Kratom is just another herb that has become quite popular in the world today. However, like many other herbs, controversy surrounds this one as well.
Many states in the US have banned the use of kratom, but some consider it completely legal. Due to this reason there seems to be a lot of confusion regarding kratom and its use.
It is important to know about what kratom does to understand it better. However, before anything else, let’s find out what kratom really is.
Kratom basically comes from a tree whose botanical name is Mitragyna Speciosa, a tropical evergreen tree that is part of the coffee family (Rubiaceae).
It is native to Southeast Asia including Thailand, northern Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
The leaves of kratom have been used as a herbal medicine for years. It was considered a traditional remedy by the people of Southeast Asia, and was commonly used in folk medicine as a stimulant (at dilute proportions), sedative (at concentrated doses), recreational medication, pain killer, medicine for diarrhea and also for the treatment for opiate addiction.
It has also been reported to have been used to remedy fibromyalgia, restless legs syndrome (RLS) and arthritis.
With the herb being criticized and banned by the Drug Enforcement Authorities (DEA), the American Kratom Association (KTA) counters the claims by explaining the nature of kratom being neither a drug nor a synthetic substance.
A naturally occurring Kratom is a safe herbal supplement that’s comparable to coffee and tea, rather than any other substances, according to the KTA.
Kratom leaves were basically consumed as a chewing substance, but because of its bitter taste, people began to consume it in powdered form as well, and it soon turned into a tea.
While the opinion on the use of kratom seems to be divided, there is no doubt about the fact that it has quite a number of benefits. Let’s have a look at some such benefits of kratom.
Benefits of Kratom
Anxiety Reducer
Kratom leaves have the potential to stabilize your mental state. As the consumption of kratom leaves regulates hormones, it is used as an anxiolytic substance for individuals who suffer from anxiety, depression, mood swings and chronic stress.
Relieves From Pain
Kratom leaves contain pain relieving analgesic properties, which is considered the most popular and important benefit of the herb. Chewing the leaves helps the body release more amount of dopamine and serotonin in the body, while helps reduce pain by affecting pain receptors.
Improves Immune System
Researchers have found that kratom leaves improve a person’s immune system. As a result, they help the body fight different diseases and makes a person feel stronger.
Improves Cardiac Health
Kratom helps strengthen the heart. The natural chemical components found in kratom positively affect the hormones, reducing inflammation in the body, including the blood vessels and arteries. This helps in controlling high blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, while also strengthening the muscles of the heart.
The stress in the cardiac system is also relieved by kratom consumption, preventing dangerous heart conditions like strokes and heart attacks.
Rehabilitates from Addiction
Kratom is being used widely to help people come over different addictions, most importantly opium addiction. This works as a drug as an addict is forced to move from traditional drugs to kratom, which is said to be a lot safer than opium and other similar drugs.
According to reports, it is also being used in making several medicines that help fight opium addiction.
Insomnia Treatment
Kratom is said to play a vital role in controlling insomnia.
Kratom, when consumed in concentrated and high dosage, acts as a mind relaxant. It helps you feel relaxed, allowing you to have a good night’s sleep without any trouble.
Treatment for Diabetes
Kratom leaves also have the ability to positively impact blood sugar levels, as the alkaloids present in the leaves regulate the amount of glucose and insulin in the blood, keeping the sugar levels stable.
These are just some of the main benefits of using kratom. However, as mentioned earlier, kratom is very confidential with the opinion being divided.
Like any other drug, it also has its side effects. Experts suggest to check popular kratom vendor reviews before purchasing kratom and to only use it as a medication, based on a doctor’s suggestion.
Now, let’s have a look at some of its side effects.
Side-effects of Kratom
Varying from consumer to consumer, usage of kratom with regular concentrated dosage may also have some side-effects such as:
- Sweating
- Sedation
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Increased urination
- Itching
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Unwanted loss of Weight
- Irritability
- And sometimes minimal skin discoloration
Kratom is considered a safe substance having great remedial significance due to its natural and healthy components. However, it should be in the mind of a consumer that it also possess the above mentioned side-effects.
