Many people say kratom has improved their chronic pain and anxiety. Some even use it to help with opioid withdrawal symptoms and addiction. But kratom is not FDA-approved and scientific studies are insufficient. The question asked often is, “what are the benefits of Kratom?
Kratom can have side effects, including nausea, itching, frequent urination, dry mouth, constipation and hallucinations. It also interacts with certain drugs and alcohol.
- Pain Relief
Kratom is used for pain relief by people who are looking to find an alternative to potentially harmful opioids. It may also help relieve stress, depression, and anxiety.
Different strains and dosage levels of kratom can produce different effects. For example, maeng da kratom from Malaysia is often described as being invigorating and energizing in low doses but more sedative in higher doses.
It’s important to do your research before trying kratom for pain or other issues. It’s unclear how kratom works, and more research is needed to understand its potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Also, kratom may interact with other drugs, including certain benzodiazepines, stimulants and opiates. This can cause dangerous side effects like jitters, dry mouth, nausea and constipation. It can also slow down the heart and affect the central nervous system.
- Energy
While not considered a stimulant, in low doses kratom can increase the body’s production of monoamines (dopamine and serotonin) and promote a feeling of contentment and relaxation. It is able to do this by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain to produce these effects.
Depending on the strain and dosage, kratom can act as a stimulant or sedative. It can also be used as a nootropic, improving focus and concentration by increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
Those who want to try kratom should choose a quality product from a trusted source and start with a small dose. They should also drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and constipation. In the meantime, people struggling with chronic pain or anxiety should explore other safe options, such as exercise, acupuncture, psychotherapy, CBD products and meditation.
- Mood
Mitragynine is a chemical in kratom that can have stimulant properties at low doses but can also feel like a sedative at higher doses. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, relieving pain and giving users feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Customers have reported finding relief from anxiety and stress with kratom. Super Speciosa kratom strains such as Red Bali and Green Malay have mood-enhancing qualities, promoting positivity, motivation, and overall well-being.
One customer credits kratom for helping them overcome depression by calmly reducing hyperarousal, stopping rumination, and improving their ability to focus. They also credit kratom for reducing their stress levels and giving them an overall sense of well-being and increased confidence. It’s the simplest thing they’ve done for their mental health, but it has had an enormous impact.
- Anxiety Relief
Many kratom users report that it helps ease anxiety symptoms. Several studies, including surveys of first-hand accounts on the hallucinogenic site Erowid, suggest that kratom can help reduce anxiety without causing drowsiness or sedation.
The kratom plant produces alkaloids, which may have a calming effect on humans. These alkaloids may help by enhancing blood flow, which can relieve stress, and also enhance focus.
Depression is another common condition that kratom may alleviate. It has been found to boost dopamine levels, which is a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and euphoria. Depending on the dose, kratom can provide mood elevation and pain relief. In some cases, it can even be used to treat opioid withdrawal. Using kratom for depression or anxiety should be done under the supervision of a doctor.
- Sleep
Sleep is important for many reasons, from maintaining healthy weight to supporting cognitive functioning and a positive mood. Unfortunately, many people struggle with sleep issues, including insomnia.
Fortunately, kratom may be able to help. In some cases, kratom can promote sleepiness by reducing stress and anxiety, and in others, it can be used as a natural sedative to help you fall asleep at night.
In higher doses, the alkaloids Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine become more prominent and act as central nervous system depressants to calm and soothe you, leading to drowsiness. Red Maeng Da is the most commonly used kratom strain to promote sleep due to its powerful analgesic effect that helps ease pains that might keep you awake at night.
However, it is crucial to work with a health care professional to find the correct dose and the right kratom strain for you. Starting small and adjusting as needed is the best way to achieve optimal results without side effects.
