5 Benefits of Kratom: Natural Relief, Energy Boost, and More

Kratom is a natural herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. It has gained huge attention for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits as it offers an incredible balance of relaxation, wellness, and stimulation. Whether you are looking for a natural way to enhance your mental clarity or focus or want an alternative to painkillers, kratom is the best herbal remedy to try! Explore the blog to learn about all the potential health benefits of kratom. 

5 Incredible Health Benefits of Kratom

The main active alkaloids responsible for the majority of physiological changes happening upon consumption of kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These alkaloids contribute to kratom’s health benefits:

1. Relieves Pain 

Kratom is used as a traditional pain reliever as its alkaloids interact with the body's pain receptors. This makes it an effective herbal remedy to relieve chronic pain. Many people use kratom over prescribed opioids as it is plant-derived and has less risk of addiction. 

2. Boosts Energy & Focus

Certain strains of kratom, especially green & white vein varieties have stimulant-like effects. They may make you feel more energetic and motivated to do everyday tasks more easily. Green vein Kratom’s effects involve improved mental alertness and concentration, making kratom the best choice for professionals, laborers, and students. 

3. Aids in Opioid Withdrawal

Research reports Kratom for opioid withdrawal symptoms works as an effective treatment. By acting like an opioid receptor, it reduces withdrawal side effects such as cravings, nausea, and insomnia without causing severe addiction.

4. Helps with Anxiety & Depression

As kratom has mood-enhancing effects, it aids in relieving anxiety, depression, and stress. By increasing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, this herbal remedy promotes a sense of joy or happiness, which contributes to relaxation and improved mood.

5. Enhances Sleep Quality

Kratom strains such as the Red vein strain have sedative effects which help people struggling with insomnia or poor sleep cycle. It aids in relaxing the mind and body which leads to more soundful sleep. 

Potential Side Effects of Kratom

Though kratom has several benefits, it should be consumed with caution as it can lead to some side effects:

Common Side Effects:

• Sweating

• Dry mouth

• Itching

• Dizziness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Drowsiness

• Constipation

Rare but Severe Side Effects: 

• Hallucinations

• High blood pressure

• Seizures

• Slow breathing

• Liver damage

• Confusion

• Tremors

Long-term Side Effects

According to a study, the prolonged use of kratom can lead to skin darkening, frequent constipation, frequent urination, tiredness, weight loss, dehydration, insomnia, and lack of sexual desire.

Note: If you experience any symptoms, report them to your doctor to prevent further complications. 

Precautions When Using Kratom

Though Kratom has medicinal properties, it is recommended to use it only when necessary and under precautions:

• Uses as prescribed: Take the dose as prescribed to avoid the risk of overdose.

• Avoid during pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid it as it can lead to addiction risk in newborns.

• Don't give to children: As kratom poses side effects like psychosis, epilepsy, and neurological symptoms, don't give it to children.

• Avoid if you've liver or kidney diseases: Avoid kratom use as it can lead to acute liver or kidney injury.

• Avoid mixing with medicinal cannabis: The combination of kratom and cannabis can increase the risk of toxicity of cannabis.

• Use cautiously if you're diabetic: When combined with diabetes medicines, it can result in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). 

Tips to Reduce Side Effects of Kratom

You can take these precautions to reduce kratom's side effects and optimize its benefits:

• Begin with a Low Dose: Always start with a small amount to check the body’s response and prevent the risk of unwanted side effects.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink a lot of water as kratom can cause dehydration which can lead to headaches and dizziness.

• Rotate Strains: Switch between a variety of kratom strains to avoid tolerance buildup and risk of side effects.

• Take it on an Empty Stomach: Having kratom on an empty stomach can help improve its absorption while lowering side effects like nausea.

• Use Only When Required: Avoid using it every day to alleviate the risk of dependence and possible withdrawal symptoms.

• Pair with a Balanced Diet: Consume nutritious foods to balance out the effects of kratom effects and reduce the chances of stomach discomfort.

• Choose High-Quality Kratom: Purchase kratom from a reputable brand to avoid contaminated products and ensure purity.

Note: If you notice any side effects, lower the dose or take a break from using kratom. However, if side effects persist for a longer period, see a doctor immediately.  

Recommended Kratom Dosage

As the FDA has not approved the use of kratom to treat medical conditions, there is no dosage recommendation for it. Early research advises that doses less than 5 g may act as a stimulant like caffeine. Higher doses, around 5-15 g might show the opposite effect and may relieve pain. However, more studies are required to determine the short and long-term effects of different dosage variations of kratom on the body. 

So, because of the lack of studies and kratom’s high potency, it is challenging to conclude safe amounts. Hence, always seek a doctor's guidance before using it.

Kratom Interactions

If taken with other substances, kratom can lead to drug interactions which can reduce its effectiveness, worsen its side effects, and contribute to health risks. Here are some important interactions to be aware of: 

• Opioids: Kratom can interact with opioids like oxycodone or morphine which can lead to the risk of respiratory depression, severe sedation, and overdose.

• Antidepressants: SSRIs and MAOIs may contribute to serotonin syndrome, causing symptoms such as high blood pressure, agitation, and confusion.

• Benzodiazepines: The combined effects of Xanax, Ativan, and Valium can cause excessive impaired motor function, drowsiness, and dizziness.

• Blood Pressure Medications: Kratom might increase or decrease blood pressure levels, impacting medicine's effectiveness.

• Diabetes Medications: May affect blood sugar levels that can interfere with diabetes treatment.

• Alcohol: The combination can cause extreme drowsiness, dehydration, nausea, and liver strain. High doses can cause respiratory issues and coma.

• Herbal Supplements: St. John’s Wort, Valerian Root, and Kava are herbal supplements that, when combined with kratom, can enhance sedative effects, causing extreme drowsiness.

Kratom Addiction

If you continue using the kratom without experiencing negative side effects, it can lead to addiction because it has opioid-like qualities. Addiction may lead to symptoms like:

• Hallucinations

• Confusion

• Delusion

• Sweating

• Sleep disturbances

• Irritability

• Mood swings

• Nausea and vomiting

• Failure to quit kratom despite several attempts

• Loss of interest in previously liked activities

• Engaging in activities with negative consequences

If left untreated, kratom addiction can lead to:

• Constipation

• Cardiovascular effects

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Liver toxicity

• Depressive symptoms. 

• Strained relationships

• Decline in academic or professional performance

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

If you are addicted, quitting the kratom should be done under a doctor's guidance to reduce the unwanted withdrawal symptoms which include:

• Jerky movements

• Runny nose

• Watery eyes

• Sweating

• Muscle aches

• Tremors

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal cramps

• Irritability

• Mood swings

• Anxiety

• Insomnia

These symptoms may last for one week. In case they persist for a longer period, consult with a doctor. 

Final Thoughts 

There are several health benefits of kratom; from relieving pain, boosting energy & focus, helping with anxiety & depression, and easing opioid withdrawal symptoms when used the right way. But, like with anything, it’s important to be careful of the side effects the kratom brings such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, dry mouth, itching, and dizziness. If you notice any side effects, consult with the doctor immediately. 

So, if you’re thinking about trying kratom for your health, make sure to talk to a doctor first. They can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

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