Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of this tree contain active compounds that produce various effects when ingested. Kratom has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including pain, fatigue, and anxiety.
The history of Kratom can be traced back to ancient times when it was used by indigenous people in Southeast Asia as a natural remedy.
Kratom was initially used for its stimulating and energizing properties to boost productivity and energy levels during long working hours. Later on, people started using it for its analgesic and sedative effects to relieve pain and improve sleep.
Today, the Kratom product is gaining popularity in the Western world as an alternative treatment for various conditions. Its benefits and uses are still being studied, but many people have reported positive effects after using it.
Kratom has become increasingly important due to the opioid epidemic in the United States. With the rise of opioid addiction and overdose deaths, many people are turning to Kratom as a safer and more natural alternative to prescription painkillers.
Types of Kratom
Kratom comes in different varieties that are categorized based on the color of the veins on the leaves. Each strain has unique properties and effects. The three main types of Kratom are:
Red Kratom
This type of Kratom is known for its pain-relieving and sedative effects. It’s the most popular strain and is often used to alleviate chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Red Kratom has a calming effect on the mind and body and can induce relaxation and tranquility.
White Kratom
White Kratom is known for its energizing and stimulating properties. It’s often used as a natural alternative to caffeine and can help increase focus, concentration, and productivity. White Kratom can also provide pain relief but is less potent than red Kratom.
Green Kratom
Green Kratom is a balance between red and white Kratom. It provides mild pain relief and has a moderate energizing effect. Green Kratom can help improve mood, focus, and productivity without causing jitters or anxiety.
Different strains of Kratom can also have varying effects on individuals, depending on factors such as body chemistry, dosage, and tolerance. It’s essential to do research and experiment to find the strain that works best for you.
How Kratom Can Be Used
There are several ways to use Kratom, and the method of consumption can affect the potency and duration of its effects.
Ingesting Kratom
One of the most common ways to consume Kratom is by swallowing the dried leaves or powder. Kratom can be mixed with food or drink to mask its bitter taste. Ingesting Kratom this way takes longer to feel its effects because it has to pass through the digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream. The onset of effects can take up to an hour, but the effects can last up to six hours.
Brewing Kratom Tea
Kratom can also be brewed into tea by boiling the leaves or powder in water for 15-20 minutes. The tea can be sweetened with honey or sugar to make it more palatable. Kratom tea has a faster onset of effects than ingesting Kratom, and the effects can last up to four hours.
Smoking Kratom
Kratom can be smoked, but this method is not recommended because it’s difficult to control the dosage and can be harsh on the lungs. Smoking Kratom can also reduce its potency and shorten its duration of effects.
The method of consumption can also affect the potency and duration of Kratom’s effects. For example, ingesting Kratom on an empty stomach can enhance its effects, while consuming it after a meal can delay its onset. Additionally, different strains of Kratom can have varying potency levels, and users should be aware of the appropriate dosage for their chosen strain.
Health Benefits
There are a wide number of reported health benefits through taking kratom; these include:
- Pain relief: Kratom is known to be a potent painkiller. It contains alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with the opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain perception.
- Anxiety and depression relief: Kratom has been used traditionally as an anxiolytic and mood enhancer. Its ability to interact with the brain’s receptors that are responsible for mood and anxiety has made it useful in treating anxiety and depression.
- Energy and focus: Kratom can help improve focus and concentration by stimulating the release of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that are associated with mood, motivation, and energy levels.
- Addiction recovery: Kratom can be used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and has been found to be effective in reducing cravings for opioids. It can also be used to manage other addictions, such as alcoholism.
- Immune system booster: Kratom is known to have immune-boosting properties due to its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are known to boost the immune system by neutralizing free radicals that damage cells and cause disease.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Kratom contains alkaloids that have anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Lowering blood pressure: Kratom has been found to lower blood pressure due to its vasodilator properties. It helps to widen blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow, which can help lower blood pressure levels.
- Improved sleep: Kratom can be useful in treating insomnia and other sleep-related disorders due to its relaxing and sedative effects.
- Sexual health: Kratom has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and can help improve sexual health by increasing libido and enhancing sexual performance.
- Diabetes management: Kratom has been found to help manage blood sugar levels, making it useful in the management of diabetes.
Precautions for Taking Kratom
We recommend that you consult with a healthcare professional before taking Kratom, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. You should always follow the recommended dosage instructions on the product label and be aware of potential side effects and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.
You shouldn’t mix Kratom with other substances, including alcohol or prescription medications, nor drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence of Kratom.
Don’t forget to store Kratom products in a cool, dry place and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
