What is Kratom: Is it Right for You?
May 28, 2021
It seems like the entire health and wellness sphere abuzz about kratom’s potential, but what is kratom? Let’s start from the beginning.
Kratom is an herb derived from the dried and powdered leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. Its dose-dependent effects include both stimulation and sedation. Kratom can also act as an anxiolytic agent. It operates on the brain’s opioid receptors, but it is not an opiate. It is a natural herbal supplement that can help users manage a diverse array of problems.
Not sure if this beneficial herbal supplement will be a good fit for your lifestyle? You can read on to find out everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
What is Kratom?
Kratom shares the same feature with sedatives, stimulants, and nootropic substances, but it’s not a drug. It is a powerful herb with a long and storied history. People in Southeast Asia have been using kratom for centuries to boost their energy levels and manage discomfort. Now, these same benefits are available to Western consumers.
What is Kratom Made From?
Kratom is made from the dried and powdered leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. This tropical evergreen is in the same family as coffee and is native to only four countries. It grows wild in Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The vast majority of the kratom available on Western markets is from Indonesia.
What is Kratom Like?
Every strain of kratom is a little different. White vein strains act as natural stimulants, while red vein strains are sedating. Green vein strains fall somewhere in between. Most kratom users report mild to moderate levels of euphoria alongside the plant’s other beneficial effects.
The effects of kratom include:
Improved focus
Increased energy
Reduced discomfort
Relaxation
Added stamina
Improved mood
What is Kratom Used For?
Some people use kratom to manage the symptoms of complex health conditions, while others view it as a wellness supplement. It’s becoming increasingly common as a recreational substance, as well. There’s no wrong reason to use kratom. As long as you stick to low doses and don’t go overboard, you’ll be at little risk of developing kratom side effects.
What is Enhanced Kratom?
Enhanced kratom strains offer more potent effects than traditional white, red, and green varieties. They also tend to be faster-acting than regular kratom and produce beneficial effects over a more extended period. If you’ve never used kratom before, you might want to start with a more moderate strain. Enhanced strains are best for long-term users who are struggling to keep their kratom tolerance low.
What is Kratom Powder?
Kratom powder is the most common form of kratom supplement available in the United States. It consists of just one thing: dried and powdered kratom leaves. You can take kratom powder by itself using the “toss-and-wash” method or mix it into drinks. For maximum effects, you should try to take kratom powder on an empty stomach.
What is Kratom Tea?
If you don’t like taking kratom powder alone, you can use it to brew kratom tea. To make it at home, heat some water to the point where it is simmering, but not boiling. Put your daily dose of kratom into a mug, then pour the water over it. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Like the pure powder, kratom tea can be quite bitter. You can add sugar, honey, or other sweeteners to counteract the taste. Some people also add kratom potentiators like lemon juice or turmeric powder to their tea. These substances help you digest the kratom better so you can experience more powerful, longer-lasting effects.
What is Kratom Extract?
Kratom extract contains all the same active compounds as kratom powder but in a more concentrated form. It’s rare to find vendors that sell kratom extract in the United States, so if you want to try it, you may need to make your own. Don’t worry. Making extracts at home is entirely safe, and it’s easier than you might think.
What is a Kratom Capsule?
Since so many Western consumers dislike kratom’s taste, manufacturers have stepped up to create a solution. They’re making kratom capsules. The capsules are usually made from gelatin, but you may also be able to find vegan capsules. Either way, they contain low doses of kratom powder.
If you opt to take kratom capsules, keep in mind that you’ll need to take a few of them. Each capsule only contains 0.5g of kratom. Most experts recommend starting with 1g of kratom for every 100 lbs of body weight. If you decide you like kratom, it’s more cost-effective to buy powder than capsules and find a way to deal with the taste.
What is the Best Kratom
Sorry to say, but no one strain of kratom’s perfect for everyone. Finding the right strain requires doing some research. You’ll need to start by determining your intended use. From there, you can try strains that are perfectly tailored to meeting your needs.
Best Kratom for Discomfort Management
The best strains of kratom for discomfort management are usually red and green strains. It would help if you only took red strains at night since they can make you sleepy. Red Bali kratom is one of the best strains for nighttime discomfort since it can work for seven hours. It’s also a powerful sedative.
During the day, you’re better off sticking with strains like:
Green Maeng Da
Best Kratom for Energy
If you’re looking for a powerful energy boost, try white vein strains like White Thai and White Maeng Da. You’ll want to keep your doses low if you plan to use kratom for energy. Even stimulating strains can make you sleepy if you get the dosage wrong and take too much of them.
Best Kratom for Stress
Choosing the right strain of kratom for stress can be tricky. It depends on what is causing your stress. If you’re feeling stressed out at work, you should try Green Malay. It has well-rounded effects that boost both your focus and your mood.
Before heading to a party or speaking at an event, try White Thai. It’s better known for its anxiolytic effects. Plus, it offers a healthy dose of euphoria and confidence to make it easier to socialize with strangers.
Those who want to relax after stressful days may want to try Red Borneo. It’s excellent for reducing stress and improving mood, but it’s also quite sedating. Only use strains like Red Borneo when you plan to hang out at home and de-stress, not to hang out with friends.
Best Kratom for Sedation
Most strains of kratom will make you sleepy if you take too much of them. Unfortunately, taking too much kratom is the number one factor that predisposes you to experience unwanted side effects.
Instead of taking larger doses of classically stimulant strains, choose a strain that’s known for its sedative effects. Most red strains and some green or gold strains can help you get a better night of sleep.
Best Kratom for Euphoria
If your primary goal in using kratom is to have a good time, that’s fine. It’s also an easy goal to reach since most strains of kratom produce some euphoric effects. Some strains offer more mood-boosting effects than others, and each of them is different.
Green Malay is one of the more potent strains of kratom and is well-known for its energizing and euphoric properties. White Borneo and Green Thai are more well-rounded strains that are both energizing and relaxing. They’re both profoundly euphoric. Finally, all Maeng Da strains are known for their potent euphoric effects.
Where to Buy Kratom
Now that you know a little more about kratom, you may be wondering how you can try it yourself. It’s easy to buy kratom. Just choose a reputable online vendor such as Kratom Krush, browse their selection, and order a strain that looks like a good fit for your needs. You can expect your products to arrive at your doorstep in discreet packaging as soon as the next day.