Kratom is a natural substance sourced from the Kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa), which grows in Southeast Asia. The benefits of using Kratom have been harnessed for centuries to help various ailments. One of the key active ingredients in Kratom leaves is Mitragynine, which binds to the same receptor sites as opioids do. This explains why many people find it helps them manage chronic pain issues, opioid withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and other conditions.
In this post, we’ll review just how effective Kratom can be and highlight the top five benefits of using Kratom.
1.) Relieves Stress
Stress can be caused by many factors, such as work, school, family, financial issues and more. It can make it hard to enjoy life because you are constantly worrying about something. When you are stressed or anxious your body triggers the release of hormones like cortisol. This natural response helps us manage our reactions when we feel threatened by something like public speaking or socializing with new people, but it can also result in increased blood pressure and heart rate, irregular breathing patterns, tense muscles, and more.
Kratom’s ability to manage pain can also result in stress and anxiety relief due to better sleep and a healthier overall well-being. In addition to Kratom, exercise, yoga, meditation, and a good night’s sleep have been shown to aid in stress relief.
2.) Benefits of Using Kratom for Pain Relief
Chronic pain is a common health conditions that is characterized by pain lasting 12 weeks or more. This condition can be difficult to live with and often requires some lifestyle changes to manage it. There are many different types of chronic pain, which can all be separated into two main categories — nociceptive and neuropathic. Nociceptive pain is the activation of the nociceptive receptors in the nervous system when injury or tissue damage occurs. Neuropathic pain occurs when there is a problem with nerves themselves.
Kratom offers an alternative for those who are looking to manage their chronic pain without the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Kratom acts as an analgesic (pain reliever) by binding to opioid receptors in your brain, which blocks pain signals and reduces levels of inflammation, resulting in less severe symptoms of chronic pain conditions.
3.) Benefits of Using Kratom for Mood Boosts
Kratom has proven useful for mood boosts due to its affinity for increase dopamine receptors. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that helps control one’s moods, feelings, memory, motivation, and sleep patterns. It is also released during pleasurable experiences such as eating food or having sex. Dopamine plays an important role in our mental health and well-being by controlling our emotions, feelings of pleasure, and ability to experience happiness.
When it comes to Kratom strains, white and green Kratom strains are great for a little pick-me-up.
4.) Benefits of Using Kratom for Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioid addiction is one of the most devastating and widespread epidemics in America and the CDC reports that there were 49,860 opioid-involved deaths in 2019 alone.
Although Kratom interacts with opioid receptors in the brain similarly to opioid medications, Kratom does not act the same way. Many people who use Kratom for opioid withdrawal symptoms claim that it has pain-relieving effects without the addictive danger often caused by opioids. It’s also important to note that Kratom can’t treat opioid addiction itself, but rather can help to mitigate and manage the discomforting symptoms of withdrawal.
5.) Easy to Take Forms
There are many ways you can ingest Kratom, but the best option for each individual really comes down to personal preference! Some of the most popular ways include:
- Chewing raw leaves — This was the main way Kratom was originally taken! Many farmers in Southeast Asian countries started using the leaves as a means of increasing productivity and energy levels throughout the work day.
- Brewing leaves or using powder for tea — Kratom tea is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Kratom. Simply boil the Kratom leaves for 15 minutes and then strain to enjoy! Because the flavor of Kratom tea can be quite potent, we recommend adding in your favorite tea extras like lemon, honey, sugar, or coconut oil!
- Powder extracts — The best part about Kratom powder is that you can add it into your favorite foods! Sauces, soups, smoothies — you name it!
- Capsules — Discreet and convenient, Kratom capsules are an extremely potent form of ingestible Kratom, minus the flavor.
- Shots and tinctures — Most liquid forms of Kratom come flavored for an added bonus and are dosed accordingly, whether its a full energy shot bottle or a dropperful.
- Gummies — Small but mighty, gummies are a tasty solution, perfect for on-the-go lifestyles! Plus, they don’t include any residues that you might find with powder and liquid forms of Kratom.
One other thing: always make sure to check the proper dosage before taking Kratom! This will always vary among Kratom strains and
A little more about Kratom…
Kratom was first discovered in Southeast Asia centuries ago. The benefits of using Kratom were thought to include energy boosts, pain relief, and minimized fatigue. When it was first discovered, the leaves were often chewed or brewed into teas for medicinal, religious, or productivity purposes. Today, Kratom leaves are turned into powders, tinctures, capsules, gummies, and other products for consumption.
Eventually, knowledge of the Kratom tree and the potential benefits of using Kratom expanded. Dutch botanist, Pieter Willem Korthal was one of the first to study the tree, noting its properties and beneficial effects. He also gave the tree its scientific name, Mitragyna speciosa, due to the shape of the leaves which closely resembled a bishop’s headpiece or mitre.
Kratom finally made its way the western markets at the start of the 21st century. For many, Kratom became popular for both recreational or medicinal use, especially for those suffering from chronic pain or opioid withdrawals. Today, it is estimated that there are approximately 15,6000,244 Kratom consumers.
The various effects of Kratom can be attributed to the 20+ alkaloids it contains, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Both interact with the brain’s “mu receptor,” which is what can cause a mood boost or present analgesic effects (pain reduction).
Research is still being done to understand Kratom and the benefits of using Kratom on a deeper level. In addition to studies and research, the greatest source of information about the plant comes from personal stories of those who claim benefits of using Kratom.