Until recently, kratom could only be mentioned as a footnote in alternative medicine discussions. But that was long before the herb’s therapeutic properties gained the attention of pharmaceutical industries and wellness enthusiasts worldwide.
Kratom has since become the first line of remedy for people suffering from various medical ailments. The herb also produces mild stimulating effects, piquing the interest of recreational users.
And while kratom is regulated in some countries, access to this novelty herb is likely to improve in the not-so-distant future. That’s due to emerging studies pointing further to its pharmacological abilities.
Here’s everything you need to know about kratom and why it’s all the rave.
Introducing Kratom
Kratom, botanically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree originally from Southeast Asia whose extracts are taken to remedy various illnesses.
Kratom is widespread in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The plant also thrives in the lush forests of Myanmar and Papua New Guinea.
Although native to Asia, kratom is now a staple ingredient in wellness supplements worldwide, with North America being a leading consumer. The soaring demand for the herb has translated into a corresponding rise in the number of vendors.
BigBearKratom is a renowned supplier of premium kratom products. The company is based in Ontario, Canada, but ships internationally. It’s especially famous for stocking high-potent Red Bali and Maeng Da strains.
Big Bear was also one of the first kratom vendors to introduce futuristic payment systems like cryptocurrency. Customers can pay for their orders with Bitcoin, in addition to credit cards and cash on delivery (COD).
Health Benefits of Kratom
Kratom is commonly administered for pain management. The herb treats pain by desensitizing the opioid receptors in the brain, the very system of receptors impacted by conventional opioid drugs like morphine.
Thanks to its effects on opioid receptors, many wellness experts posit that kratom could mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms. The herb’s ability to bind to opioid receptors without causing dependency makes it a potential replacement for conventional opioids, which are notorious for their addictiveness.
Research has also established that kratom may relieve stress and anxiety. Again, that could be due to its positive effects on opioid receptors. One study found that self-medicating with kratom could relieve anxiety and depression. Similar findings have shown the herb might improve various anxiety symptoms, including nervousness, mood swings, and even insomnia.
Fatigue adds to the long list of medical issues that you might remedy with kratom extracts. Some users describe kratom’s stimulating effects as akin to those of alcohol, except that the herb is less intoxicating. But perhaps a more accurate comparison would be between kratom and caffeine. That’s because Mitragyna speciosa and coffee are closely related botanically.
Lastly, in kratom’s native range of Southeast Asia, locals have traditionally applied kratom paste on physical injuries to promote healing. There’s little research on the herb’s astringent properties. However, we know that it can produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, both of which are critical to wound recovery.
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Ways to Consume Kratom
Kratom comes in diverse preparations. You can pick from a variety of edibles (capsules, tablets, herbal teas, etc.), inhalables (aromatherapy oils and e-juices), and topicals (creams, lotions, bath bombs, etc.).
Each of these products delivers kratom to your bloodstream. However, they differ in onset time and bioavailability.
Kratom edibles have a longer onset time, which may range from 30 minutes to three hours. Edibles also have a lower bioavailability.
On the flip side, kratom produces longer-lasting effects if consumed as edibles. You can enjoy the herb’s therapeutic benefits for up to 36 hours after the last dosage.
That’s in contrast to faster-acting preparations like aromatherapy oils, whose effects may only last for a few hours.
Ideal Kratom Dosage
Technically, kratom isn’t a prescription medication. That’s because major drug enforcement agencies haven’t officially endorsed the herb yet. Therefore, there’s no such thing as an ideal dosage.
Many anecdotal reports cite 5 grams of kratom administered thrice a day as the standard daily dose.
But as you shall find, serving portions largely depend on a user’s age and tolerance levels. Younger or new users are better off with smaller doses than older or seasoned users.
The potency of kratom in a product also determines the serving portions. Higher percentage concentrations should correspond with lower doses.
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Exploring Different Kratom Strains
Another exciting thing about kratom is its multiple strains. These are essentially different cultivars or variants of the Mitragyna speciosa plant.
Each kratom cultivar has its signature effects. Therefore, it’s essential to pick a strain depending on the specific conditions you’re trying to remedy with the herb.
The three primary kratom strains include White-vein Kratom, Green-vein Kratom, and Red-vein Kratom.
White-vein strains are incredibly energizing. Kratom supplements formulated with white-vein strains are excellent for treating chronic fatigue and impaired cognitive functions.
In comparison, red-vein kratom is more relaxing. Such strains would suit you better if you suffer from pain or nervousness. They’re also perfect for treating inflammatory and sleep disorders.
Lastly, green-vein kratom is an all-in-one strain, blending white-vein’s stimulating properties and red-vein’s soothing abilities. Due to its less dramatic effects, green-vein kratom is the go-to strain for new kratom users.
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Wrap Up
There goes our comprehensive guide to kratom.
Despite its numerous health benefits, it’s somewhat surprising to observe that kratom isn’t legally accessible worldwide. At the same time, it is legal in Canada, with a few restrictions, and over 20 US states have banned the herb.
So, remember to check your local laws before selling or using kratom supplements.
