Kratom. Why is this powerful herb becoming more and more popular?
Southeast Asians use kratom for a variety of purposes, such as pain relief, energy enhancement, mood enhancement, and even to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms. But what do you still not know about kratom? We have prepared for you an overview of important information and the most frequently asked questions regarding the herb Mitragyna speciosa.
First, a bit of terminology: Kratom (Latin name Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. The leaves of this exotic tree are long and shiny. It is from these leaves that the product known as kratom is made.
In Asian countries, it was traditionally used to relieve pain in the joints and muscles, which were taking a toll from daily work in the fields. It also took a lot of energy, but thanks to its energizing effects, kratom was able to provide the necessary energy and improve work morale. Local tribes also used kratom in religious and social celebrations.
What is kratom
Kratom is the Thai name, while the technical terminology refers to Mitragyna speciosa. This Latin term characterizes a tropical leafy tree, which we classify as an evergreen plant, specifically in the family of Morinaceae. To give you a better idea, we state that the coffee plant, for example, belongs to the same group of plants. However, the latter usually grows to a height of 5 to 8 meters, while kratom can grow to dizzying heights of 30 meters from the ground. It is precisely the sheets that are further processed. They can be deep green to yellow, characterized by veins on their underside.
The color of kratom leaves determines the specific species. Therefore, we can meet green, yellow, but also red or golden kratom, which is a combination of white and red species. The drying of the leaves also plays its role in the classification, which affects the proportion of mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine and other substances, which we collectively refer to as alkaloids. It is these organic substances that most likely cause all of the aforementioned effects of kratom.
Kratom plantations and farms can be found mainly in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. However, this is not the rule, as this tropical tree is also found in the African continent, which is miles away. By grinding kratom leaves, Asian settlers obtain a fine powder with stimulating to euphoric effects, which is highly sought after worldwide. On the contrary, when taking a higher amount, a calming and relaxing effect occurs, which can even be sedating.
The origin and history of kratom
Unfortunately, we cannot determine the exact origin of kratom. What we do know for sure, however, is that it has been used by the indigenous people of Southeast Asia for centuries. Not only in Kalimantan, but also in Malaysia and Thailand, this organic substance is used for arousal, relaxation, but also to improve sexuality! Chewing kratom leaves gained enormous popularity especially among farmers who performed physically demanding work in the fields. Thanks to mitragynine, they were able to gain more energy and thereby suppress exhaustion, relieve stress and, last but not least, also improve mood and commitment.
If we look at the history of Thailand, we will find that Mitragyna speciosa has been part of the reception of guests, ritual worship of deities and deceased ancestors since time immemorial. However, the first written mention of kratom in Western literature could only be found in the 19th century by the Dutch botanist Pieter Willem Korthals. He worked for the East India Company and "observed individuals chewing a kind of herb." Later that century, kratom was mentioned in literature as a cheaper alternative to opium. In Malaysia and Thailand in the 19th century, kratom was even taxed to make more money for the state apparatus.
Kratom and its effects
People who regularly use kratom report both stimulant-like effects and effects that are similar to opioids and sedatives. The effects of Mitragyna speciosa depend to a great extent not only on its above-mentioned species, but also on the size of the administered dose, which is why they can be diametrically different. At lower doses, consumers most often experience increased energy, alertness, increased libido, and an accelerated heart rate. Effect kratom on the human organism, with a certain amount of exaggeration, it can be likened to, for example, amphetamine, but with the difference that it is definitely less intense. At higher doses, on the other hand, the effects of kratom include feelings of relaxation, pain relief or the induction of a calmer mental state.
Side effects of Mitragyna speciosa
Taking any substance that intensely affects our mind and nervous system is not entirely without risk. When we talk about kratom and its potential side effects, we have to mention the risk of addiction. Yes, kratom is addictive just like tobacco products, caffeinated energy drinks or alcohol.
To prevent the development of addiction, you should therefore especially avoid daily use, which can significantly contribute to the creation of the body's desire for mitragynine. If you are wondering if kratom can lead to a fatal overdose with the result of death, we can reassure you, because such a destructive dose is around 200 mg of pure mitragynine per kilogram of your weight, which is a really extreme charge that surely no one with a functioning brain would in the head under no circumstances.
The most common side effects are the following:
- anorexia
- weight loss
- insomnia
- constipation
- flushed face
- dry mouth
In the case of excessive use of kratom powder or any other form of Mitragyna speciosa, we run the risk that mitragynine can affect the functioning processes of our nervous system, including the mind. This can lead to hallucinations and dizziness, which are often very uncomfortable. However, it must be added that the side effects begin to fully manifest themselves especially with long-term daily use of kratom.
Kratom dosage
We have already mapped the types of kratom and the individual effects. So let's move on to the next part of our article, which is the use of kratom itself. On the Czech market, we can most often meet green powder, which is made of crushed leaves of Mitragyna speciosa. Such a powder can be added to a drink or any food. Depending on the size of the individual dose, the effects of kratom are either stimulating to euphoric, or depressing to sedative.
There is no one-size-fits-all prescription for kratom dosage, as it works a little differently on everyone, just like with CBD and HHC products. However, information from reliable foreign sources states that for a stimulating effect, it is ideal to consume a dose of around 0.06 grams of kratom per kilogram of body weight. To relieve pain or to fight anxiety, it is necessary to choose a higher dosage in order to achieve a dampening or sedative effect. In such a case, it is advisable to choose a dose in the range of 2 to 10 grams. A low dose is therefore considered to be an amount up to 4 grams, while a higher dose characterizes the just mentioned amount from 4 to 10 grams. In any case, the people of Thailand do not recommend beginners to apply an initial dose higher than the 4 grams just mentioned.
Kratom and FAQs
In this paragraph, you will find answers to the most frequent questions that customers have about Mitragyna speciosa.
Why people take kratom
This is most often done due to its stimulating effects, which will be appreciated by individuals struggling with a lack of energy. Furthermore, due to the support of concentration, which can be beneficial, for example, at work, studies, but also during sports training or artistic activities. In addition, reviews describe that Mitragyna speciosa helps with pain relief and better sleep. Some of those surveyed in kratom studies said they use it to help them stop using other drugs, especially opiates. Last but not least, it will also be pure curiosity and thirst for new experiences.
Researcher Mark Swogger handled the elaboration study on the topic of using kratom for addiction recovery and psychological problems.
Some respondents said they use kratom to ease opiate withdrawal symptoms. Many of them confided that they managed to overcome their addiction thanks to kratom. Other people report using it to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety.
Swogger MT, et al. Understanding Kratom Use
How does it work in the body?
People who are researching the effects of Mitragyna speciosa themselves are not yet sure how exactly it works in the body. Most of these researchers believe that a compound called mitragynine is the main active ingredient in kratom. However, this statement is not sufficiently substantiated, so it cannot be described as an exact explanation of the issue. However, it is mitragynine that should be responsible for why it acts as a stimulant in small doses, while in higher amounts it acts as a sedative.
Is kratom legal?
Kratom is legal in some European Union countries including the Czech Republic. Simply put, the answer to the question for customers from the Czech Republic is YES, kratom is legal in our country. You can therefore get it without penalty through online sales or at brick-and-mortar stores. To date, total prohibition is only in place in Australia, Burma, Vietnam and Malaysia.
How is it used?
The traditional way of using kratom by indigenous tribes is to chew its leaves, similar to coca. It was also used to make tea or added to food. Nowadays, the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa are crushed into a fine powder that can be mixed in water, juice or any other drink. One of the possible ways of consumption is smoking.
What are the risks of use?
The risks of overusing kratom are similar to those of opiates. This means it can cause stomach upset, vomiting, itching and mild sedation. However, the potential risks seem relatively low when compared to hard drugs, specifically opiates. Fatal overdose, which would end in death, is extremely rare, because people start vomiting long before fatal intoxication of the organism occurs.
Is kratom addictive?
Yes, kratom can be addictive. For that reason, it should definitely not be used on a daily basis, but occasionally, no more than 2-3 times a week in a reasonable amount.
Is it possible to overdose on kratom?
It is possible to overdose with Mitragyna speciosa, but this happens rather rarely. Most often, an overdose is caused by the fact that there was an interaction with another substance, whereby the effects of both components were significantly amplified. Fatal overdoses were almost always caused by the presence of another drug, not the kratom itself.
Today we talked about the basic pillars of our topic. At the very end, we'll just add that it's no secret that this powerful herb is popular almost all over the world. We have already informed you about the types and effects of kratom on our blog in the past. This topic is becoming more and more popular, so we will continue to educate in the future.
Do you need help?
If anything is not clear to you and/or you want advice on the selection, please write to us below in the comments below the post, via contact form or send us a question by e-mail info@miralecbd.cz. Thank you.
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Resources
https://www.livescience.com/56133-facts-about-kratom.html
https://www.puri5.com/blogs/news/6-fascinating-facts-about-kratom
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/kratom-facts
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