There seems to have been a shift in the last decade or so, in terms of more people seeking out natural, holistic solutions to their daily needs. At the same time, one plant in particular is getting a lot of attention thanks to its fascinating chemical composition that’s rich in valuable properties. Kratom refers to the leaf of an evergreen plant native to Southeast Asia, and although the plant may be somewhat new to our awareness, it’s actually been used in native cultures for thousands of years because of all of the effects that it can provide.
Which Specific Benefits Could Kratom Potentially Offer?
Kratom has not yet gone fully mainstream, and there’s a lot that the average person doesn’t know about it. But, given some of its more prominent effects, you may not know what you’re missing. Kratom has been studied over the years for its properties by clinical researchers, and these studies have uncovered quite a lot that paint a clear picture of who and what the plant can be useful for.
Benefit #1: Kratom May Improve Mood
People who take kratom often report that they feel uplifting effects, and even feelings of euphoria. This effect is actually somewhat well-documented. Various studies have pointed to the potential that the plant has to offer some level of antidepressant properties, and what’s particularly interesting is that researchers have found that many people have been able to maintain the desired effects without having to increase their dosage over time. The alkaloids in kratom work on receptors in the nervous system that control the balance of neurotransmitters that play a role in our mood, meaning that they may increase serotonin and dopamine levels to provide feelings of contentment, motivation, and pleasure.
Benefit #2: Kratom May Improve Energy Levels
Certain types of kratom products – specifically, certain strains – may offer stimulant-like effects. These effects seem to be dose-dependent, with some suggesting that lower dosages offer stimulating effects while higher dosages may cause sedation. Studies have shown that taking kratom may increase energy levels by stimulating the nervous system, which could be particularly useful to those who deal with fatigue. Because higher doses seem to cause sedation, the risk of experiencing stimulating effects that are too strong seems to actually decrease with dosage amount, rather than increase.
Benefit #3: Kratom May Improve Alertness and Concentration
The same potential stimulating properties of kratom that can offer a boost of energy could increase alertness and concentration, working on functions of the nervous system that pertain to cognitive function. Many people struggle with alertness and concentration due to fatigue, poor diet, stress, and other factors, which can interfere with their ability to perform important tasks throughout the day, such as work. Again, it seems that lower dosage amounts offer this effect as opposed to higher dosage amounts which can cause feelings of drowsiness rather than alertness.
Benefit #4: Kratom May Offer Relief from Anxiety
A recent study observed that kratom use has increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as a natural remedy for anxiety. There is no doubt that many of us have experienced an increase in anxiety due to the ongoing crisis, and so it’s not surprising that many people are looking to natural sources in an effort to feel some relief. Kratom seems to offer sedative-like effects, particularly in certain strains and at higher dosage levels, which can reduce cortisol and provide soothing effects to the nervous system, making the nervous system less responsive to stressful stimuli.
Benefit #5: Kratom May Improve Sleep
The same sedative-like effects that can be potentially derived from kratom may facilitate sleep. By decreasing nervous system function, as sedatives are designed to do, taking kratom at bedtime may allow for a calmer mind and body that makes sleep easier to achieve. Kratom use may improve sleep onset time while staying active in the body long enough to minimize the risk of sleep disruptions throughout the night.
Benefit #6: Kratom May Reduce Appetite
Studies have pointed to kratom’s potential to reduce appetite time and time again, consistently showing that this effect is likely to occur with kratom use. The extent to which a person’s appetite may decrease due to taking kratom will depend on dosage amount and frequency of use, but overall, it may be a useful way to curb cravings and minimize food intake if a person is eating excessively, at the risk of their physical wellbeing.
Benefit #7: Kratom May Help with Pain
Perhaps kratom is best known for its potential to offer pain relief, as the plant is commonly compared to opioid drugs. This largely comes from a specific alkaloid in the plant known as 7-hydroxymitagynine, which is reported to be 13x as potent as morphine. This alkaloid behaves similarly to opioids in terms of the channels through which it introduces its analgesic effects that make the nervous system less reactive to pain. Many people who deal with chronic pain have considered kratom due to it being a natural substance.
Benefit #8: Kratom Could Help Aid in Opioid Withdrawal
Kratom behaves similarly to opioids, while, according to many researchers, being less likely to cause dependency or toxicity. This is why it’s commonly utilized to facilitate the process of withdrawing from opioid drugs. With an unprecedented opioid crisis in our country, more and more experts are studying kratom for its potential to ease withdrawal symptoms to make opioid cessation more possible among those who are addicted.
What Can Increase the Risk of Side Effects?
As kratom becomes increasingly popular, there remains a number of people who are hesitant to try it because they have heard mixed messages about its safety. It’s important to know what to expect when taking kratom, including any risks that can come with consuming it that one must be aware of beforehand to avoid side effects as much as possible.
Now, before we get into the topic of ‘side effects’, we just want to point out that people in Southeast Asia have successfully been taking kratom for thousands of years, as this is where the plant originates from. Therefore, while just about anything can cause side effects, a person can do a lot to avoid potentially dangerous side effects by taking kratom responsibly and following the instructions of a product that are on a label.
Cause #1: Mixing Kratom with Drugs or Alcohol
Kratom is not a substance that should be taken along with alcohol or drugs. Because kratom behaves similarly to opioids in many ways, combining kratom with certain substances comes with similar risks of interactions. Taking kratom with a depressant such as a sedative or alcohol can slow down breathing to abnormal levels, while taking kratom with stimulants can cause a rapid heartrate that may or may not become dangerous.
Cause #2: Taking Too High of a Dose
Taking too much kratom is going to increase your risks of side effects. When it comes to risk of overdose, research is limited, but what we do know is that taking too much of the plant can definitely cause more concerning side effects than taking the recommended amount, according to a product’s label.
Cause #3: Having a Low Tolerance
As is the case with many plant derivatives, the effects that you feel are largely dependent on tolerance. Having a low tolerance, which is normal in beginners, can put a person at an increased risk of side effects as their body is not yet used to the effects of the product itself.
Cause #4: Taking Low-Quality Kratom
Consuming low-quality kratom purchased from a non-reputable source comes with all kinds of risks and side effects. The kratom may be counterfeit or cut with a harmful substance, or it can be contaminated in a way that makes it harmful because of certain bacteria or fungi. This is why you should always buy your kratom from a trusted online source.
Cause #5: Being Sensitive to Kratom
Some people are simply sensitive to the alkaloids in kratom and are more prone to side effects due to reasons having to do with their body rather than the product itself. If you notice unusual side effects after taking it, you should stop and speak to your doctor.
Cause #6: Having an Allergy or Sensitivity to an Ingredient in a Kratom Product
It is also possible to not have a sensitivity to kratom, but to another ingredient in a kratom product. For instance, if you have an allergy to gelatin and you take a gummy, you will have a reaction that has nothing to do with the kratom itself.
What are the Most Common Side Effects Associated with Kratom?
The most commonly reported side effects associated with kratom use are considered to be relatively mild and short-lived. These are the most common side effects that occur when taking kratom.
- Drowsiness: You may feel drowsy or sleepy due to the sedative-like effects of certain kratom strains. Higher doses will increase this effect.
- Increased heartrate: Some kratom strains are more stimulating and may cause a rapid heartrate or heart palpitations. If you experience this side effect, please do not consume more kratom.
- Nausea: Kratom can cause nausea in some individuals, or even vomiting on rarer occasions.
- Irritability: The effects that kratom has on mood and nervous system behavior may cause temporary irritability or agitation.
- Dry mouth: Kratom may temporarily cause dry mouth, although this symptom does not actually indicate dehydration.
- Low appetite: Many people report feeling a loss of appetite when kratom is in effect in the body.
- Sweating: Some people notice that they sweat after taking kratom, especially when consuming more stimulating strains.
Should You Seek Medical Attention if You Experience Side Effects from Kratom?
If you experience any side effects due to kratom use, you should monitor them carefully. If they do not go awayafter a few hours, or if they seem severe or increase in severity over time, you may want to consider getting medical attention. Again, the above side effects tend to be quite mild and rarely last beyond a few hours.
Starting Slow as a Beginner is Key
Ultimately, the best way to avoid side effects as a kratom beginner is to start slow. Follow the instructions on the label to take an appropriate dosage, and only work your way up as needed and tolerated. Side effect risks increase with dosage, and beginners can already have a low tolerance to kratom.
If as a beginner you notice that you’re experiencing unpleasant side effects, we do recommend that you talk to your doctor. In general, your doctor should know that you’re taking kratom to achieve a particular benefit. Besides that, if you are on any medications, your doctor must be able to inform you on whether or not kratom will cause a harmful interaction.
Different Stains and Dosages for Everyone’s Unique Needs
Kratom still offers a nice array of potential benefits, but to experience specific benefits, you need to be mindful of two factors: strain and dosage. The strain of kratom you consume determines its alkaloid profile, and thus its most prominent effects. And, a lot of effects are dosage dependent, and so you may need to experiment with different dosage amounts to figure out what yields the best response based on your personal goals.
- Green strains are the mildest and have the strongest sedative-like qualities.
- Yellow strains are a bit more potent and associated with a more balanced effect that’s both uplifting and calming.
- White strains are more likely to offer feelings of euphoria and an energy boost.
- Red strains are the popular choice for pain, while having the strongest stimulant effects.
Kratom’s Fascinating Alkaloids Might Have a Lot to Offer
Overall, each person’s experience with kratom will be unique, which is why the only real way to know how the plant may benefit you is to try it for yourself and be open to experimenting with different strains and dosages until you find your sweet spot. Also, always make sure that you buy your kratom from a trusted source with positive reviews and clean, recognizable ingredients, to avoid buying kratom that’s low in quality or contains unwanted additives that can be harmful to the human body.