Kratom is just one of many substances historically used by those in the Eastern part of the world that’s begun to gain traction in the U.S. Like cannabis, the kratom plant has a reputation for alleviating symptoms of pain and anxiety – but the legal status of the two substances differ in many places. The effects of kratom, which we’ll explore in more detail, range from stimulating to sedating. That might sound like the best of both worlds, but the benefits of kratom aren’t the entire story; using it comes with certain risks. Below, we’ll break down the effects (and side effects) of kratom so that you can be an informed consumer and choose the products that best suit your needs. Let’s get started!
First Things First: What is Kratom?
The kratom tree is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. You might hear kratom being referred to in the context of the tree (scientific name: Mitragyna speciosa), its leaves, kratom products, or products derived from kratom.
The vast majority of kratom products look like the above picture—finely crushed leaf particles. They can be stuffed into pill capsules, sprinkled into beverages, or rolled up and smoked. Some people simply prefer gnawing on the intact leaves.
Mitragynine, an alkaloid, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, both an alkaloid and metabolite, are the two ingredients in kratom that experts believe give the plant its magical effects. In small doses, kratom gives many users a jolt of energy. Large amounts often produce calming, opioid-like effects, as the plant has been shown to interact with certain opioid receptors. The exact nature of kratom’s effects also depends on the vein types (strains) you consume.
7 Potential Effects of Kratom
We should preface this list of kratom’s common effects by saying that each person will experience the substance a little differently. You are not guaranteed to experience all, most, or even any of the following sensations. If you do feel these effects, though, you’re in good company. Let’s dive in!
1. Mood Enhancement
Some users of kratom have reported that the substance had positive effects on symptoms of major depressive disorder and anxiety. Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide, and some people living with depression self-medicate with kratom to varying degrees of success.
2. Increased Alertness
At lower doses (often less than five milligrams), kratom is more likely to perform like a stimulant. Having more energy can lead to increased physical activity, which is often a precursor to feeling alert and focused.
3. Talkativeness
Kratom may be the substance you need to turn into a social butterfly if you’re aiming for that sort of thing. The urge to be more talkative on kratom may result from the combination of elevated mood and increased alertness.
4. Increased Physical Energy
Combating fatigue is one of kratom’s oldest and most well-known uses. For hundreds of years, laborers in Southeast Asia have used kratom leaves to carry themselves through the workday. Sound like anything Americans love to drink first thing in the morning?
5. Sedation
The more kratom you take, the greater the chances of experiencing calming, opioid-like effects. Evidence suggests that kratom’s alkaloids bind to some opioid receptors that heavily impact mood. Some users have even explored kratom as a tool to aid them during opioid withdrawal.
6. Analgesia
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has produced evidence linking kratom to mu-opioid receptors, which have a lot to do with pain management. Many athletes have reported that kratom helps them manage chronic pain and soreness.
7. Anxiety Reduction
Mitragynine, the main alkaloid and psychoactive component of kratom, binds to adrenergic receptors. Adrenergic receptors play a big part in regulating the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is the part of the broader nervous system that activates the fight-or-flight response to perceived threats.
Many people with anxiety disorders have overactive sympathetic nervous systems that inappropriately activate that response. This results in panic attacks. Ingesting kratom may help mediate the sympathetic nervous system to prevent panic attacks in people living with anxiety disorders.
What are the Side Effects of Kratom? Consider These Common Adverse Effects
As with just about any other substance in existence, kratom is not without its potential side effects. You may not experience some of these effects except when taking large amounts of kratom at once. Sensitivity to kratom can vary wildly by individual, so it’s often best to start using it at tiny doses and work up to an amount that has side effects you can tolerate.
Some potential side effects of kratom can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Profuse sweating
- Increased urination
- Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
- Tremors
- Itching
In severe cases, a person might experience more serious side effects that may necessitate medical attention, including:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Seizures
Finally, it’s also important to note that kratom can cause psychological and possibly physiological dependence. Psychological dependence mainly involves mood fluctuations when users attempt to stop or cut back on their kratom use.
Research is scant on kratom’s physiological dependence and withdrawal potential, but the symptoms largely mirror some of the substance’s negative short-term side effects. Pregnant people are also advised not to use kratom, as infants are often extra-sensitive to withdrawal effects.
Do Different Kratom Strains Cause Different Effects?
Long story short: yes. Kratom comes in three major vein types: red, white, and green. You might be able to find yellow/gold or chocolate varieties. The three main vein types differ based on the primary effects reported by users, though the exact cause is not known by scientists.
The region from which the substance is sourced can also impact the kratom’s effects. For instance, Thailand is known for its green vein types that can cause intense euphoria and other opioid-like effects. While Malaysia also boasts kratom varieties that often produce euphoria, many users seek the Green Malay for improved mood and relaxation. Bali kratom effects often land somewhere in the middle, as users often feel focused and relaxed.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Kratom
It’ll probably take a little experimenting with kratom before you find a dosage amount, vein type, and routine that works best for you. To help you get there, we recommend doing the following:
- Be mindful of the time of day you’re taking the kratom. If you want to feel energized and alert, you might want to take it right before your work shift or a social event. Similarly, you may want to time the relaxing or euphoric kratom at the end of a long day or a weekend afternoon.
- Think about the method of consumption. Some users love to test recipes for kratom-infused tea before finding delicious concoctions. Others simply want to swallow a pill capsule. The way you ingest your kratom might affect the product you buy—loose leaves or powder, for two examples.
- Start small. If you take one piece of advice from us, please start taking kratom in small amounts. Starting with one or one-half milligram and adding half a milligram until you find the right dosage is good for most users.
As with all substances, the best way to ensure safety with kratom is by speaking with a trusted doctor ahead of time. Only a healthcare professional can help you understand your individual risk level and how kratom might affect your health. Kratom side effects that affect the heart, for example, can be a concern for people with cardiovascular disease.
Final Thoughts
Kratom, though not without its potential side effects, can produce a range of positive benefits. It can substitute your morning cup of coffee if you need to feel alert and energized. On the other end of the spectrum, you might enjoy the relaxing and euphoric effects that often accompany larger doses.
To take advantage of the effects of kratom, it’s important to carefully measure your doses and use your product as directed. Taking excessively large doses may increase your risk of experiencing unwanted side effects. It’s also always a good idea to check in with a medical professional before you start using any kind of supplement, including kratom.
Although kratom by itself is all-natural, some less reputable sellers might cut it with heavy metals or other substances you didn’t bargain for. If you’re looking for a safe way to buy kratom online, we’ve got you covered. If you want to know more about the effects of kratom, reach out to our team to schedule a free consultation sometime soon.
Be sure to also head over to our sister site, Gold Dragon Kratom, for another robust range of kratom products.
