. Taking 2-4 grams will give you a stronger mood boost and stimulation, as well as sedating sensation and pain relief. If you want to heighten these effects, go with 3-5 grams. A dose of 5-8 grams is considered high and comes with a higher risk of side effects. The main effects of this dosage are strong sedation and euphoria.
How to Take Kratom
If you’re wondering how to include kratom in your daily diet, we have the answer. Below, we’re offering you several versatile ways to intake kratom.
Raw Powder
The most basic form of kratom intake is to take the raw powder and then wash it with a large amount of water (or any beverage). This method is known as the “toss and wash” method and it gives fast effects. However, not everyone likes it, mainly because of the strong flavor the powder has.
Kratom Tea
Kratom tea is perfect if you prefer taking your supplement in the morning. You can also have a cup in the evening when you want to relax after a hard day of work. The process of preparing kratom tea is fairly simple. You need to brew the amount of kratom powder you want to take with water for about 30 minutes.
Then, let the brew site for a while before straining the liquid. Pour it into a cup and consider some add-ins like a mill, honey, maple syrup, lemon juice, mint, or ginger to make it taste even better. Even though the hot water will weaken the alkaloid and, as a result, the effect that the tea will have, it’s perfect when you need mild stimulation.
Kratom Capsules
Beginners often opt for kratom capsules as they are the easiest way to intake kratom. Coming pre-dosed and pre-packaged, the kratom pills are simple to take. Just take enough pills to form the desired dose and swallow them with water. The effects will be delayed since the body needs about 45 minutes to break down and absorb the capsules.
Kratom Shots
Kratom shots are easy to prepare and very simple to consume. Mix kratom powder with lemon juice and your favorite drink (ginger beer or ginger ale, for example). Mix everything together and pour it into a shot glass. Cheers!
Kratom as Food Supplement
If you want to get more creative and make your daily kratom intake a new experience every day, consider adding it to your food and drinks. Infuse your favorite muffins or your morning granola with kratom. Additionally, you can add kratom powder to your favorite beverage, smoothie, milkshake, or protein shake.
Kratom Side Effects
If you’re dosing kratom properly, it’s highly unlikely that side effects appear. What’s proper kratom dosage is subjective. However, long-term use might cause higher tolerance. Therefore, you’ll need higher kratom doses which will potentially increase the risk of side effects.
The first signs of kratom addiction are agitation, constipation, and irritation. Chronic use of kratom might lead to more serious conditions like liver and kidney failure, drastic weight loss, eating disorders, heart damage, psychosis, and hallucinations.
How Addictive Is Kratom?
Kratom addiction is highly unlikely to happen. However, it’s a mind-altering supplement which means it changes the natural brain chemistry. Kratom’s components attach to the opioid receptors and mimic the opioid effects. This essentially alters the natural balance, causing feelings of strong pleasure and euphoria, creating a condition called kratom high.
What’s Kratom Withdrawal?
Kratom withdrawal might occur after 12-16 hours of the last dose. How fast the symptoms will appear depends on how much kratom you have used and for how long. The dose you have taken will also impact the withdrawal effects. Withdrawal symptoms of kratom are more similar to those encountered when quitting other herbal supplements or coffer and less similar to opioid withdrawal symptoms. Typical symptoms are nausea, constipation, agitation, restlessness, insomnia, blurred vision, hot flashes, and mood swings. Symptoms usually last for 3-4 days.
How to Ease Kratom Withdrawal
The first rule of easing the symptoms of kratom withdrawal is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluid, preferably water. Consider also taking a rehydration drink to replenish the electrolytes. If you’re experiencing fever or muscle pains, consider taking OTC pain relievers like aspirin and NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
Eat small but frequent meals and drink ginger tea to soothe the stomach. Get rest and use some relaxation techniques like meditation or breathing exercises to relieve the anxiety and deal with insomnia.
If you can’t manage your symptoms at home, consider consulting with a doctor.
Kratom Legality
Kratom legality has been a hot topic for a long time. There are worries that the unregulated product can be abused which have enticed several states and cities to ban it. Currently, FDA has classified kratom as a drug of concern. Currently, Alabama, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Vermont are the states where kratom is made illegal. Australia, New Zealand, and several EU states like Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and Finland have also banned kratom.
In the United Kingdom, kratom is listed under the Psychoactive Substances Act which forbids the sale, import, and export of the plant. Kratom is illegal for use in Myanmar and Malaysia and Thailand and has a pending ban in Indonesia.
How to Grow Kratom?
Growing kratom for aesthetic purposes is possible, even in the countries where it’s forbidden to use, buy, or sell kratom.
When obtaining kratom seeds, make sure to order a lot as they are very small and have a low germination rate. Then, you need to create the perfect conditions where kratom can thrive. You’ll need a hot area with very fertile soil whose pH is between 5.5 and 6.5. Also, the soil needs to have high levels of humus and good drainage. Last but not the least, you need to keep the plant away from direct sunlight and keep the humidity between 70% and 80%.
Where to Order Kratom?
Despite concerns with kratom legality, many online vendors are selling kratom. However, in order to ensure you’re buying a quality product, you need to find a trusted vendor. Make sure to get to know the company before deciding to purchase. Inform yourself about their policy and company culture, as well as about their sourcing process and quality testing.