If you're curious about kratom and have been seeking some guidance, you're in the right place. Kratom is a botanical substance that's been gaining popularity as a natural option for pain relief, mood enhancement, and energy boosting. Originating from Southeast Asia, kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is related to the coffee family.
Over the years people have found many ways to ingest kratom: chewing the leaves, brewing them into tea, or smoking them to enjoy their effects. Today, you can find kratom in various forms like powders, extracts, tablets, capsules, and even sweetened drinks.
In this guide, we’ll explore where kratom comes from, what it does in the body, and the benefits it offers. We'll also discuss safety considerations and potential side effects, giving you a well-rounded understanding of this fascinating plant.
What is Kratom?
Kratom comes from the tropical tree Mitragyna speciosa, which is part of the coffee family. Think of kratom as the “coffee” of Southeast Asia… lush, leafy green coffee.
In the U.S., coffee is an addictive but socially-acceptable stimulant, a daily habit that provides energy and serves as a cultural cornerstone for social and recreational activities. Similarly, in regions of Southeast Asia like southern Thailand, kratom is a common, socially-accepted, and addictive substance used daily for energy. Workers, particularly manual laborers, use it to combat fatigue and get through their day. Strangely enough – unlike other substances, kratom users are often admired for their work ethic. Kratom is also enjoyed socially and recreationally, often consumed in tea shops with added sugar or honey to counter its bitter taste.
Sound familiar? And just like coffee, kratom has stimulant effects. It can increase physical energy, boost mood, enhance alertness, and improve social behavior. However, unlike coffee, kratom interacts with opioid receptors in the body. Besides its stimulating effects, kratom can also produce opioid-like effects, such as sedation, pain relief, and euphoria. Its psychoactive effects have been compared to those of cocaine and morphine.
How can one plant be as innocuous as coffee but as potent as opium? Let's take a closer look at how kratom works in the body and the range of effects it can have.
What Does Kratom Do?
Kratom contains a variety of bioactive compounds known as alkaloids. When you consume kratom, these compounds can significantly impact your body's biochemical processes, leading to the plant’s powerful effects.
Among the 25 identified alkaloids in kratom, two stand out as the most important and best understood: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Mitragynine, which can break down into 7-hydroxymitragynine, and both of these alkaloids interact with mu-opioid receptors in the body—the same receptors that opioids like codeine and morphine target.
Research shows that mitragynine has 13 times the potency of morphine. However, 7-hydroxymitragynine is even more powerful, with up to four times the strength of mitragynine, although it is present in smaller quantities.
Kratom Effects
The effects of kratom can vary based on the dosage, strain, and individual user. People use kratom for a variety of reasons, including:
- Increasing physical energy
- Boosting alertness
- Enhancing mood
- Promoting socialization
- Relieving pain
- Inducing relaxation
- Creating euphoria
- Enhancing sex drive
- Increasing appetite
- Treating diarrhea (as kratom can cause constipation)
- Alleviating opioid withdrawal symptoms
- Replacing alcohol in social settings
- Creating a topical poultice for wound healing
- Treating mood and psychological disorders
You might notice that these effects are quite diverse, and sometimes even contradictory. This is because kratom can act as both a stimulant and a sedative – depending on the dose and the strain.
Generally, stimulant effects occur at lower doses (around 1-5g of raw leaves). At higher doses (above 5g), kratom begins to exhibit more opioid-like effects, such as pain relief. Very high doses (up to 15g) can induce euphoria similar to opioids, while doses above 15g may cause stupor and dysphoria, followed by a dream-like state.
The strain of kratom also plays a crucial role. Some strains are better for boosting energy, while others are more effective at relieving pain. More research is needed to fully understand the dose-dependent effects of kratom, but it is clear that both the dose and the strain significantly influence its impact.
What are the Benefits of Kratom?
Kratom offers a variety of uses depending on your needs.
As a stimulant, kratom can boost physical energy and alertness. This has been a traditional use in Southeast Asia, where manual laborers would rely on it to help get through their workday.
Kratom can also be enjoyed in social settings, serving as an alternative to alcohol or other substances.
One of the significant benefits of kratom is its accessibility and legality, making it a convenient option compared to opioids. It's also considered to be less risky than opioids, with a lower chance of causing respiratory depression (difficulty breathing). This makes kratom a potential tool for managing opioid addiction and withdrawal, offering similar effects… but with a reduced risk of dependency.
Safety and Side Effects
It's important to understand that while kratom offers many benefits, it can also be addictive and may cause withdrawal symptoms if used improperly. Some potential side effects include:
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Hyperpigmentation of the cheeks
- Tremors/seizures
- Psychosis
Even though kratom's toxicity is generally considered mild, one of the main safety concerns is its potential interactions with other recreational substances or medications. So, while kratom can be beneficial, it's crucial to use it responsibly and safely.
How Long Does Kratom Last?
Kratom usually kicks in within five to ten minutes after you take it. You can expect the effects to last for five to seven hours, peaking around two to four hours in. Some mild effects might even stick around until the next day.
The two strongest alkaloids in kratom have half-lives of 2.5-3.5 hours, meaning their concentration in your body reduces by half in about three hours. These active compounds are then eliminated through your urine.
Eating kratom with food might delay its onset. Additionally, the way you consume kratom—whether in capsules, tablets, or teas—can affect how you experience its effects due to differences in alkaloid extraction and absorption.
Where Can I Find Kratom Near Me?
You can find a variety of kratom products available here at Gold Dragon Kratom. We've curated a selection of top-quality brands so you can shop with confidence. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out for a complimentary consultation anytime.
