5 Benefits Of Kratom You Did Not Know

Kratom, a plant from the coffee family that grows naturally in South East Asian countries has made its way onto American shelves. And, for good reasons. After all, users of kratom swear on their lives that it helped them deal with years of chronic pain and bettered their life like never before.

Traditionally speaking, kratom leaves were used for medicinal purposes all throughout countries like Thailand and Malaysia. Additionally, this plant also carries the potential for helping with myriad health conditions such as management of diabetes, overcoming opioid addiction, mood disorders like anxiety, stress, depression and even several chronic sleeping disorders.

But, don’t just take our word for it. There has been plenty of controlled research and clinical studies that stipulate all these benefits of kratom and more.

How Does Kratom Work

It’s the unique profile of chemical compounds that are found in kratom leaves. Those compounds together offer this plant the therapeutic goodness and excellent potential for medicinal usage. Kratom also carries many important organic substances and a range of alkaloids that are supposed to benefit the human body. The most important compound or alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine. Both of these alkaloids are responsible for exhibiting opioid-like effects. But, it’s not addictive in nature as opioids. In fact, many users found kratom to help them overcome withdrawal and addiction over opioids like heroin.

Health Benefits of Kratom

1. Helpful in Overcoming Opioid Addictions

Check out this study which highlights and talks about kratom’s potential as a harm reduction tool in people who find themselves addicted to opioids or similar drugs. Controlled dosage of kratom can be a lifesaver for people who may be struggling with withdrawing symptoms and are in grave amount of pain.

The way kratom interacts on a neurological level is much like opiates. It interacts with opiate receptors in the brain, but it doesn’t have any side-effects. It’s also not addictive in nature. Regular low doses of kratom can reduce cravings for opioids. At higher doses, it can have sedative-like effects where it can act as a natural painkiller.

2. Potential to Manage Chronic Pains

Here’s another study conducted on 10,000 users of kratom in October 2016. It stipulated kratom’s potential for self-medication for the treatment of chronic pains and several mood-related disorders. Although the study also pointed out it’s potential to cause some side-effects, mostly gastrointestinal such as nausea and vomiting, but they are no graver than side effects of any other pain medication available in the market.

3. Can Help Manage Mood-Related Disorders

Users of Kratom often personally vouch for its mood-lifting capabilities. Many find themselves more in control of their emotions. They feel less prone to stress and anxiety. Others feel it helps them deal with socially anxious situations. Therefore, those who are prone to social anxiety may take it before going to a social gathering to overcome shyness and feel more confident.

4. Can Help with Sleeping Disorders

Many kratom users find that it helps them sleep better. Again, most of these results are anecdotal and not studied under any scientific paradigm, but such success stories are countless and always floating around the internet. Check out this particular section covered by Forbes Magazine, where people shared their stories and experiences with Kratom.

5. Enhances Energy levels

The natives of Thailand and Malaysia would chew kratom leaves before undertaking physically strenuous activity. It’s because kratom alkaloids work in a way that offers a sudden boost in energy levels.  The effects can be compared to that of coffee-drinking but slightly stronger. With that said, it goes without saying that it may help people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

What Does FDA Has to Say About It

Although kratom is legal in almost all states of the USA, the FDA is yet to approve it as an acceptable medicine for the treatment of any medical condition. However, that has not stopped people from around the globe to consume it. In fact, most of the reports speak in favour of this native South East Asian plant. However, since there is no medical body governing its dosage, it’s unclear as to how much kratom one should consume before expecting to see any of the aforementioned benefits.

Majority users find it best to start off with tiny doses of kratom. The best way to find the dosage that offers ‘sweet spot’ is to monitor the effects of multiple dosages over a week or two and see how different doses work out for you.

It’s also good to explore different kratom strain types, the conditions they are best suited for, and also make sure to buy them from a reputable vendor.

A word of caution – It’s paramount that first-time users exercise complete caution before consuming kratom since overdose might result in unexpected side-effects.

Different forms In Which Kratom Is Available

While many people would chew kratom leaves raw, it may not be easy to find them in the USA. So, you are most likely to find it in the form of –

• Gels
• Powders
• Capsules
• Isolates
• Tincture
• Dried bud

Final Thoughts

The benefits of kratom are immense. They should definitely be enough to get you kratom crazy and want to try it out. But, it’s important to be cautious and educate yourself about what this plant can and cannot do all the while making sure you don’t end up abusing it.