If you’re wondering, “what is kratom?” you are not alone. It’s the latest best-kept secret in the wellness and alternative medicine world.  

This all-natural herbal drug has been found to provide numerous health benefits without the risk of harmful side effects. It can even help with symptoms of withdrawal from opioids! Let’s take a closer look at what this wonder drug entails and why it’s so effective in treating certain conditions modern drug companies and traditional medicine may not have an answer for yet. 

What Is Kratom and What Are the Benefits? 

Kratom is a naturally occurring herb from Southeast Asia, has been utilized as an alternative treatment option for hundreds of years. In recent times, kratom has generated widespread interest as a dietary supplement and potential treatment for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, as well as a substitute for opioid drugs.  

Kratom Plant 

Kratom (botanical name: Mitragyna speciosa) is related to the coffee plant, has been used medicinally in Thailand and Malaysia for centuries. These countries have traditionally incorporated the plant into their cultures as a mild stimulant that acts as a pain reliever and provides energy.  

The leaves of a Kratom tree have a variety of vein colors, including red, green, white, and yellow. The leaves are gathered and processed into a fine powder that can be used to promote general wellness and harmony in your life. Although none of these health effects have been proven by the FDA, each of these veins is thought to provide a slightly different effect. Each vein is described in detail below. 

1. Red Vein – The most mature red kratom leaves are said to have finely balanced alkaloid levels, and red Kratom variants are also very popular due to their strength. This popular strain is more potent than white, yellow, and green vein derivatives according to many many users. It’s also unique because it can be grown in a wide range of environments and climates.  
2. Green Vein – Green kratom is picked in the middle of the tree’s maturity cycle. It is the preferred vein of users who prefer a medium-level effect for pain, muscle aches, and stress relief, increased energy, and enhanced mood.  
3. White Vein – This variety is harvested early in the maturation period. White vein is said to have a stronger invigorating impact than the others, boosting the immune system and energy levels. It provides milder results for stress relief, alleviating pain, and increasing libido.  
4. Yellow Vein – Yellow vein isn’t actually a vein; in reality, it’s a yellow-colored branch of white vein that develops during the drying process. Its effects are comparable to those of many green strains. It delivers a mild energy boost without overstimulating. 

Kratom Benefits 

This plant-based enhancer is gaining popularity among those in the alternative health, wellness, and fitness circles for a variety of reasons, with users reporting a wide range of effects on both the mind and the body. Recently, people throughout the United States have been utilizing Kratom as an alternative form of treatment for many conditions and afflictions, including: 

• Depression and anxiety, 
• Chronic pain, 
• Fatigue, 
• Difficulty concentrating, 
• Headaches and migraines, 
• High blood pressure, 
• Opioid addiction and withdrawal, and 
• PTSD. 

How Kratom Is Consumed 

If you’re wondering how to take kratom, you’re not alone. It’s marketed in the U.S. as a nutritional supplement and there are many options available for purchase: powder, capsules, tea, chewing gum, resins, liquid extracts and tinctures. We recommend trying it in a few different forms to see what suits your taste and habits best, and to find the most effective results. The most potent form of kratom is the extract, while the least potent is the kratom tea.

What Does Kratom Do? How Does It Work? 

Kratom for Relief from Pain & Addiction 

As an herbal supplement, kratom contains multiple active ingredients — including mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, paynantheine, speciogynine, and 20 other related compounds. These compounds affect the body’s opiate receptor systems (the same ones that prescription and recreational drugs bind to) in a manner similar to morphine. The key difference is that kratom’s effects occur more slowly – they’re not as fast-acting or as potent.  

Now being touted as a ‘miracle plant’ powerful enough to replace pain medications and be used as an alternative to prescription opioids, kratom may provide pain relief for those who suffer from chronic conditions. Regular users have claimed beneficial characteristics for as arthritis and fibromyalgia. And because kratom doesn’t produce an intense “high” like opiates do, there’s no risk of physical dependence one of the many reasons why it’s become a popular fix for opioid addiction and relief from withdrawal symptoms.  

Kratom as an Energy Booster 

Kratom acts as a mild stimulant effects, producing increased energy and helping poor concentration that lasts for hours without the jitteriness or crash that comes with drinking coffee or taking other caffeinated products. And unlike some prescription medications given for depression, kratom does not lead to weight gain or loss of sex drive – making it more appealing than other types of drugs for many kratom users. 

Kratom as an Antiviral Agent 

It has also been found to act as an antiviral agent. The unique blend of alkaloids and compounds in kratom leaves makes improves the body’s natural defenses and decreases the risk of contracting viruses, such as HIV and hepatitis B. There is even some anecdotal evidence that it can support immunity against Covid-19 and help people to recover faster.  

The five alkaloids that are specifically identified for their immuno-boosting power are epicatechin, isomitraphylline, isopteropodine, isorhynchophylline, and mitraphylline. They are known immunostimulants and some have also been shown to support an antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral response. 

Other Effects Currently Being Studied 

Although further research is necessary, initial studies on the effects of Kratom have shown promising results as an alternative therapy for chronic pain management. It has also shown promise for slowing down the degeneration associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, some types of cancer, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

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What Types of Kratom are Out There? 

Kratom suppliers offer a variety of forms, but the main ones are capsules and tablets. Kratom is also available as a gum, powder, and liquid. You can brew dried kratom leaves to consume as an herbal tea or chew fresh leaves if available. In some cases, you can apply liquid kratom extract to your skin to relieve muscle pain. The type of kratom determines the impact of its effects on the body. Taking a kratom capsule may have a more immediate impact than sipping kratom tea.

• There are several different strains of Kratom available on the market today; each one provides its own specific array of benefits:  
• White Borneo – White vein is often hailed as the most popular type of kratom. It’s a Thai variant that boosts energy and mood, increases the ability to think clearly and focus, while also relieving anxiety and stress.  
• Red Bali – This type of medicinal plant comes from southeast Asia and is particularly appreciated for its calming and relaxing effects.  
• Green Indo – Indonesia is one of the native homes of this tropical tree species and is the birthplace of many strong strains. Green Indo is one of the older strains on the market and is praised as a mild agent for relaxation and mood-lifting.  
• Maeng Da – This strain from Thailand is supposed to be particularly potent and long-lasting. Green maeng da kratom is loved by users for pain relief, muscle relaxation, and opiate withdrawal.  
• Thai – Also known as “Super,” Thai kratom is especially strong whether you choose the white, green, or red vein variations.  
• Bentuangie – This newer strain is cured within its own moisture. It’s praised for its relaxation and sleep-inducing qualities.  
• Horn – This unique, and difficult to cultivate strain comes from Borneo and is often used for relief from chronic pain.  
• Vietnam – This strain comes in all colors and is known as a mild performance enhancer  
• Riau – Riau is a relatively new type, but also a hot seller because of its ability to boost energy and lift mood.  
• Sumatra – This strain comes from the Sumatra islands of Indonesia and stands out for both its calming and energizing effects.  
• Malay – Malay strains are grown in Malaysia. The Green Malay kratom is especially popular because it is potent as well as versatile. It provides a balanced mood-enhancing and stress-relieving action.  

Why Is Kratom So Controversial? Why Has Its Use Become Illegal in Some States? 

Marijuana is legal in several states, CBD is legal in all 50 states, yet Kratom is banned – why? It doesn’t seem to make any sense!  

Despite all of the potential benefits of Kratom, some anti-drug groups claim that it is dangerous due to reports of dangers likely posed by Kratom additives (such as caffeine or codeine) rather than the pure extract or powder. There is also cause for concern because, in large doses, this legal drug can produce a natural euphoria similar to prescription opioids, recreational drugs, and illegal substances – leading it to be used recreationally by those who were seeking these types of sensations. Proponents claim that the opioid-like effects experienced by some users are caused by active compounds, including alkaloids.  

Mitragynine and its derivative 7-hydroxymitragynine are the most abundant alkaloids at the center of Kratom research, as both appear to interact with specific brain receptors. The interaction of this natural, plant-based drug with neural opioid receptors may explain why some feel certain psychotropic effects and why it has a potential for abuse. Some medical professionals and opponents in the medical community warn of the risk of kratom addiction. This is why more research is needed to fully understand how it interacts with the brain and body. Additional testing should also focus on identifying or ruling out any safety concerns.  

According to early data analysis published by Frontiers in Psychiatry, Kratom has some benefits as a stimulant, sedative, immunity enhancer, and antidepressant. Statistics also seem to point to antinociceptive—or pain-blocking—effects. However, the same researchers go on to explain that there is evidence of potentially dangerous side effects and serious adverse effects, including aggression, liver damage, muscle spasms, jerky movements, and overdoes. For this reason, data has not yet “determined if biochemical benefits of kratom may prove to outweigh its toxicity and risks.”  

Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Kratom for any medical treatment or nutritional use, though there is research underway. At the moment, there is insufficient clinical trials and research to say definitively what health effects of kratom use–positive or negative–may have. 

Where to Buy Kratom – Burman’s Health Shop

Learn more about and purchase Kratom products from Burman’s Health Shop, including Kratom powder, capsules, and extract. 

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