Despite controversy and a potential ban from the U.S. government, kratom has been gaining popularity as an alternative treatment for various benefits related to some health conditions. Kratom, an herb derived from trees native to Southeast Asia, has become the go-to plant for the relief of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Kratom For Pain Relief
When consumed, the alkaloids in kratom work in tandem with opioid receptors present in the central nervous system. As kratom interacts with the receptors, the body releases certain substances, specifically enkephalins and endorphins, that can numb pain receptors. Some compare the pain relief effect to morphine, yet without the nasty risk of addiction.
Freedom From Depression And Anxiety
Kratom can be very effective at improving a person’s mood and ability to relax. The popular Asian plant also acts as a psychostimulant. Kratom also causes the natural release of serotonin, a chemical thought to help balance out emotions within the body. This increase in serotonin calms the mind, eases tension, and actually increases confidence. Other symptoms of anxiety seem to go away as well such as sweating, heart palpitations, and muscle cramps.
Gain Confidence And Focus With Kratom
Along with amplified confidence, kratom can increase energy, focus, and motivation. Kratom, most particularly the alkaloids 7-hydroxy mitragynine and mitragynine encourages the body to release dopamine. Along with serotonin, dopamine increases attention span, improves concentrate, and gives a person a slight “adrenaline rush.”
Natural Weight Loss
Kratom may even help a person lose weight. After consuming kratom, some people have experienced appetite suppression. While no conclusive study has found sufficient evidence to prove the claim, researchers think kratom reacts with the “satiety center” in the brain’s hypothalamus region. Supposedly, the result is a small suppression of appetite, leading to a reduction in food intake. Also, the increased energy and motivation can prompt a person to exercise more as well.
Safety And Regulation Of Kratom
Kratom has been used for generations in Southeast Asia. To consume it, the kratom leaves are typically crushed and made into a tea. The herb can also be chewed or straight up eaten. Today, distributors often sell it in capsule or powder form for easier ingesting.
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues its war on kratom by threatening to make it illegal, the plant is considered relatively safe by the hundreds of thousands of people who consume it daily. Thus far, there have been no documented cases of anyone overdosing or dying from kratom alone. However, a small number have been admitted to the hospital or have died as a result of consuming kratom in combination with other drugs.
Like many other natural remedies, kratom should be taken with slight apprehension until you know exactly how it will interact with your body. At first, it is best to take a small dose and wait for the effect to kick in. Some people need less, and some people need more to reach the same level of experience.
Plus, depending on where in Asia the plant is harvested, kratom comes in a variety of different strains Some strains are more efficient at providing pain relief, while others are better at enhancing focus and energy. Again, it is best to experiment a bit to determine what is best for you depending on the health goal you are trying to achieve.
While herb remains unregulated, many reputable kratom suppliers can offer a variety of strains and options as well as detailed descriptions of all the benefits. Whichever one or ones work best for you, any natural relief from anxiety, depression, and pain must be better than the highly-addictive, possibly dangerous, prescription drugs found at your local pharmacy.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
