Kratom is a term many of us are familiar with, but few of us have really explored it in-depth, largely due to its sporadic accessibility on the market and lots of conflicting information out there about what it is and how it works. But, with more researchers taking a strong interest in it, it’s clear that this plant-based substance is more than pure hype. As kratom is rising in popularity, it’s important to have a good understanding of its properties, uses, and forms in the event that you should seek it out for your needs.
What is Kratom?
Kratom refers to the leaves of an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, which actually belongs to the coffee family. While it’s new to many of us, those who are natives to the region in which it’s cultivated have been using kratom for thousands of years thanks to its properties.
The kratom leaves that we find on the market have been dried and, in many cases, pulverized into a powder so that it may be easy to take in various forms. There are different strains of kratom, as well as different delivery methods, all of which we will be getting into shortly. But, the key takeaway is that kratom possesses specific properties that may be quite useful to a number of people.
So, what are the properties of kratom? Well, there’s a surprisingly limited amount of clinical research about what it’s capable of. But, enough studies have been done in recent years to give us a good idea as to what it can do in terms of its effects. Overall, kratom is believed to offer analgesic, anxiolytic and stimulating properties, with its individual effects being largely dependent on both strain and dosage. The plant’s effects are commonly compared to opioids, which come from its alkaloids that are quite similar to the compounds found in opioid drugs.
Is Kratom Psychoactive?
Kratom does have psychoactive properties that occur when it’s consumed in large enough doses. The psychoactive properties are typically compared to those of morphine, in which the plant can act as either a sedative or a stimulant, or a combination of both, depending on how it’s taken and how much is taken. Also, kratom is not primarily taken for recreational purposes. Its high is a byproduct of taking it for its valuable effects that pertain to physical discomfort, mood, fatigue, and other common issues.
Different Kinds of Kratom Products on the Market
Kratom leaves can be used to produce all kinds of product types so that we may experience the plant’s properties in a variety of ways. Currently, you can find it in two forms available at The Calm Leaf:
- Kratom Shots: Refer to beverage shots that are infused with the leaves. The kratom absorbs in the same way as tea since the delivery method is the same.
- Kratom Gummies: Simply edible-based products infused with kratom, and being edibles, they offer several hours of effects, with the effects being a bit less potent than other delivery methods.
- Kratom Capsules: The result of encapsulating kratom powder. They behave similar to gummies as they are also ingested and processed through the digestive system.
Another thing to keep in mind is that kratom products come in different milligram strengths, which in turn, is reflecting the product’s potency. This is very important to pay attention to, as kratom can be quite a powerful substance that’s tolerance-dependent. So, beginners must start with a low strength.
What are the Different Main Types of Kratom Strains?
Kratom comes in unique strains, each with its own distinctive composition of alkaloids. The tree grows in various regions of Southeast Asia, and the specific region in which it’s grown determines its strain. Each strain offers its own specific effects, which is why paying attention to the strain that you’re purchasing is important. For example, some strains are more stimulating, while others are more anxiolytic.
#1: Green Strains
Green kratom strains are more mellowing and are the ones that are found to have the most anxiolytic qualities. This is why most people who opt for green strains are those seeking relief from stress. Green kratom also seems to be the mildest of all strain types, meaning that it generally doesn’t cause very potent effects, psychoactive or otherwise. Green kratom is also the most recommended option for beginners for this reason.
#2: Yellow Strains
Yellow strains are more potent than green strains, and their effects are different as well. While green strains are notably more mellowing, the effects of yellow strains on mood are a bit more complex. While many people say that they feel less stressed out after taking them, they also commonly report feelings of euphoria and a buzz that gives them a boost that’s physically uplifting.
#3: White Strains
White strains are more potent than yellow strains, and their effects are primarily sought out by those who are dealing with low energy and low mood. Their uplifting effects can bring a person to a state of euphoria, while helping them feel less reactive to the frustrations of daily life.
#4: Red Strains
Red strains are the most potent of all strains. They’re also the strains primarily chosen for physical discomfort, as they offer the strongest effects in this department. Beyond that, they seem to be the most uplifting out of all the strains, and they cause the strongest psychoactive effects.
#5: Blends
Yes, you may find blends on the market that combine multiple strains to create a one-of-a-kind experience. These strain blends come in different formulas and ratios to satisfy more specific needs.
Kratom: A Fascinating Plant Rich in Valuable Properties
The bottom line is that there’s a reason why people living in certain parts of the world have been taking kratom for thousands of years. It offers properties that can be extremely useful to us, while being a completely natural substance. Just remember, kratom is quite a strong substance too, which is why newbies should always start slow with low dosage amounts while checking out its fascinating properties for themselves.