Kratom is a drug that comes from tropical kratom trees, also known as Mitragyna speciosa. These trees are found in several Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is mainly used in the form of leaves and powder, but you can also find kratom capsules in drug stores nowadays.
In the past couple of years, kratom has gained quite a lot of popularity in the United States. Many people nowadays are using kratom mainly because of the medical benefits it offers. However, the medical benefits of kratom are not backed by any evidence due to the lack of research. Researchers need to do a lot of work before we can declare kratom as a health-boosting drug.
Is Kratom Legal?
Kratom acts as a stimulant and can cause a high if you take strong doses. You can buy kratom for medical reasons as it is legal at the federal level in most states. However, the DEA still sees it as a concerning drug, and some states have chosen to put a ban on it.
On the other hand, the Food and Drug Administration Authority (FDA) has also not approved kratom yet, which is why people are skeptical about it.
What Alkaloids are Present in Kratom?
There are over forty structurally related alkaloids in kratom but a large number of scientists and their research has focused on two major psychoactive ingredients and they are known as kratom’s alkaloids as listed below.
- Mitragynine
- 7-hidroxy mitragynine
These alkaloids do wonders for people who are suffering from muscle pains. It acts as a great pain reliever that comes with anti-inflammatory characteristics. If you are fighting the symptoms of fibromyalgia, kratom is the perfect tool to reduce it to a great extent. These alkaloids produce strong (physical) effects on users. These effects could be either positive or negative for your health. Mitragynine is a major component of kratom that may result in addiction for regular users.
How Can I Use Kratom?
Kratom can be used in several different ways depending upon your requirements. Many people chew this herb directly to get more potent and quick effects. You can also make its powder and add it to your food to have a light touch. A couple of users prefer to take naturally manufactured capsule shells and fill kratom powder in them. They take kratom capsules to mask its bitter effects. Furthermore, you can add kratom powder to your tea, honey, or any other beverages you want.
What Are The Effects of Kratom?
Depending on how much kratom you are taking and how you are consuming it, the effects of kratom can vary from person to person. The two main kratom effects people can experience from the drug include:
Stimulant Effects
If you are taking it in a small dosage, around 1 to 5 grams, then you can enjoy its stimulant effects. It will make you feel active and give you more energy for your work. Many people who suffer from chronic fatigue also use kratom to stay active.
Sedative Effects
When taken in a high dosage, kratom can cause sedative effects. These effects are similar to the effects caused by opioids like morphine and heroin. A higher dose of kratom can make you feel tired and can also create a calm effect.
People take a higher dose to treat certain conditions, including diarrhea and severe cough.
Doses above 5gram are considered strong doses and can make kratom act as a sedative. Doses higher than 15 grams can even make the person unconscious and can prove dangerous.
Medical Uses
Kratom’s medical benefits are not backed by evidence, but many people have claimed it has helped them with several conditions. The potential medical benefits of kratom include:
- Pain relief
- Mood Lifter
- Provides Energy boost
- Helps Fight Anxiety and Depression
- Improves blood circulation
- Addiction recovery
- Improves focus
- Cognitive Enhancement
- Helps with diabetes
There has been a handful of studies on the above-listed benefits, but they are not enough to prove the effectiveness of the drug. However, many people who have used it personally had mentioned it has helped them improve their condition.
If you are struggling with any of the above-mentioned conditions and want to give kratom a try, it is advised that you consult with your doctor first for safety reasons.
Is Kratom Addictive?
Kratom is not as addictive as opioids, but if a person starts using it regularly, they can become addicted to it. According to the DEA, excessive use of the drug can make you addicted to it and cause hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms.
The substance doesn’t affect everyone the same way, but it can cause severe addiction in some people and can disrupt their life. Substance addiction is highly dangerous and can destroy anyone’s social and work life.
However, if you are using kratom to treat a medical condition and in very small doses, it is unlikely to cause addiction.
Side effects of Kratom
Where kratom boasts several medical benefits, it also has a number of side effects. It can affect everyone differently, and the side effects may include:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Hallucinations
- Fatigue
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Itching
The side effects also depend on your medical condition and the medicines you are taking for it. Kratom can cause more side effects if it gets mixed with your medicine. That is why it is highly recommended that you use kratom only after consulting with your doctor.
What is Good, Bad, or May Be About Mitragyna Speciosa?
Positive and negative features associated with this herb along with some doubts are listed below.
Good About Kratom
Many people have been using this plant for hundreds of years across the globe for medicinal purposes. It is a good tool for the people who are suffering from opioid use disorder. According to the frequent users, kratom is an excellent pain reliever and enhances your mood thereby reducing your depression and anxiety. Some of its strains are effective to improve the quality of life and boosts your confidence that helps you sit in social gatherings.
Bad About Kratom
Taking regular doses of kratom as an alternate compound to opioid use can be extremely harmful for human health. Between 2010 to 2015, more than 35 deaths have been reported. In more than 38 states, kratom was found a source of 132 cases of salmonella. You should consult health professional every time before you start taking this herb.
May Be About Kratom
Whether Mitragyna Speciosa is good or bad, it is not the mater of concern in actual. The major concern is that this herbal substance is unregulated and needs a lot of research. Many people consider this substance a harmful one for the health but there is no such medical evidence available in the research.
Final Thoughts
The kratom may behave differently with different people depending upon their physical, medical, and mental health conditions. Don’t forget to consult a doctor before taking this herbal substance.
