If you enjoy natural methods of enhancing the performance of your mind and body, then you may have heard of kratom by now. This ancient plant is being touted as the new herbal alternative to prescription painkillers and has quickly become a popular choice among those looking for an alternative to illegal drugs. From dried leaves to the best kratom extract, this article will introduce you to the basics of kratom.
What is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree native to Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. For centuries, the leaves of the kratom tree have been used as traditional medicine to relieve pain, improve mood, and increase energy. These leaves contain alkaloids, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce numerous beneficial effects. In recent years, kratom has gained popularity as a herbal supplement in the Western world, where it is used as a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions.
Why Do People Use Kratom?
There are several reasons why kratom is making headlines as the next big herbal remedy.
First, the plant is used by people to relieve pain. It is believed to have analgesic properties that are helpful for chronic pain conditions, including headaches and rheumatoid arthritis. One of its compounds, 7-hydroxymitragynine, has been found to produce potent pain-relief effects while inducing less uncomfortable side effects than classical opioids such as codeine.
Second, kratom is thought to have mood-enhancing effects and is often used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. In one study, researchers determined that mitragynine, another compound in kratom, was able to significantly decrease psychotic symptoms and lower the levels of blood cortisol in mice, suggesting that kratom may have possible applications as an antidepressant and antipsychotic.
Third, some strains of kratom can have stimulating effects and thus be used as a natural energy booster. When consumed in mild doses, the alkaloids in kratom are believed to activate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolism, and reducing feelings of fatigue. Some people even use them as nootropics to improve focus, productivity, and cognitive function.
Finally, kratom has the potential to treat drug addiction. In Thailand, kratom has been used for decades as an effective treatment for opioid addiction. In addition, the herb alleviates symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It is thought that kratom’s effects on brain chemistry may help to counteract the urge to use opioids and can help patients avoid relapsing back to the use of opioid drugs after treatment.
How is Kratom Consumed?
Kratom can be consumed in many ways. The most traditional way is to chew fresh kratom leaves, encouraging the release of their active compounds. However, fresh leaves are not commonly available outside Southeast Asia. In other countries such as the US, dried kratom leaves or powders can be brewed into tea by boiling them in water. You can also buy kratom powder and mix it with food or drinks such as smoothies, or take kratom powder in capsule form.
The newest form of kratom is the extract. Kratom extracts are created through an extraction process where kratom powder is mixed with food-grade ethanol to isolate the desirable alkaloids. The ethanol mixture is then boiled and evaporated, creating a highly concentrated extract that is blended with oil to form a tincture. Extracts are convenient ways to consume kratom because you only need to take a small amount to achieve a potent effect.
Is Kratom Legal in the US?
The legal status of kratom is a little complicated In the United States. Kratom is legal at the federal level, but it has been made illegal in several states such as Alabama, Arkansas, and Indiana. In some states, regulations require kratom to be in leaf form or limit the use of kratom to those over the age of 18 or 21. In other states, kratom is the subject of proposed legislation, while several municipalities have prohibited its sale and use despite state legality.
While the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) does not list kratom as a restricted substance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remains reluctant to approve it for medical use—largely due to the lack of research. However, there are increasing medical studies suggesting the safety and efficacy of kratom, making this a possible prospect for the future. That said, the legal status of kratom remains uncertain and regulations governing its sale and use will continue to evolve.
Should You Use Kratom?
Before trying kratom, understand how to use it responsibly. The most important thing to know is that kratom products can vary in quality and purity. Hence, you should only purchase kratom products from a reputable source that tests each product thoroughly.
You should also be aware that kratom’s effects can vary from person to person. Consider your personal condition such as age and medical history. Side effects of kratom can include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. It may also interact with other drugs, so talk to your doctor before trying kratom if you are taking medication or have any pre-existing health conditions. And always keep kratom out of reach of children.
Now that you know the basics of kratom, you can make an informed decision on whether to try this natural substance. Like many others, you may find your new favorite herbal remedy!