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Stimulating, relaxing, libido-enhancing, euphoric or the feeling that you get from opium or cocaine. Kratom is a drug which has an extremely wide range of effects. These leaves which originate from South-East Asia can be bought anywhere but what can you expect from them? We dive into the world of Kratom, an interesting leaf to put it mildly.
In this article:
- What is Kratom?
- Using Kratom
- Kratom Effects
- Types of Kratom
- Thinking of Buying Kratom?
- Is Kratom Addictive? (Caution)
What is Kratom?
The tropical herb Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) originates in South-East Asia. From time immemorial the herb has been used as a substitute for opium. Kratom is derived from various trees of the same species. We call these subspecies. This explains why the the effects of Kratom can differ. More on this later. The trees can vary in height from between 3 to 30 metres. It’s the large, fresh leaves which are chewed to ingest the active substances.
The active substances are attributed to a number of alkaloids like 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitraphilline and mitragynine. Of the different types of Kratom, that from Thailand has the more stimulating constituents, while Kratom from Bali and Malaysia works more as a relaxant. Kratom also contains naturally occurring raubasine, a blood pressure reducing agent which is well-known under the name reserpine on account of its many side effects and which is therefore no longer used in many countries.
There is still not very much known about the precise working of Kratom. But it can be said that wild Kratom from South-East Asia contains many more active constituents than Kratom from other regions or cultivated Kratom. So where it grows makes a big difference to its effect.
Using Kratom
You can chew fresh leaves or brew tea from dried leaves and extracts. Tea can be made from Kratom by pouring hot water over 3 to 5 grammes of leaves or powder and leaving it to brew for a couple of minutes. A large dosage is around 10 grammes. If taken on an empty stomach, the effects will be noticed within 5 to 10 minutes and will last for several hours.
Kratom Effects
In South-East Asia, Kratom is uses as a traditional folk medicine for pain and fatigue. From 1943 until recently, possession of Kratom leaves was illegal although it was still widely used there. Nowadays, that ban has been lifted. In other countries including the Netherlands, Kratom is legally obtainable. As we wrote earlier, the precise effect per subspecies differs because the composition differs quite a lot due to the growing location.
The effects of Kratom can be closely compared with a low dose of cocaine or a substantial dose of opium. It intoxicates and suppresses the perception of pain. In lower dosages Kratom has a euphoric and stimulating effect while larger dosages feature feelings that are more dreamy and narcotic in nature. For some people Kratom also has aphrodisiac qualities which increase the sex drive of both men and women. Others report the exact opposite: that the sex drive disappears completely.
Kratom is also known for its differing side effects. From relatively harmless longings for sweets and dehydration symptoms to more concerning side effects such as constipation, tinnitus, lethargy and psychoses.
For these reasons we do not recommend that you use Kratom. Having said that, we really wanted to show you the differences between types. We understand that you could benefit from it despite the side effects.
Types of Kratom
Malaysian Kratom is often used for long-term pain. It is an effective pain reliever thanks to its active ingredients but at the same time it also acts to improve mood and create energy. Some 5 grammes of Malaysian Kratom will give you an energy boost and feelings of bliss and euphoria.
Balinese Kratom works in a completely calming way. It is also effective against pain and it provides even stronger feelings of euphoria than the Malaysian species.
Are you just looking for a stimulating Kratom? Then you should choose Thai Kratom. 5 grammes of Thai Kratom has a motivational and concentration-enhancing effect. In Thailand, Kratom is used to make heavy, physical work more bearable.
Then there’s Maeng Da, a special Kratom whose origin is unknown. The biggest difference with the other types is that you need less of them. Just 1 gramme is enough for both stimulant and pain-relief effects. That’s why the versatile Kratom is so popular.
Kratom is no innocent smart drug. It’s vital therefore to critically examine how often and why you are using Kratom.
Thinking of Buying Kratom?
From Thai Kratom leaves to Bali Kratom extract: in our smartshop we have an expanding range of Kratom for every application. Use Kratom in moderation and enjoy the benefits.
Is Kratom Addictive?
A blog about Kratom is not complete without a discussion around the chance of becoming addicted to this herb. If we write that Kratom is traditionally used as a substitute for opium, does that mean we should be concerned about the addictive effect of Kratom?
Warning: You can become mentally and physically dependent on kratom. That is to say, kratom is addictive if not handled properly. When you become addicted to kratom, you have a strong urge to use it over and over again. It is becoming a habit and it is not that easy to get rid of. Tolerance can also occur, so that you quickly need a higher dose for the desired effect. So watch out with using kratom. Don't take it regularly and stick to the recommended maximum doses.
If you are addicted, stopping using kratom is not easy and certainly not enjoyable. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as muscle pain, diarrhea, muscle convulsions, sweating, anxiety and a feeling of restlessness in your body. The withdrawal symptoms are very similar to drugs such as heroin. The above symptoms can last for up to two weeks.
Besides the fact that kratom is addictive, there are, as with almost any other smart drug, even more risks. Do not use Kratom while in traffic. Do not combine kratom with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opiates or any other agents that suppress the nervous system. Do not use with other stimulants. This results in a greatly increased blood pressure. Certainly not use kratom in combination with MAO inhibitors such as Banisteriopsis caapi and some antidepressants. This can have serious or even fatal consequences.