KRATOM INSIGHTS

CHRONIC PAIN RELIEF

Chronic pain is a tremendous issue worldwide and sufferers are often looking for some form of natural painkiller. Since kratom is not an opioid yet it works on the opioid receptors, it too produces an analgesic effect, therefore making it a far safer form of pain relief than many mainstream options available. It has been found to have some mild addictive qualities but the withdrawal symptoms are far less than any form of opioid.

Chronic pain issues have unfortunately led to an international epidemic in painkiller addiction. Opioids are addictive and come with a scary host of side effects. The process of weaning of these prescription drugs is not unlike stopping some of the strongest illegal narcotics. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse in the United States 1.7 million people suffered from opioid painkiller addiction in 2017. This is no light matter, 130 deaths occur in the United States each day from opioid abuse.

As with many stimulants such as coffee and tea, one must be self-aware and note the frequency and size of dose. In a society where coffee is a daily ritual, it is evident that there is a clear need for uplifting, galvanising mood support. High doses of kratom, 15g and up which is more than is recommended as a daily dose, come with a possibility of addiction and therefore withdrawal symptoms, but of a far lesser degree than any form of opioid.

As with any potent plant with positive effects, the temptation for daily use can be strong. In low doses this is not an issue, however, as with coffee drinking, more than a few cups a day and you know you are now setting up a dependency. Potent herbs are meant to assist you to find your own sense of balance, not provide you with a crutch to be that balance.

POWERFUL MENTAL SUPPORT

People who suffer from anxiety and depression have good reason to look for herbal relief. Many people report feeling relaxed, calm and even euphoric when taking kratom. Kratom appears to have positive results for relieving anxiety and depression in many of its users. Consequently, it is popular amongst anxiety sufferers.

ENERGISING

Interestingly, lower doses of green kratom of less than 1 g per day appear to increase energy levels. When used in slightly higher doses of 1-2 g per day it seems to bring on a wave of tranquillity and improved mood. It can cause drowsiness and sedation when taken in higher doses.

CAUTIONARY NOTE FOR THOSE ON MEDICATION

Kratom speeds up the rate at which the liver metabolises substances and so any medication will be processed quicker. This can lessen the effect of the medication and needs to be taken into consideration, for example, with contraception, antidepressants and other pharmaceutical treatments. If one is using pharmaceutical medication, it is advised that one consult with your healthcare practitioner before using kratom.

Kratom contains 2 main active compounds which are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynin. Although kratom is not an opioid, it works on the opioid receptors which relieves pain and promotes calm. It is also said to activate dopamine production which improves mood and reduces anxiety. With regular use one may find the body acclimatises to it and therefore needs a higher dose to produce the same effects.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree with a close relationship to coffee. In Southeast Asia land workers traditionally chew it during their heavy-duty days to combat fatigue, and increase productivity. Much like coffee it can be used to improve energy levels, but it also has the ability to bring a sense of calm. It is, however, not an adaptogen. Kratom’s chemical structure is highly complex (containing 40 different alkaloids) and slightly elusive, leaving scientists still trying to pinpoint its in-between nature. It works on the opioid receptors although it’s not an opioid. “According to several published studies, the main reasons for kratom consumption involve improving sexual performance and endurance, but also social and recreational uses for the feeling of happiness and euphoria…

Kratom was originally used mainly for its medicinal value in treating mild medical problems, for example, fever, diarrhoea, diabetes, pain, as a wound poultice, and to reduce the strain and fatigue of physical labour; however, it became also known and used to suppress opiate withdrawal symptoms given its affordability and availability.” Promoting good mood, calm and increased energy Those suffering from the impairing states of depression or anxiety have good reason to seek herbal relief, and kratom appears to have a positive result on this front for three quarters of its users. Many people report feeling relaxed, calm and even euphoric when taking kratom. According to the largest review to date, “Kratom also enhances mood and relieves anxiety among many users.”

In the large US-based survey on kratom (8049 people), increased energy was reported by 79.4%, less anxiety by 74.3% and 75.6% had a less depressed mood. Interestingly lower doses appear to increase energy levels (less than 1 gram a day) and yet slightly higher doses seem to bring on a wave of calm and tranquillity, and improved mood making it popular amongst anxiety sufferers (1 – 2 grams a day). It has been known to cause drowsiness and sedation when higher dosages are taken.

• Mitragyna speciosa: Clinical, Toxicological Aspects and Analysis in Biological and Non-Biological Samples
• Kratom also enhances mood and relieves anxiety among many users
• US-based survey
• The anti-inflammatory properties
• Analgesic affect
• Far safer form of pain relief
• Kratom use and Mental Health
• Surveys across the United States
• Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Kratom