Kratom is increasingly talked about in the field of natural medicine, but most people have never heard of it. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa in Latin) is a tropical evergreen tree in the bryophyte family. It is native to Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and other South Asian countries. It is characterised by its friendly simple leaves and yellowish flowers in globular inflorescences. Some refer to it as a drug, but the truth is that for many years the dried leaves have been used as a stimulant and sedative. It is called kratom, and the tree itself is often referred to as such;
Kratom – a remedy of many names
Kratom has many names in the world and you won’t confuse it just by its Latin name, In foreign countries it is called Biak-Biak, Cratom, Gratom, Ithang, Kakuam, Katawn, Kedemba, Ketum, Krathom, Kraton, Kratum, Madat, Maeng Da Leaf, Mambog and others.
Health benefits
This tree is not as interesting in itself as the health benefits that extracts from its leaves bring. They are used, for example, to treat chronic pain, digestive ailments and as an aid in opium withdrawal. Although it is one of the remedies that has been used by humans for countless years, its effects are still largely unexplored in medical circles and there are not enough medical studies to approve it as an official treatment. It is even banned in many countries. The main active ingredients are indole alkaloids, especially mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Vitamin shops will often describe kratom as an energy booster, mood enhancer and painkiller. In liquid form, it is often used for muscle pain, to suppress appetite and stop cramps and diarrhea. Kratom is also sold as a remedy for panic attacks. Kratom is believed to act on opioid receptors. In low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, making users feel more energetic. At higher doses, it reduces pain and can induce euphoria. At very high doses, it acts as a sedative, making users feel calm and possibly drowsy. Some people who practice Asian traditional medicine consider kratom to be a substitute for opium. Some people use kratom to avoid withdrawal symptoms from opioids because kratom is easier to buy than prescription drugs. Below, we’ll review the main benefits.
1. Pain relief
Pain is the most common condition that kratom can treat. Pain is classified according to where it comes from and what parts of the body it affects. In terms of origin, we have nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Nociceptive pain is the result of physical injury to body tissue, muscles or tendons. Neuropathic pain is caused by chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, etc. Regardless of the origin, pain affects the body both physically and psychologically. Kratom is useful in treating all kinds of pain. Extracts from kratom leaves relieve pain by binding to pain receptors located in the central nervous system and elsewhere in the body.
2. Relieve anxiety and improve mood;
Boosting your mood is another possible benefit of kratom. Various research studies have found kratom to be useful for promoting a positive state of mind and for users to have a more optimistic approach to life in general. While Kratom is not an opioid, it does produce effects that are quite similar to those of opioid drugs such as heroin, codeine, and morphine. When you consume kratom leaves, mitragynine binds to opioid receptors that are located in your brain and are responsible for regulating your mood. As a result, you feel less anxious and more optimistic. The sedative effects of kratom are also significant in relieving depression and anxiety. If you’re looking for an all-natural way to boost your motivation, look no further than kratom;
3. Increase energy
Kratom leaves are known for their tremendous metabolic effects that greatly increase the user’s energy levels. According to studies, these leaves induce certain metabolic processes while boosting others, thereby increasing the body’s ability to generate energy. Kratom leaves can also boost blood circulation. With improved blood circulation, more oxygen is transported to your vital body cells, which in turn affects how quickly these cells metabolize food substances to produce energy. This may explain why kratom is one of the most recommended natural remedies for people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Even if you don’t suffer from fatigue-related disorders, you can still reap the energetic benefits of kratom to accomplish your daily tasks. For example, the leaves could come in handy during strenuous workouts, as they significantly reduce the rest time needed between sets.
4. Improving concentration
We’ve already mentioned that eating kratom leaves has sedative effects, and you may wonder how the leaves can help you concentrate better. When you consume kratom, it induces the release of acetylcholine.
5. Better learning
This is another mental benefit you can get from taking kratom. As you may already know, our brains can only function optimally if they receive sufficient amounts of nutrients and energy released from the body’s metabolic processes;
The liver contains both phase I and phase II microsomal enzymes that metabolize kratom into various alkaloids. Once metabolized, the alkaloids act on receptors located in the CNS and peripheral nerves. Mitragynine mostly acts on delta receptors, while 7-hydroxymitragynine interacts with Mu receptors. Together, these opioid receptors provide impressive cognitive performance.
6. Addiction treatment
Kratom has effects similar to opioids, but unlike opioid drugs, kratom is only a partial opioid agonist. The main reason experts prescribe kratom leaves to treat addiction is that it provides a similar sensation to opioid drugs, but does not involve fatigue. While kratom interacts with opioid receptors, it does not cause long-term dependence. Even after extended periods of use, your body’s cravings for kratom will always be normal. The leaves also help treat various conditions associated with opioid withdrawals such as nausea and vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, as well as mood swings, and as an all-natural herb, Kratom has fewer and milder side effects.
7. Diabetes control
This is probably one of the least known benefits of kratom sheets. However, research suggests that kratom may have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. The alkaloids that kratom leaves contain may help modulate blood insulin and glucose levels. By keeping the amounts of these two substances in check, kratom prevents the dangerous peaks and valleys associated with diabetes, which helps keep diabetes at bay. Kratom also interacts with satiety receptors, which are located in the hypothalamus. If you suffer from obesity or diabetes, you can take kratom to help curb your cravings for sugar, chocolate, and other potential trigger foods. However, more research is still needed.
Leaf colour (veins)
If you want to know more about kratom, you will find that they often talk about the colour of the veins that each leaf has. They have 4 basic colours and the effects of kratom are also derived from these. The leaves with red veins have the most active substances, especially 7-hydroxymitragynine. Higher doses can have sedative effects. The green colour is the middle ground between the white and red leaves, they have only very mild effects. The yellow veins are extremely stimulating and appear in young leaves. Leaves with white veins improve cognitive function, vitalize and provide more energy. The origin is also important, which we’ll talk more about below.
Are there different types or strains?
Different types of kratom are called strains. Most kratom tribes derive their name from their place of origin. As with marijuana strains, different kratom strains have slightly different effects. There is currently no research on the effects of different strains of kratom. The following descriptions are based on anecdotal reports only. It should also be noted that the effects of a particular strain may vary from supplier to supplier;
Maeng da
Maeng da refers to several different types of supposedly strong and long-lasting kratom. Maeng da originated in Thailand, but Indonesian and Malay strains of maeng da are also available. Maeng da can be green, red or white in colour. It is said to act as a stimulant, increasing energy while inducing feelings of well-being and reducing pain. Some people report feeling talkative after consuming maeng da.
Indo
Indo kratom comes from Indonesia. It can be green, red or white in colour. Indo kratom is considered less stimulating than other strains, although some types can have mild energizing effects. In general, Indo strains are known to increase relaxation, relieve pain, and promote feelings of well-being. They are said to help with anxiety.
Bali/red vein (červená žíla)
Bali kratom comes from Indonesia. It has reddish colored leaves and provides effective pain relief. Users say it is the most “opioid-like” of all kratom strains. It can help relieve painful conditions such as depression or chronic pain.
Green Malay (Green Malay kratom)
Products that may be of interest to you
Green Malaysian kratom comes from Malaysia. It is dark green in colour. In low doses, it is said to improve energy and bring on pain relief. In high doses, it can have a more sedative effect.
Thai
Thai kratom comes from Thailand. Thai kratom is available with red, green and white veins, and the effects can vary by color. The green and white vein strains are said to provide stimulation and create a euphoric state. Thai red vein kratom is said to provide great pain relief.
Borneo
Borneo kratom comes from Borneo. It comes in red, green and white varieties. Compared to other strains, Borneo kratom is considered more sedative. It can be used to treat anxiety and stress.
Malay (Malay kratom)
Malay strains, including green, red and white vein kratom varieties, provide a balance between stimulant and sedative effects. Users report mood, pain relief, and increased energy and focus.
Possible side effects
It would be irresponsible to describe only the benefits but not mention the potential side effects. These can occur especially when you exceed a safe dosage, you should always take kratom only in safe doses. However, the amount of active ingredient in kratom plants can vary greatly, making it difficult to measure the effect of a given dose. If you overdose or take too large a dose regularly, the following side effects may occur:
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Chills, nausea and vomiting
- Changes in urine colour and constipation
- Liver damage
- Muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations;
- Depression
- Changes in breathing
- Seizures
Kratom works after five to 10 minutes and its effects last for two to five hours. The effects of kratom intensify with increasing amounts taken. In animals, kratom appears to be more effective than morphine. The effects of kratom have also been reported in an infant who was breastfed by a mother taking kratom. Many of the problems that occur with painkillers occur when these drugs are taken in high doses or for prolonged periods of time. It is not known exactly what level of kratom is toxic in humans, but as with painkillers and recreational drugs, it is possible to overdose on kratom.
Some believe in kratom, others do not;
Some researchers believe kratom may be a safe alternative to opioids and other prescription drugs. However, a study of kratom’s effects found that there are too many risks. In some cases, kratom has been found to cause abnormal brain function when taken with prescription drugs. If this happens, you may experience severe headaches, lose the ability to communicate, or become confused;
A study testing kratom as a treatment for opioid withdrawal symptoms produced interesting results. People who took kratom for more than six months reported withdrawal symptoms similar to those that occur after taking opioids. Kratom also adversely affects infant development. If kratom is used during pregnancy, the baby may be born with symptoms of addiction;
If you choose to use kratom, buy it only from quality stores. In addition, some kratom products may be contaminated.
