Any alternative medicine enthusiast would agree that kratom has generated considerable buzz in the recent past. Originally from Southeast Asia, the tree has since found its way into plantations worldwide due to its diverse therapeutic properties. It also contains mind-altering abilities, making it a recommendation for medical and recreational users.
In this article, we explore the healing properties of kratom while also highlighting its potential psychedelic properties and everything in between. But first things first.
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What Is Kratom?
Mitragyna speciosa, known as kratom, is a tropical evergreen tree that grows natively in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The tree has registered a tremendous surge in popularity lately for its ability to remedy numerous ailments. And while this novelty herb contains some psychoactive properties, many users claim that it presents lower risks of addiction and dependency compared to conventional psychedelic compounds.
However, the fact that Mitragyna speciosa can induce mind-altering effects explains why it’s illegal in certain jurisdictions. It’s paramount to determine what your local regulations say about the herb before selling, distributing, or using it.
The good news is that kratom in Canada is legal as long as vendors do not sell it in its edible forms, such as gummies. Even more relieving is that the restrictions imposed on kratom formulations in Canada only apply to sellers. As an end user, you can consume the herb in whichever way you deem fit.
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Exploring Kratom’s Healing Powers
1. Kratom for Pain
Kratom is widely administered for pain management. Studies have shown that the herb may treat pain by impacting a group of opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system (CNS). According to one finding, kratom demonstrated an incredible ability to alleviate COVID-19 pain.
Kratom impacts the same set of receptors as conventional opioids like morphine and codeine. However, the herb is less addictive since it only binds partially to those receptors.
2. Kratom for Inflammation
Research also cites kratom for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb attenuates inflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators like cytokines and chemokines. It also reduces vascular permeability, another principal trigger of inflammation.
3. Kratom for Fatigue
Mitragyna speciosa is a biphasic drug. In other words, its effects depend on the doses consumed. The herb acts as a stimulant at low-to-moderate doses, producing similar effects to coca.
As a stimulant, kratom can boost physical and mental energy, consequently relieving fatigue. It’s the right herb to integrate into your morning routine if you’re seeking to enhance your overall daytime productivity.
4. Kratom for Stress and Anxiety
We’ve just mentioned that kratom is a stimulant at low-to-moderate doses. But the herb becomes a sedative at considerably high doses, calming the nerves.
Kratom’s sedating properties designate it as a treatment for stress and anxiety. One research found that the herb could calm hyperarousal and reduce workplace anxiety. It was also able to enhance sociability, making it particularly useful for managing social anxiety disorder (SAD).
5. Kratom for Insomnia
Sleep deprivation and insomnia are correlated. Anxiety prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep. The resultant insomnia symptoms also exacerbate an underlying anxiety disorder, triggering a vicious cycle of stress and sleeplessness.
Now, kratom may not be a magic pill for insomnia. However, the herb’s relaxing properties can boost sleep quality by shortening sleep onset time. Additionally, kratom may improve sleep by inducing muscle relaxation.
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Will Kratom Get You High?
Kratom is technically a psychedelic drug. Therefore, you can expect some mind-altering effects. However, the herb doesn’t trigger the type of ‘high’ associated with marijuana. Its psychoactive effects border on mental relaxation and rejuvenation (depending on the doses consumed) rather than intoxication, the latter of which is common with weed.
It’s also important to point out that kratom’s mental effects do not only depend on the doses administered. They also have much to do with the strain consumed.
Mitragyna speciosa comes in multiple strains. The three most popular ones are white-vein kratom, green-vein kratom, and red-vein kratom.
White-vein kratom strains are generally stimulating. Such cultivars produce intense bursts of energy and are particularly effective at relieving fatigue.
Red-vein kratom strains are mostly soothing. You should consider such variants if seeking mental relaxation.
Lastly, green-vein kratom strains are essentially a blend of their white-vein and red-vein counterparts. These cultivars are both mildly stimulating and relaxing, making them suitable for new kratom users.
Do Doses Matter?
Consuming kratom moderately is among the best ways to max out on its therapeutic and psychoactive benefits.
Kratom may have a relatively higher safety profile than most herbs. But that doesn’t make it entirely risk-free. Administering more than your fair share can trigger a host of adverse reactions, including nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth, etc.
Perhaps the next logical question is – how much kratom should I take?
Kratom has no standard serving amounts. Therefore, the conventional wisdom is to begin low and gradually build momentum. Five milligrams of kratom consumed once – thrice a day is an excellent place to start.
Consuming lower kratom doses makes it easy to manage any side effects. It also allows your body to properly acclimatize to the new compound.
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Wrap Up Mitragyna speciosa boasts numerous therapeutic benefits. It also contains some psychoactive abilities. But like many drugs, this herb may present certain problems if overdosed. Always remember that when it comes to kratom, less is more.