Kratom, or Mitragyna Speciosa, is a plant that many people have used throughout history, but it’s recently started to rise to popularity in the Western world. Most people seek out kratom as a type of herbal remedy or supplement, which is why it’s starting to become so popular again. Some people look at kratom as a supplement they can take instead of potentially harmful pharmaceutical drugs.
Where Is Kratom Grown?
Kratom grows naturally in Southeast Asia, where people have already been using it for centuries. Some societies used it as a stimulant, and they would chew on kratom leaves in an attempt to get more energy for their day’s work. These native cultures believe in kratom’s ability to restore appetite, increase energy, and even benefit sexual potency. Over time, tribes began eating it, smoking it, and brewing it like a tea.
Kratom enthusiasts across the centuries have used this natural substance to address their pain in addition to gaining energy. The combination of these two properties made kratom extremely popular among field workers, farmers, and other laborers who had physically demanding jobs. These workers relied on kratom to give them energy as well as soothing the aches and pains that come along with a physically difficult job.
In much more recent history, people have started using kratom as a substitute for opium products. This use of kratom is especially prevalent in the United States, where there is an ongoing opioid crisis and people are looking for alternatives. Since kratom does not contain any opiate substances but can interact with the brain in a similar way, some people believe this makes it a safer substitute for opioids.
For that reason, many Americans use kratom to treat pain instead of turning to pills and other pharmaceutical treatments with potentially dangerous side effects. The complex alkaloid in kratom that interacts with the brain is thought to have less severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms than opioid options.
Kratom Strains
Much like other popular plants, kratom comes in different strains, which are associated with different effects. Depending on where you look or who you ask, you may see kratom broken up into red vein, green vein, and white vein strains. That differentiation is made by looking at the little veins in kratom leaves. Among those more general types, there are also specific types of kratom, like Maeng Da or Green Malay. If you’re unsure about the different types of kratom strains, talk to an expert at your trusted vendor, and they will be able to give you specific information.
The different strains of kratom are often associated with having slightly different effects. For example, some say green or white veined kratom is best for having energy and an uplifted mood. Red-veined kratom, on the other hand, might generally be associated with relaxing effects, and people might use it to address pain. If you’re looking for a kratom to address a specific ailment, it’s best to consult with a trustworthy vendor.
Kratom Capsules/ Powder
While some natives of Southeast Asia used to chew kratom leaves, it eventually became more popular to brew them as a type of tea. Now in the United States, most kratom is normally sold either in capsules or as a powder. The powder is simply ground up dried kratom leaves, and it acts very quickly, which makes it popular. Most people who consume kratom powder do so by mixing it into a drink, and you can still use this form to make a traditional kratom tea.
Some people dislike using straight kratom powder because it requires measuring, which can make a mess. Some people also dislike the taste of kratom, as it can be too bitter for some people. In those cases, people normally find that they prefer kratom capsules. This option is basically pre-measured doses of kratom packaged in gelatin shells. All the customer has to do is swallow the capsule down with some water or any other drink.
These capsules have to dissolve, so the effects may be slightly delayed compared to plain powder. Customers normally report that they can start feeling the effects of their kratom capsules within 15 to 20 minutes. For any kratom-buying option, it’s extremely important to purchase from a reputable source. This will help you ensure that the product is pure and does not contain any harmful additives. It will also help you be more confident that capsules contain the right level of dosing.
There is a third option for kratom consumers, and that’s tincture or extract. This is starting to become more popular but still isn’t as widely used as the powder or capsule methods. This method of consumption is not recommended for anyone who doesn’t already have significant experience with kratom.
What States Have Banned Kratom?
At one point, there was the talk of making kratom illegal in the United States. The citizens rose up, though, and there was an outpouring of support from people who claimed kratom had amazing benefits for them. Support has even come from leading medical professionals at places like Johns Hopkins University. That was enough to keep kratom legal nationally, but some states have decided to make it illegal.
As of 2019, kratom is currently illegal in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin. All of those states have their own legislature that prevents their residents from consuming kratom as a natural supplement or remedy. Other cities have also banned kratom. The District of Columbia, Denver, San Diego, and Sarasota all have regulations against this plant.
For the most up to date list, please see HTTP://SPECIOSA.ORG/KRATOM-LEGALITY-MAP/
Is Kratom An Opioid?
While kratom can interact with the brain in some ways similar to how opioids do, it’s not related to opium. In fact, kratom is more closely related to coffee or chocolate than it is to any type of opioid. That’s part of the reason many people feel more comfortable using kratom than they do with any type of dangerous opioid. There is still a lot of research that must occur before we can start making very definitive claims about what kratom does, but so far it has a lot of early support from scientific and medical professionals.
Kratom is used by some to treat chronic pain, just as an opioid would be. The thought process by kratom enthusiasts is that this natural supplement carries fewer health risks and dependence problems. There are even some very convincing cases where people say they have used kratom to reduce their dependence on opioids. There is still some debate about how possible it is to overdose from kratom alone, because there are few reported deaths, and most autopsies also uncover opioid use.
Even if kratom does pose fewer risks than opioids, it’s still important to consume it responsibly. That means taking appropriate, calculated doses, and purchasing from a trusted vendor with a safe product, as well as taking care not to mix it, or ingest it, with any other substances.
Kratom For Sale Online
Kratom has become popular for medicinal purposes in the United States and is starting to be enjoyed recreationally as well. Whatever it is you want to get out of your kratom experience, it’s important to consume it responsibly and rely on pure plants from a trusted source. At Serene Phoenix Herbs, we take great pride in carrying only fine kratom that was ethically sourced and safely produced.
