Kratom, originating from regions like Thailand and Indonesia, has been a traditional remedy for ailments and well-being over an extended period. A recent study shows that many people are interested in consuming this supplement for its multiple health benefits.
But are you confused about the most suitable form of consuming it as a remedy? Kratom is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and tea, offering versatility to users. Widely embraced for diverse reasons, individuals turn to Kratom to alleviate pain, boost energy levels, or induce relaxation and mood enhancement. However, discussions abound regarding its safety, legal status, and efficacy.
This guide is here to help you understand kratom better. It will tell you about its history, how people use it today, and what to think about if you’re considering trying it. Let’s explore what kratom is all about!
Where Can You Buy Kratom?
Kratom can be purchased from various sources, but it’s important to ensure that it’s legal in your area before making a purchase. Here are some common places where Kratom is available:
Online Vendors: Many users buy kratom online due to the convenience and variety available. There are numerous websites that sell Kratom in various forms, like powder, capsules, and extracts. Online vendors often offer a wider selection of strains and competitive pricing.
Specialty Stores: Kratom can also be found in specialty stores like smoke shops, vape shops, and stores that specialize in natural or herbal supplements.
Kratom-Specific Shops: In some areas, there are shops dedicated solely to selling Kratom.
Health Food Stores: Some health food stores may carry Kratom, though this is less common.
What Does Kratom Do?
Kratom, when ingested, has a complex effect on the body, primarily interacting with opioid receptors in the brain. Here’s how it works:
Pain Relief: Through its action on opioid receptors, Kratom can effectively alleviate various types of pain, ranging from muscle and joint pain to more chronic types of pain. Happy Go Leafy offers red and stains for pain relief, and white strains provide your mind, body, and soul with great energy, relaxation, and upliftment.
Interaction with Opioid Receptors: Kratom contains compounds called mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds bind to opioid receptors in the brain, which are responsible for producing various effects and can produce sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain, especially when larger amounts of Kratom are consumed.
Stimulant Effects: At lower doses, Kratom acts more as a stimulant. It interacts with other receptors in the brain to produce stimulant effects. Users may feel more energy, alertness, and sociability.
Sedative Effects: At higher doses, Kratom creates sedative effects, similar to opioids, which can include euphoria and pain relief.
Effect on Neurotransmitters: Kratom also affects the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. It can increase the production of dopamine and serotonin, which are linked to mood regulation and can lead to feelings of well-being and happiness.
Withdrawal Symptoms: Those who use Kratom regularly and then stop might experience withdrawal symptoms, which can include muscle aches, irritability, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping.
How Long Has Kratom Been Used For?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has been used for centuries, with its use dating back to at least the 19th century, if not earlier. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Traditionally, it has been used for various purposes:
Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, particularly in Southeast Asia, Kratom leaves were used for their medicinal properties. They were chewed or brewed into teas to treat ailments like pain, fever, and to improve mood.
Cultural and Social Uses: In many cultures within its native region, Kratom leaves were used in social and ritualistic contexts. Chewing Kratom leaves was common among workers and farmers to boost energy and alleviate the fatigue associated with physical labor.
Recreational Use: It has also been used recreationally for its psychoactive effects, which vary from stimulating to sedative depending on the dose.
How Do I Take Kratom?
Kratom can be consumed in several ways, each with its own set of considerations. Here are the common methods:
Toss and Wash Method: This involves placing the Kratom powder in your mouth and washing it down with a drink, typically water or juice. It’s a straightforward method, but the powder’s bitter taste can be unpleasant for some.
Kratom Tea: Kratom leaves, or powder can be used to brew tea. This method often involves boiling the leaves or powder for a certain period, straining the liquid, and then drinking it. Some people add sweeteners like honey or sugar to improve the taste.
Capsules: Kratom is available in capsule form, which is convenient and avoids the bitter taste. However, kratom capsules may take longer to take effect as they need to be digested first.
Mixing with Food: Some people mix Kratom powder with food to mask the taste. Yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies are common choices.
Kratom Extracts: These are concentrated forms of Kratom available in liquid or powder form. They tend to be more potent, so it’s important to be cautious with dosing.
How Long Does Kratom Last?
The duration of Kratom’s effects can vary depending on several factors, including the strain of Kratom, the dosage, and individual differences in metabolism and body chemistry. However, generally speaking:
Onset: The effects of Kratom usually begin within 5-15 minutes after consumption.
Peak Effects: The peak effects of Kratom are typically felt 30-60 minutes after ingestion, although this can vary.
Duration: The overall effects of Kratom can last anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. Some users report longer-lasting effects, especially with higher doses or certain strains.
Additionally, different strains of Kratom might have slightly different duration profiles. For instance, red vein strains are often reported to have longer-lasting effects, while white vein strains might have a shorter duration but more intense effects.
As with any substance, starting with a lower dose is crucial to understand how your body reacts and avoid potential adverse effects. The variability in response and lack of extensive scientific studies on Kratom also mean that caution is advised when using it.
Conclusion: What You Should Know Before Using Kratom?
This comprehensive guide about Kratom has explored its various uses, effects, and methods of consumption. Historically used for both medicinal and recreational purposes, Kratom’s active compounds, mitragynine, and 7-α-hydroxy mitragynine, interact with the brain’s opioid receptors. This interaction can result in different effects based on the dosage: stimulating at lower doses and sedative at higher ones. People often use Kratom for pain relief, mood enhancement, and even as an aid for opioid withdrawal, though the latter use is not widely medically endorsed.
Kratom can be consumed in several forms, including tea, capsules, and powder, each offering unique experiences. Depending on factors like strain, dosage, and individual metabolism, its effects can last from a few hours to longer. While Kratom is accessible through online vendors and specialty stores, it’s crucial to consider its legality in your region, the product’s quality, and to start with a lower dose to gauge its effects.
