Article

What Is Kratom and Why Consider Trying It

Written by Layla Nash

Topic: Alternative MedicinePublished January 2, 2020
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Because of the high costs of prescription medication and a large number of people suffering from opioid addiction resulting from prescription opioids, more and more people seek alte ative ways of managing their pain. As a result, many of them discover kratom.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree indigenous to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, as well as other Southeast Asian countries. It also belongs to the coffee family of plants.

People in these regions have been using kratom leaves for centuries to manage a variety of conditions ranging from chronic pain to diarrhea as well as to stay alert and productive.

Nowadays, kratom is gaining increasing popularity in Western countries as well. An increasing number of people choose kratom leaf powder over prescription medications to improve their quality of life.

Kratom leaves are rich in alkaloids. There are at least 25 beneficial alkaloids and 40 total beneficial compounds in kratom leaves. Yet, kratom may contain even more. There is only limited research on kratom right now, and more studies are being done. The University of Florida College of Pharmacy was awarded several billion dollars in grants to study kratom.

They are the most abundant alkaloids in kratom leaves, and 7-hydroxymitragynine is about 13 times more potent than morphine.

Different Types of Kratom

There are four types of kratom available on the market. Three of them are natural: red vein, green vein, and white vein kratom. However, there’s also a fourth type, yellow kratom, which is achieved through using a different drying method.

In addition to those, there are also various strains of kratom. Each vein type as well as strain have varying levels of alkaloids. Therefore, they all have different properties and effects:

  • Red vein kratom strains are usually referred to as slow strains. They have potent pain-relieving, relaxing, and euphoric properties.
  • White vein kratom strains are fast strains. They are energizing and have properties akin to those that you can expect from coffee. Additionally, they also provide mild pain-relieving properties and euphoria.
  • Green vein kratom strains are moderate. Their effects provide a balanced mix of effects you can expect from reds and whites. You can expect mild pain relief as well as higher energy levels and a better ability to concentrate.
  • Yellow kratom strains are also moderate. They are similar to those of greens. Nonetheless, they may last longer and provide a different spectrum of moderate kratom effects.

Why Consider Taking Kratom

Kratom leaf powder can provide various beneficial effects that can improve one’s wellbeing and quality of life. Many people actually state that kratom has saved their lives and that they wouldn’t be the same without it.

Let’s take a look at what kratom can do for you.

1. Provide Strong Pain Relief

Kratom pain relief is one of the primary reasons why people seek this herb. It can provide pain relief from strong chronic pain resulting from a variety of conditions that can be resistant to prescription medication, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, Lyme disease, and more.

Kratom has helped many to quit opioid prescription medication and feel much better.

All kratom strains provide pain relief. Nonetheless, you can expect the strongest pain relief from red vein kratom strains such as Red Bali.

2. Increase Energy

As a plant belonging to the coffee family, kratom can also boost energy and help you to get through your daily to-do list. Green, yellow, and white vein kratom strains can all provide an energy boost, with white vein kratom being the most potent.

Nevertheless, those with little or no experience with kratom, as well as people suffering from anxiety and depression, may find greens and yellows more suitable. Some people feel too agitated and jittery after white kratom, and this can malke their symptoms worse.

All of the energizing strains also provide kratom pain relief, yet it will be not as strong as what you can expect from reds.

3. Boost Focus and Concentration

The energizing kratom strains can also help you control distracting and intruding thoughts thus improving your focus and concentration. As a result, you will feel energized, yet also experience clarity of mind, which will help you get things done.

4. Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Improve Depression Symptoms

The relaxing properties of kratom can be useful for those who experience stress and anxiety. Kratom can calm you down and help you manage your thoughts.

The strains that provide energy and clarity of mind can also be helpful to those who suffer from depression. They can help them accomplish their daily tasks and manage negative through.

Green and yellow strains can provide balanced effects, especially if you need those during the day. Red vein strains have potent relaxing properties, but they are more suitable for the evening time.

5. Improve the Mood

Last but not least, kratom can boost your mood. It can also be helpful to individuals experiencing social anxiety. It can provide relaxation, improve the mood, and make one more talkative and open to social interactions.

Green and yellow strains can provide a moderate mood boost, while white vein kratom will be the most potent in this regard. Yet, as mentioned above, white strains can be too much for those who are new to kratom.

Final Words

Since each kratom vein and strain type have a different alkaloid profile and effects associated with them, make sure to carefully review stains before you buy kratom. There are various kratom blogs and forums discussing the herb, where you can connect with other kratom lovers and learn more about the beneficial herb.

Article author

About the Author

Layla Nash is a fitness instructor and former gymnast. Having experienced various injuries, Layla became passionate about alternative healing methods and a healthy balanced diet. She found the most effective pain relief in kratom and currently runs a blog about kratom. Since there is little reliable information about the herb, it aims to help others make informed buying decisions. You can find it at speciosaguide.com.

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