Kratom is a tree that grows in Southeast Asia. It’s a popular ingredient in many herbal supplements, especially among athletes and bodybuilders because of its stimulating properties. Kratom has been used for thousands of years to treat pain, as an appetite stimulant, and as an alternative medicine.
If you are new to kratom or want to learn more about it, here are the top facts about this herb that you should know.
The plant is called Mitragyna speciosa in scientific literature. The leaves come from the same genus as coffee plants, but they have different functions. For example, the leaves of a coffee plant contain caffeine whereas those of a kratom tree do not.
In fact, kratom does not actually contain any psychoactive compounds like morphine, cocaine, and cannabinoids. Instead, it contains chemicals called mitragynines, which produce a mild euphoric effect when ingested by humans (1).
When taken orally, these chemicals can make your body feel relaxed and energized at the same time. Because of this effect, some people use kratom to self-medicate in order to manage their chronic pain. Kratom also helps people who struggle with opiate addiction. Buy kratom extract easily online.
How Kratom Is Made Into Herbal Supplements
Because kratom is native to Southeast Asia, most people who consume it prefer to ingest it in capsule form. This way, they can control how much kratom they take while still enjoying its benefits.
In capsule form, kratom comes with various doses. Some of them are labeled “20x” or “50x,” meaning that they contain two or five times the recommended dose for your health. Depending on your condition, you may be prescribed one of these doses every day or just once per week.
You can get kratom in liquid form as well. When you purchase it online, you will find liquid versions that contain either 10x or 20x amounts of kratom powder. These liquids are meant to be mixed into drinks, such as juice or soda.
Some people prefer to buy powdered kratom instead of liquid forms. They can mix it directly into food or drink or even add it to capsules and pills. Many websites sell powdered kratom for less than $10, so buying small quantities is a good option if you only need a little bit of the supplement.
Even though both liquid and powdered kratom are available, some people prefer to use whole leaf kratom. That’s because the powder and capsules tend to cause stomach problems and vomiting. Whole leaf kratom is safer in this regard.
To prepare it, you simply grind up the leaves in your blender or coffee grinder. Then, pour the resulting mixture into a glass jar and let it sit until it turns solid. To keep it fresh, you can store it in the refrigerator for several weeks. Just put a layer of kratom between each sheet of aluminum foil, place the jar inside, wrap the jar up tight, and then put it in a cool, dark place.
Why People Use Kratom
There are many reasons why people use kratom. Here are some of the most common ones:
For Chronic Pain Management
Many people who suffer from chronic pain use kratom as a substitute for prescription drugs. They believe it provides relief without causing withdrawal symptoms. You can find kratom extracts in liquid form, so it’s easier to administer than pills. One study found that kratom users experienced less pain after using the supplement compared to placebo pills (2).
For Opiate Addiction Treatment
Opiate addiction affects millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for opioid addiction yet. Most people who suffer from this disorder try to quit cold turkey, but they usually end up relapsing within days. There are some medications that help people who struggle with opiate addiction go through detox, but they don’t always work very well. In fact, they can cause serious side effects, including nausea and vomiting. On the other hand, kratom has proven effective in treating opioid addiction (3).
Because kratom increases dopamine levels in your brain, it makes you feel happier and calmer. So, if you regularly experience unpleasant feelings associated with opioid withdrawal, you might consider taking kratom. Even better, you won’t have to worry about getting addicted to it because it doesn’t affect your mood. In fact, some studies show that kratom reduces anxiety too (4).
For Energy Boosting and Stimulating Effects
Some people use kratom to increase their energy level and stimulate their mind. By doing so, they hope to reduce fatigue caused by stress or lack of sleep. Kratom works best when combined with caffeine or another stimulant. However, it can be taken alone if you are looking for a natural way to boost your energy for the next few hours.
For Weight Loss
Although kratom is not considered a miracle weight loss drug, some people use it to lose weight. It’s believed that this herb increases your metabolism, which allows your body to burn calories faster. If you combine kratom with exercise, you can accelerate your weight loss further (5).
For Anxiety and Stress Relief
Most people who don’t suffer from mental illness use kratom to deal with stress and anxiety. In fact, it’s often recommended to people who have trouble sleeping. Because kratom relaxes your muscles and decreases your heart rate, it can help you fall asleep naturally. It also eases the symptoms of stress, such as headaches and irritability (6).
As A Natural Analgesic
Finally, some people use kratom to relieve moderate to severe pain. While it cannot replace opioids, it can provide pain relief without making you depend on the drug. Moreover, it can also help you avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them (7).