Kratom

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia.  Botanical name of kratom is Mitragyna Speciosa. Leaves of kratom tress are used for medicinal purposes as the leaves contain compounds that can have psychotropic or mind altering effects on the consumer.  It grows in Central and Southern Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and few other places. Kratom leaves that are usually broad and green in color are plucked by hand, dried in broad daylight and then they are consumed either by brewing as tea or pulverized and swallowed with water.  Kratom is an evergreen tree in the coffee family. For centuries, kratom has been used as psycho-stimulant. Psycho-stimulant are drugs that are used for temporary increase in mental alertness, concentration and physical energy. Some common examples of psycho-stimulants are caffeine, nicotine, methamphetamine etc.  Kratom is also known as 

• Biak
• Kakuam
• Ketum
• Herbal
• Thom
• Ithang

Kratom is an herbal supplement containing alkaloid compound called Mitragynine and 7-Hrdrozymitragynine.  Kratom is classified as a stimulant. These stimulating effects were used by low class people like workers in Southeast Asia to gain energy for their work and to be able to work for longer time to earn more money, limiting fatigue.  It is used as a stimulant with low dose, and as a sedative at high dose. It is also a recreational drug, pain killer, medicine for diarrhea and treatment for opiate addiction. According to many, kratom is also useful in treating arthritis, restless legs syndrome and fibromyalgia. 

BENEFITS OF KRATOM

Relieves  Pain

Kratom can quickly relieve pain as the kratom leaves contain analgesic properties and these relieve pain y quickly throughout body by impacting the hormonal system.  When the consumer chews the leaves, serotonin and dopamine are released into the body and hence the pain is alleviated. The leaves also contain alkaloids and theses alkaloids dull the pain receptors in entire body.  Consequently, kratom leaves are very important as it is proved that these leaves contain opium-like or morphine like quality.

BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Various studies show that due to various alkaloids that are found in kratom leaves, it can have a combinative effect, consequently these combinative effects can have major impact on the strength of immune system. Kratom leaves naturally contain few radical scavenging and anti-microbial activity and are a natural source of anti-oxidants.

BOOST ENERGY

Kratom leaves have tremendous metabolic properties.  These are very popular specially among the laborers in various countries.  They increase the energy level as they optimize certain metabolic processes and impact hormone level.  This results in an increased blood circulation. Consequently there would be an increase in the oxygenated blood that would be supplied to all body parts, and hence it would be increasing metabolism in body and provide energy.  All those people suffering from chronic fatigue, these leaves are like natural remedy. It uplifts energy by impacting the neuro-transmitters that are responsible for energy levels and motivational factors.

REDUCE ANXIETY

Kratom leaves also help in people suffering from chronic stress, depression, anxiety and mood swings.  They regulate the hormones in our body and give relief without any side effects unlike other medicines.  It should be take into consideration that not every kratom strain is potent in relieving stress and anxiety, but few are exceptionally powerful such as

1. Bali kratom strains
2. Indo kratom strains
3. Red kratom strain
4. Borneo kratom strain

These leaves are also treated as an anxiolytic substance to outdo psychological glitches if any.

CONTROLS BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL

Diabetes, a very serious medical disease in todays’ generation affecting people of all ages, can be treated by kratom.  Kratom helps the individual in controlling the excessive sugar levels in bloodstream. Studies show that kratom leaves release more insulin into the body which is required to control diabetes.  It reduces the amount of glucose thus the sugar level come to a normal level and the disease can be prevented.

HELPS IN ADDICTION RECOVERY

Opium addiction is one of those serious problems that people are suffering with and trying hard to get out it.  But at one point they feel totally helpless. Kratom helps in opium withdrawl amazingly. It reduces and minimizes the pain of the withdrawl symptoms as it reduces the craving for opium making sure the person feels normal.  It also helps in sleeplessness disorder and pain that has been caused due to opium addiction. Some kratom strains that are important in reducing opium addiction are 

1. Bali Red Vein
2. Sumatra Red Vein Powder
3. Maeng Da
4. Green Thai Powder
5. Green Malay

KRATOM  IMPROVES  FOCUS

Kratom contains some alkaloids that help in building up the focus.  It happens when acetylcholine is released in larger quantities. It keeps you more focused and prevents the mind from any distractions.  Kratom evokes the release of dopamine and serotonin, the two important compounds to keep the focus intact and increasing and continue to feel motivated.

BETTER SLEEP PATTERN

If you take a high kratom dose, it will have the effect of a sedative.  People suffering from insomnia , nightmares and parasomnia, can take kratom to relieve it.  As the kratom enters the sleep-wake cycle regulating it, it shows the effects of sedation of this medicine.

ANTI-CONVULSANT EFFECT

This is useful in patients with epilepsy who are suffering from seizures.  Kratom acts in certain area of brain that regulates the coordination and body movement as well as sympathetic tone of the muscles.  Kratom helps in reducing convulsions by regulating the nerve impulse.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT

As kratom contains anti-inflammatory actions, it is used in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.  It reduces pain, swelling and redness at the site of inflammation, thus promotes healing.

TYPES  OF KRATOM

Different types of kratoms are also called as Strains.  They mostly are named after the place of their origin. It should be kept in mind that effects of a particular strain might vary from one supplier to another.

Maeng Da Kratom

It refers to different types of kratom.  It is strong and long lasting. It has Thai origin, although Indonesian and Malaysian Maeng Da strains are also available.  Maeng Da can be red, green or white in color. It acts as stimulant, increases energy and gives a positive feel, and at times it tends to make its user talkative.

Indo Kratom

This kratom comes from Indonesia, and can be red, green or white in color.  These are known for increasing relaxation, relieving pain , giving positive feel and a times reducing anxiety too.  They are less stimulating than other strains.

Bali Kratom / Redvien Kratom

Origin of this strain in Indonesia.   It is red in color and is effective in pain relief.  Out of all strains, it has most opioid like feel. It helps in relieving depression and chronic pain.

Green Malay

This strain is dark green in color and originates from Malaysia.  If taken in low dose, it increases focus and relieves pain but at high dose it works as sedative.  It also helps in anxiety.

How to consume kratom ?

Direct Ingestion 

It can be done in following three ways

Chewing the leaves

This is the most immediate way of consuming kratom. It requires to remove the central vein from leaf before chewing.  Although, a dried leaf has rough texture, hence it is not advisable to chew the leaves directly.

Swallowing Powder

One of the most quickest  way where we just put a scoop of kratom powder in our mouth, take a big sip of water, swirl it around inside he mouth and mix it, and then swallow it.  This is also called Toss and Wash method.. It is one of the most popular method.

Kratom Capsules

The kratom powder also comes in form of edible capsules.  Swallow them with the help of water or any other liquid drink.  Effects start showing in half an hour. Most convenient as it needs no preparation, doesn’t need to be measured or weighed and the bitter taste of the powder can be avoided.

MIXING KRATOM WITH FOOD

Dissolving in liquid

It can be easily added to liquids and dissolved.  It can be added to water, juice, tea or even hot chocolate.  It is often mixed with sweet liquids to neutralize the bitter taste of the powder.

Add it to food

It can be made into a paste form and used as

1. As a spread on bread with honey
2. Baked into cooking and cakes
3. Mixed in with oatmeal, pudding, applesauce or yogurt

PROCESSING KRATOM

Smoking

Smoke the dried leaves, just like tobacco.  But to get substantial effect, burn large amount of leaves to get the  desired effect.

Drinking tea

Drinking kratom tea is a widely preferred method.  It can be done by

1. Boiling dried leaves and drinking the infusion which brings strongest sensation.
2. Mix it with other types of  tea, add lemon juice or any sweetener.
3. Evaporate water from kratom tea, leaving the resin extracts in for of small pellets.  It can be swallowed directly or mixed with hot water.

TIPS  FOR TAKING  KRATOM DOSE

Start Small

Start with a small dose, which should not be higher than 1gm.  People prone to sensitivity should start with 0.5gm at first stage and gradually move towards higher dose.

Check The Tolerance Effect

Every user should be aware of tolerance effects of kratom.  As for regular users, it develops with time and you no longer feel the effect your medicine on your body.  In that case, increase the dose if problem is still persisting or stop the dosage if there no problem pertaining.

Take It With Empty Stomach

When taken with empty stomach, kratom works faster.  I n order to prevent nausea or sickness, you can have kratom with banana or crackers.

Time Interval Between The Dose

When you have taken first dose and do not find the desired effect and want to go for the second one, then there should be a gap of at least 45 minutes between the two doses.

Stay Hydrated

Kratom intake can make you feel dehydrated, consequently the consumer may feel ill or heady. In order to avoid any such situations, have plenty of water before and after the dose so that nausea or headaches can be prevented.

Recommended Kratom Products

Kratom Coffee

SIDE – EFFECTS OF KRATOM

Common complaint after kratom intake is usually feeling nauseated, feeling agitated or a rapid heartbeat.  But besides these we categorize side effects in two ways

Short Term Side Effects

These effects can last to 2-5 hours and may include

1. Nausea
2. Itching
3. Sweating
4. Dry Mouth
5. Constipation 
6. Diarrhea
7. Loss of muscle co-ordination in the arms or legs
8. Abnormally fast heart-beat

Long Term Side Effects

They keep hanging for much longer period of time. They may include

1. Weight loss
2. Insomnia
3. Dark spots on the skin, especially cheeks
4. Constipation
5. Appetite loss
6. Tremors or shaking
7. Frequent urination
8. Seizures
9. Hallucinations