Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in recent years for its potential therapeutic effects. The plant, which is a relative of the coffee tree, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its analgesic, stimulant, and mood-altering properties.
In this article, we’ll look at its potential therapeutic benefits and the different ways in which it can be used, from teas, to capsules through to OPMS Liquid, and help you to understand its potential side effects.
What Exactly is Kratom?
Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family that is native to Southeast Asia. The tree can grow up to 80 feet tall and has large, glossy leaves that are harvested for their medicinal and therapeutic properties.
The leaves of the Kratom tree have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health conditions, including pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and depression. In recent years, Kratom has gained popularity as a natural alternative to prescription pain medications and as a tool to help manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
What Effect Will Kratom Have On Me?
The effects of about Kratom can vary depending on the dose and the individual. At lower doses, Kratom may produce stimulant-like effects, such as increased energy, alertness, and sociability. These effects can be helpful for individuals looking to improve focus and productivity or to enhance social interactions.
At higher doses, Kratom may produce more sedative and analgesic effects, including pain relief, relaxation, and drowsiness. These effects can be helpful for individuals experiencing chronic pain or anxiety.
How Do I Use Kratom?
Kratom produces its effects through the action of its primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, on the opioid and adrenergic receptors in the brain and body. These alkaloids act as partial agonists at the mu-opioid receptors, which are the same receptors targeted by prescription opioid medications. This action leads to the release of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that produce feelings of euphoria and pleasure.
In addition to its action on opioid receptors, Kratom also affects adrenergic receptors, which play a role in the body’s fight-or-flight response. At lower doses, Kratom can act as a stimulant, increasing energy and alertness. At higher doses, the effects of Kratom can be more sedative and analgesic.
The exact mechanisms by which Kratom produces its effects are not fully understood, and more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of its use.
What Are Alkaloids?
Alkaloids are a class of naturally occurring organic compounds that contain nitrogen atoms and have alkaline properties. They are found in a wide variety of plants and are responsible for many of the therapeutic and psychoactive effects of these plants.
Alkaloids can have a range of different structures and functions, but they all share certain characteristics. They are typically bitter-tasting and have a strong physiological effect on the body. Many alkaloids act on the central nervous system and can alter mood, perception, and behavior. Others have analgesic or anti-inflammatory properties and are used to treat pain and inflammation.
In plants, alkaloids often serve as a defense mechanism against predators and parasites. They can be toxic to certain animals and insects, which helps to protect the plant from being eaten or damaged. However, alkaloids can also be beneficial to humans when used in the right doses and for the right purposes.
Some examples of alkaloids found in plants include caffeine, nicotine, morphine, and quinine. In Kratom, the primary alkaloids responsible for its effects are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine.
What Are The Different Ways to Take Kratom?
There are a number of different ways that you can take Kratom. Here are details of the most common options.
Chewing fresh leaves
In Southeast Asia, where Kratom is native, fresh Kratom leaves are often chewed by hand to release the active alkaloids. This method is less common in other parts of the world due to the difficulty of obtaining fresh Kratom leaves.
Dried leaves
Dried Kratom leaves can be brewed as a tea, smoked, or made into a powder or capsule. To brew Kratom tea, dried leaves are steeped in hot water for several minutes and then strained. The resulting liquid can be sweetened with honey or sugar and consumed.
Smoking Kratom is less common, but some individuals may choose to smoke dried leaves or use them as a smoking cessation aid. Kratom powder can be made by grinding dried leaves, which can be consumed directly, mixed with a beverage, or encapsulated for oral consumption.
Capsules
Kratom powder can also be encapsulated and taken orally. This method can be more convenient and precise than consuming powder directly, and capsules are available in a range of doses. Kratom capsules are often made from gelatin, but vegan capsules are also available.
Extracts
Kratom extracts are made by boiling Kratom leaves in water to create a concentrated alkaloid solution. The solution is then dried and can be made into a powder, capsule, or tincture. Kratom extracts are much more potent than dried leaves or powders and should be used with caution to avoid overdosing.
Tinctures
Kratom tinctures are made by soaking Kratom leaves in alcohol to extract the alkaloids. The resulting liquid is then strained and can be taken orally. Kratom tinctures are more potent than Kratom tea or powder and should be used with caution to avoid overdosing.
Topical application
Kratom leaves can also be applied topically, either fresh or dried, to treat skin conditions or provide pain relief. This method is less common than oral consumption but may be useful for localized pain or skin irritations.
Does Kratom Have Any Side Effects?
t is important to note that Kratom can also produce a range of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dry mouth. It can also cause more serious side effects, such as seizures, liver damage, and addiction. Additionally, Kratom can interact with other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, so medical advice should be taken prior to taking Kratom in addition to other drugs.
