Kratom is a plant derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. Kratom is becoming a more popular natural alternative lately that can bring us a number of interesting and unique effects. So what can be expected from kratom and are there any risks?
A little theory to start with
Kratom is extracted from the leaves of the aforementioned Mitragyna speciosa tree. It is these leaves that contain the active alkaloids. The two most active compounds found in kratom are, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids can have effects similar to stimulants or opioids, for example.
Natural home remedy
Although kratom seems to be a new development, kratom has been used in Southeast Asia for hundreds of years. Primarily as a traditional treatment, as its effects can have a positive effect on the human body. Some experts consider kratom to be a substance very similar to opioids because it affects the brain's opioid receptors. At high doses, kratom can relieve pain just like opioids, but at low doses it is considered more of a stimulant. However, like opioids, kratom can be addictive.
Research on kratom and its effects is still ongoing, both in the short and long term. Scientists have observed that kratom can affect the human body in many ways, depending on:
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health conditions
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tolerance
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form of use and dosage
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when combined with other substances
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what variety of kratom it is
How can dosage affect the effects?
The larger the amount of kratom you take, the more likely you are to experience side effects. It is important to remember that dosage is also crucial and can give us a different level and effectiveness of effects. It is recommended to start at lower doses and then increase as needed and preferred.
High doses above 10 grams have similar effects to opioids and sedatives. Kratom at this amount can relieve pain, give a sense of relaxation and also reduce anxiety. When kratom is taken in high doses, we can also experience euphoria, such as with THC in marijuana.
Low doses of up to 5 grams can act as a stimulant and give us a boost of energy, increase alertness and also mood.
Side effects
Side effects can also occur when taking kratom. Side effects that may occur include:
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nausea
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sweating
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drowsiness
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dry mouth
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confusion
What kratom will do to me or the benefits of kratom
As mentioned, kratom is still under research and there is still a question as to whether kratom is safe and whether its potential effects are substantiated. However, even from user experience, we can glean the main benefits of taking kratom.
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Pain relief
Kratom can be effective for pain relief, especially chronic pain, as kratom works by binding to opioid receptors. Even the aforementioned compound 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is found in kratom, is 13 times more effective than morphine. Its analgesic effects make kratom an interesting alternative to drugs.
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Mood enhancement
Some studies suggest that kratom may be an effective treatment for opioid addiction. Some users use it to alleviate withdrawal symptoms from morphine and ethanol.
Kratom may have similar effects to antidepressants and could improve mood while relieving anxiety. Thus, it may also help to promote mental health at the same time.
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Increase energy and concentration
It is already known that at lower doses, kratom acts more like a stimulant, increasing energy and, in relation, improving concentration. Kratom may therefore represent a natural alternative to caffeine-containing products. With kratom, increased endurance and energy can be achieved, which may be useful in sports or other physical activities.
In addition to these effects, kratom can induce a rush of euphoria, especially at higher doses.
It is important to note that kratom can have different effects on different individuals, and the degree and effectiveness of these effects may vary. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and aware of both the positive benefits that kratom can bring and the side effects that can occur when taking it.
