Kratom is an herb that contains a variety of phytochemicals with stimulant-like and sedative-like effects. It is consumed in a powder, capsule or tea form and has many reported benefits, from pain relief to increased energy.
Rather than turning to a potentially risky drug with dubious legal status, experts say patients who need pain relief and anxiety management can find safe, natural outlets such as yoga, acupuncture and exercise.
Boosts Energy
Kratom has been used for hundreds of years by people in Asia to treat opiate withdrawal and chronic pain, and as a stimulant to boost energy and sexual desire. It has not been rigorously studied for safety and effectiveness in the US, but kratom is widely available as powder, capsules and tea.
Supporters say it’s an effective, natural alternative to prescription pain relievers and a mood booster. They point to anecdotal reports of success in treating anxiety, depression and PTSD. Supporters also say it can increase energy levels and improve mental clarity and focus. In addition, it is said to help with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions.
The energizing effects of kratom come from its alkaloids, which can affect different receptors in the brain and body. Mitragynine interacts with the mu opioid receptors to create a euphoric effect, while 7-hydroxymitragynine stimulates adrenaline and noradrenaline to produce energy. Other alkaloids in kratom include mitragynine and kavalactones, which act as a stimulant.
Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia and used in traditional cultures to enhance work performance and combat fatigue. Workers chewed leaves or brewed them in tea to feel energized and less stressed. It’s now being marketed as a herbal supplement in powder or capsule form, and some people consume it in a tea called 4×100, which is often mixed with codeine-containing cough syrup to produce effects similar to alcohol intoxication.
Reduces Stress
Many people who suffer from anxiety find relief with the use of kratom. This substance is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree and has compounds that reduce stress, boost mood, and alleviate pain. It also helps individuals who want to stop using opioids because it reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
In addition to helping reduce stress, kratom may also aid in weight loss. It can increase metabolism and decrease appetite. It can also help with insomnia. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking kratom. A physician can recommend the right dose for you and provide other treatment options.
While some individuals with anxiety find relief with kratom, it can cause dangerous side effects in others. The DEA proposed banning kratom last year, but it was later withdrawn due to public outcry and protests. The agency still plans to regulate the drug as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, which puts it in the same category as marijuana, LSD, and heroin.
If you are suffering from a kratom addiction, seek help immediately. Behavioral therapy is the key to treating addictions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management are effective tools for overcoming addictions to drugs like kratom. These therapies are designed to teach you healthy coping mechanisms and how to identify triggers. They can be conducted on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
Aids in Weight Loss
The energy boost from kratom helps you work out, which is important in the weight loss process. It also encourages a healthy diet. It can help people who are battling stress-related eating disorders. These conditions can cause you to crave high-sugar, high-salt processed foods. Taking kratom can help prevent this by releasing endorphins. This will reduce stress-related eating and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Kratom is not regulated nationally, which can make it difficult to regulate its doses and safety. It is a plant that has been used for centuries in Asia. Traditionally, it is chewed to experience vigor and euphoria. Some people add salt to the leaves to prevent constipation. Other people mix it with other plants or drinks, including coffee and tea. It is not a controlled drug and can be found in gas stations and paraphernalia shops, although it is banned in some states.
However, the FDA warns that kratom can be dangerous when it is taken in large doses. It can slow down breathing, causing respiratory depression, and may affect neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to anxiety and agitation. It can also cause tremors and sweating. Some of these effects can be life-threatening, and there are several reported deaths attributed to kratom consumption. Some of these deaths are linked to mixing kratom with other drugs, such as opiates, benzodiazepines, gabapentin and alcohol.
Reduces Pain
The pain-relieving effects of kratom are often felt within 10 minutes and last for one to one and a half hours. They are often accompanied by a feeling of euphoria and alertness. Users also report enhanced work capacity, increased sociability and sometimes heightened sexual desire. In addition, the pupils are usually normal or only slightly contracted. It is important to note that kratom can cause some unpleasant side effects.
In a 2012 paper, Prozialeck reported that he had seen numerous cases of kratom abuse, including in adolescents. He cited a case of a 17-year-old boy who used kratom to combat opioid withdrawal symptoms and ultimately ended up in the student health center suffering from seizures and hallucinations.
More research needs to be done on kratom. Prozialeck wrote that while the drug appears safe and does reduce pain, more in-depth investigations are needed. Moreover, he warned that the DEA’s plan to make kratom a schedule 1 drug—which puts it in the same category as heroin—could prevent such research from being conducted.
It is important to talk with a healthcare professional before taking kratom. A doctor may be able to prescribe other pain-relieving medications or suggest safer alternatives. In addition, a healthcare professional can recommend behavioral therapy to address depression and anxiety. The most important thing is to remember that if you have pain or depression, a healthcare professional can help you. Kratom capsules