Too much of a good thing is never good! Yes, even after being proponents and dealers of some of the best Kratom products in the USA, we have to say this! Are you wondering what are the benefits and side effects of Kratom? Well, we seem to have read your mind. Today, we will talk about the perks of this powerful herb and also tell you about what overindulgence might lead to.
So, without further ado, let us get right into it!
What is Kratom?
Kratom is basically the leaves of a tropical tree scientifically called Mitragyna speciosa. It grows naturally in Thailand, Malaysia, and a few other locations in Southeast Asia. Before this herb went mainstream and became a household name in the West, farm workers in Kratom’s origin countries used to chew the leaves of the plant for energy and pain relief. Farmers claimed Kratom leaves allowed them to work harder for longer periods. Today, Kratom has garnered fame as a stimulant as well as a sedative.
There are two main active ingredients in this herb: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Once ingested, Kratom binds to opioid receptors in the body. It is probably how it helps reduce symptoms of physical discomfort. However, Kratom is not an opioid. In fact, it is considered an alkaloid, which is a nitrogen-based compound found in plants.
Current Legal Status
With all the controversy revolving around this herb, it is important that you know more about legality.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The U.S. FDA is yet to approve any over-the-counter prescription drugs containing Kratom or its two main chemical components.
Additionally, based on available information, the FDA does not consider Kratom to be safe in dietary supplements. Instead, the FDA has determined that Kratom is an unsafe food additive.
That is why Kratom is never legally marketed in America as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
The Controlled Substances Act does not list Kratom as a controlled substance. The DEA lists it as a Drug and Chemical of Concern. There might be prohibitions or regulations in some states against the possession and use of Kratom.
The Benefits of Kratom
What are the benefits and side effects of Kratom, you asked? Let us begin with the benefits. Very little research has been conducted on the health effects of this ancient herb. Still, there is some anecdotal evidence from our customers and other Kratom users, and some of these claims are already being studied.
Kratom for Pain
It is said that Kratom might be effective in easing chronic pain or physical discomfort. It does so by attaching to opioid receptors in the body. After analyzing the properties of 7-hydroymitragynine, scientists found it to be 13 times more powerful than morphine.
While it targets opioid receptors like morphine and codeine, it is considered an atypical opioid. Kratom deactivates specific signals, and it does so selectively. This behavior may explain the more tolerable side effects compared to typical opioids.
Kratom for Mood Improvement
Kratom possibly has mood-enhancing effects. Reports suggest Kratom might be an effective treatment for opioid addiction. Many people use it to find relief from the withdrawal symptoms of ethanol and morphine.
Early studies suggest Kratom may be effective as an antidepressant and hunger suppressant. In an animal study, researchers found that this herb lowers corticosterone levels in mice. Increased levels of this hormone are just one of the main changes in brain chemicals that can be seen in depression.
In another study with rats, Kratom supplementation suppressed hunger by inhabiting the hypothalamus. It is the part of the brain responsible for cravings and appetite. More research on humans is required to see if Kratom has similar effects.
Kratom for Energy and Focus
Apart from its potential pain-relieving and mood-improving properties, Kratom might be able to boost energy levels and increase focus. This is because the alkaloids in the herb stimulate the release of adrenaline and other hormones in the body, resulting in increased alertness and concentration.
Kratom can be especially helpful to those who wish to stay focused for extended periods, such as students and professionals.
Kratom for Addiction Recovery
Some people say Kratom can help with self-treatment of the nasty symptoms of opium withdrawal. It is also promoted as a remedy for opioid addiction, but these are just claims. As we have already mentioned, there is no approved use of Kratom for these purposes. Experts need to go deeper to understand if it can actually help with withdrawal. Additionally, it can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Did the last statement sound concerning to you? It should be! We have not yet talked about the side effects of Kratom, after all.
The Side Effects of Kratom
Just because something is beneficial in more ways than one does not mean it is devoid of side effects. Kratom is one such substance. Still, there is hope, considering that about two-thirds of over 2,500 adults in the USA reported no negative side effects after participating in a survey that involved Kratom consumption and analyzing its disadvantages.
There were a few who experienced side effects, though, and they can be quite serious. Here are some of them.
- Nausea and decreased appetite
- Feeling sweaty
- Itchiness
- More frequent urination
- Dry mouth
- Fast heartbeat
- Liver damage
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
Not everyone takes our products cleanly. They often mix it with other substances, and this act prevents experts from ascertaining whether these side effects are specific to Kratom or not. Besides, there is also the matter of drug interactions. What we CAN say is this: side effects will be more likely if you take large doses of Kratom. That is why we always highlight the importance of starting low and going slow. You can always increase your intake later if you develop a tolerance.
The Bottom Line
So, what are the benefits and side effects of Kratom? This herb might be able to provide relief from physical discomfort and improve mood, but it is not devoid of a few revolting side effects.
The best way to experience the true power of Kratom is to avoid overconsumption. We also recommend consulting a physician before incorporating our products into your daily routine. If your physician gives you the green light, we suggest following our blog, where we frequently post topics on how to take Kratom the right way.
And if you ask us, we will, quite naturally, suggest buying authentic Kratom products from Whole Earth Gifts. We do not do this just for the sake of our business. Check out our website, and you will find a page dedicated to lab-test results of the products we sell. More often than not, an untested product is the reason behind a regular Kratom user’s sickness. Make sure you do not pay for an untested product. Always go for genuine Kratom, and “genuineness” is a word that resonates with our store. Explore our store today at Whole Earth Gifts.
FAQs
Q1. Can Kratom be used to help with sleep issues?
A1. Kratom may offer relaxation and promote better sleep due to its sedative effects at higher doses. However, excessive use may cause sleep disturbances.
Q2. Are there different types of Kratom strains for various needs?
A2. Yes, Kratom strains (red, green, white) serve different purposes. Red strains may aid relaxation, green strains boost mood, and white strains enhance energy and focus.
Q3. How long does it take for Kratom to show its effects?
A3. Kratom’s effects usually begin within 15 to 30 minutes of consumption and can last between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the dosage and strain.
Q4. Can Kratom cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms?
A4. Yes, regular or high doses of Kratom may lead to dependency. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, similar to mild opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Q5. What is the recommended way to consume Kratom safely?
A5. Start with a low dose to gauge your body’s reaction. Gradually increase if needed. Avoid mixing it with other substances to reduce the risk of side effects.
Summary: What are the benefits and side effects of Kratom? Read this to find the answer. Learn how it may aid pain relief, improve mood, and help you focus while understanding potential risks and proper usage.
