Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree that belongs to the marshy areas of South East Asia such as Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, etc. The leaves are used as therapeutic medicine and as recreational drugs. This tropical tree boasts numerous compounds. However, the Kratom tree’s medicinal value majorly depends on its two compounds, namely, 7 hydroxy mitragynine and mitragynine.
When you consume an extract derived from Kratom leaves, you will experience opioid drug-like euphoric effects due to the secretion of feel-good hormones. Traditionally, kratom leaves are crushed or chewed. Its dried leaves were also smoked or brewed into tea. Today, Kratom is available in powder, capsule, raisins, and many other edible forms.
Let’s now briefly discuss the varied benefits and uses of Kratom leaves.
Benefits of Kratom Leaves
1. Can Increase Metabolic Activity
You will be pleasantly surprised to know that Kratom and coffee plants come from the same family. So, just like coffee, Kratom can support strenuous physical activity. Kratom accords the body’s sudden energy bursts for intense workouts and even improves sexual vitality. You can consume an extract of Kratom leaves just before a strenuous exercise or have it before a long hard day at work.
Kratom leaves come in a variety of strains. The White Vein Kratom is the most popular strain. Moreover, several other types of this tropical tree offer different therapeutic effects on the body. You can gain their nuanced benefits by trying out the Kratom variety pack.
2. Pain Relief
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Kratom is widely used for its pain-relieving abilities. Kratom is used as a panacea for chronic pain conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Kratom leaves, when consumed in sufficient amounts, produce sedative and opioid-like effects and alleviate pain. An NIH report says that the analgesic effects of Kratom are due to the presence of its two compounds, 7-α-hydroxy mitragynine, and mitragynine. These compounds react with the opioid receptors present in the brain and produce an analgesic effect to reduce pain.
3. Can Improve Mood Disorders
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Consuming Kratom leaves can elevate mood and boost mental health. A 2018 study has substantiated this. As mentioned earlier, though not an opioid, Kratom can create an opioid-like effect by interacting with the opioid receptors of the brain and regulating mood. Hence, you feel more upbeat and develop a positive outlook towards life.
Moreover, Kratom’s sedating properties help with relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression. Though several strains of Kratom can be used, the red vein Maeng Da Kratom is the most suitable strain to quell anxiety and uplift mood.
4. May Enhance Cognitive Abilities
When we consume Kratom, it releases acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is majorly involved in enhancing focus. It can improve the cortical circuits’ ability to answer to sensory stimuli. Kratom may also enable the secretion of dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for enhanced focus and increased attention span. This quality of Kratom is helpful for students who are studying for exams.
The brain’s optimal functioning depends on nutrients and the energy released through metabolic functions. Kratom is metabolized into various alkaloids by the liver enzymes. These alkaloids interact with some opiate receptors situated in the peripheral nerves and the central nervous system. Such an interaction can enhance cognitive performance.
5. Can Help in De-addiction
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Are you someone who is struggling to get off heroin or opioids? Well, then, Kratom might just be right for you. The herbal extract of this tree is used to treat opioid addiction. Though Kratom gives an opioid-like feel-good feeling, you will remain relatively cocooned from nasty comedowns associated with opioids. Your opioid withdrawal symptoms like nausea, mood swings, and anxiety might be relieved by Kratom.
Additionally, unlike opioid drugs, this tropical herb does not lead to long-term dependency. Even if you use Kratom for extended periods, your body’s craving for it is unlikely to change.
6. Can Help Control Diabetes
Anecdotal reports suggest that Kratom might help manage blood glucose levels. The alkaloids of Kratom leaves might help in regulating glucose and blood insulin levels. The fatal peaks and troughs associated with the fluctuating blood glucose levels are effectively prevented by Kratom leaves. Obesity and diabetes are interrelated. Kratom leaves interact with the hypothalamus’s satiety receptors and curb cravings for trigger foods like sugary drinks and chocolates.
Other Uses of Kratom Leaves
Besides the varied benefits of Kratom leaves mentioned above, Kratom is also used to treat the following conditions:
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Depression
- Improving immune function
- High blood pressure
Looking Ahead
Though a natural herb, Kratom comes with its set of risks and side effects. Moreover, there are several Kratom strains, and each variety comes with its unique properties. You should appraise the efficacy of each Kratom strain and how your health needs will be fulfilled. Though Kratom is a legal recreational drug, the FDA does not regulate its products. The regulatory body cautions against Kratom use to treat health ailments. Moreover, most Kratom products are devoid of dosing instructions.
