Kratom, a popular wellness supplement, is growing rapidly in use across the US. Kratom is federally legal in America, although some States & Counties have banned it. Check kratom laws in your area before purchasing any. Kratom leaves are harvested from the kratom tree, which grows as a native plant in Southeast Asia. But why are people turning to kratom? There’s a number of different reasons, and as studies come out on kratom, it seems we might just be scratching the surface of what this plant is capable of. In this blog we’ll briefly go over why people use kratom, and how kratom works.

What is Kratom Used For?

Kratom is used for many different reasons. Traditionally, kratom in Asian countries is used medicinally to improve symptoms of illness like diarrhea or discomfort. In America, the use of kratom has become popular for a few uses. Kratom alkaloids interact with the opiate receptors in the brain, even though kratom isn’t an opioid. Because it’s able to activate opiate receptors, kratom is able to impact mental state. This interaction means that kratom can be a beneficial pain reliever, is sometimes used as an alternative to more addictive and more dangerous opiates, and can even (when taken properly) provide a mild boost of energy. 

Kratom Alkaloids

The active compounds found in kratom leaves, known as alkaloids, include mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids are thought to be responsible for kratom’s unique effects, which can include pain relief, energy boosting, and mood enhancement. These are the alkaloids that are able to interact with opiate receptors in the brain.

What Makes Mitragynine Effective?
Mitragynine is an indole-based alkaloid that is structurally similar to other alkaloids found in plants such as yohimbine, voacangine, and Rauwolfia serpentina. It is believed to bind to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, which is thought to be the reason why kratom is able to produce effects such as pain relief and euphoria.

Mitragynine is also believed to interact with other receptors in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine receptors. This is thought to be the reason why kratom is able to produce effects such as mood enhancement and energy boosting. Additionally, it is thought that mitragynine may also have some anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects.

Additionally, 7-hydroxymitragynine, another alkaloid found in kratom, is believed to be even more potent than mitragynine and is thought to be responsible for some of kratom’s more powerful effects, such as its analgesic properties.

It is important to note that while there is a growing body of research on kratom and its alkaloids, much more research is needed to fully understand how kratom works and its potential risks and benefits. Additionally, it’s recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional before trying kratom and use caution when consuming it. If you’re new to kratom, always start slow and work your way up from there. It’s better to take too little than to take too much!

Different Kratom Product Types

Kratom is available in various forms such as powders, capsules, and extracts. Each form may have different effects and dosage may vary too. The kind of kratom you use, and the way you take it, could impact the effects it has.

Here are some of the most common ways people take kratom:
Powders are made by drying and grinding the kratom leaves into a fine powder. This raw kratom powder is sold as-is, and can be found in large or small quantities. This is the most common form of kratom and is the easiest to measure for accurate dosing. Capsules are made by filling a gel or veggie capsule with kratom powder. This form is convenient for those who don’t like the taste of kratom, but it can be more difficult to measure the correct dosage. 

Extracts are made a few different ways, one of which is by boiling down kratom leaves to concentrate the alkaloids, resulting in a more potent product. Extracts are typically more expensive than powders and capsules and are intended for experienced kratom users. Some typical kratom extract products you can find for sale are kratom shots or kratom gummies. 

When choosing the kratom products you want to take, it’s especially important to purchase from a reputable and safe kratom vendor. There are, unfortunately, some shady kratom vendors on the market. There are a few things you can look for to make sure the company you’re buying your kratom from is worthwhile and trustworthy. Here’s our recommendations. 

How to Know if a Kratom Vendor is Reputable?

To know if a kratom vendor is reputable, you can look for the following:

• A clear and detailed product description that includes the origin, strain, and alkaloid content of the kratom
• A money-back guarantee or return policy
• Positive customer reviews and testimonials
• Third-party lab testing results available on the website
• Clear and transparent contact information, such as a phone number and email address
• Compliance with the American Kratom Association’s Good Manufacturing Practices

By purchasing kratom from a reputable vendor, you can ensure that you are getting a high-quality product that is free from contaminants and accurately labeled.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree that comes from Southeast Asia, has been used traditionally and recently as a supplement. It contains a variety of alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine that may provide different effects like pain relief, energy boosting and mood enhancement. However, more research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness. There are probably many uses for kratom that we don’t know about or understand, due to the lack of research.

When it comes to dosing, it is crucial to start with a low dosage and gradually increase as needed. It’s also essential to consider the type of kratom product you are using, as powders, capsules, and extracts may have different effects and dosage may vary.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of the potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms associated with kratom use. As with any substance, it is important to use it responsibly and in moderation.

In summary, Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree that comes from Southeast Asia, it has been traditionally used and recently as a supplement. It contains a variety of alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine that may provide different effects like pain relief, energy boosting and mood enhancement. However, more research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying kratom, to use caution when consuming it, and to buy it from reputable sources. It’s also crucial to be aware of the potential risks, side effects, and interactions with other substances.