For centuries, people have used herbs for various medicinal purposes, and this has not changed. In fact, people have come up with more ways to take these herbs. One of the most common herbs used is Kratom. Kratom's scientific name is Mitragyna speciosa, a high tropical tree that is indigenous to Southeast Asia.
The tropical tree can be found in countries such as Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Kratom has been in use since the 19th century for medicinal purposes. Some people even used this tropical tree for its stimulant-like properties.
Traditionally, this herb had other uses besides being used as a medicine. Individual who resided in areas where the plant grows chewed its leaves to increase energy, relieve musculoskeletal pain, improve sexual desire, and boost appetite like other herbs such as coca. What's more, the leaves and extracts were used to treat intestinal infections, diarrhea, and coughs. The extract also served as a local anesthetic and was used to heal wounds.
In Thailand, the herb was used to treat morphine dependence. It was also used during socio-religious ceremonies. In Malaysia, the herb was used as an opium substitute.
Kratom contains two psychoactive components: 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine. The herb is also known to contain other components such as paynantheine. When you consume kratom in small doses, it promotes stimulatory effects. However, when you take it in large doses, this herb delivers sedative-narcotic effects.
Over the years, kratom has gained a lot of popularity and is now available in western countries. In most instances, the herb is used for its psychoactive effects. It is used to relieve patients of mental stress and chronic pain. With its popularity continuing to grow, the product has become easily accessible to users. Today, you can get it from various sources, including making a purchase online.
Due to technological advances, pharmacists have managed to process the tropical tree, which means that you can now find it in various forms. You can take it as a powder, an extract, or as capsules. Before you settle on the form of Kratom that you would like to take, it is crucial for you to know the various characteristics of each form.
However, you must also know that the popularity of kratom has also brought other views that don't focus on its benefits. According to The Washington Post, for instance, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had planned to ban the plant, but the announcement brought a lot of uproar from its users.
Most of the users claimed that that is not a right move because the drug helps them keep off opiates, plus it helps relieve chronic pain.
We will offer comprehensive coverage of the three forms of Kratom in this article, plus some of the products that are available on the market.
Contents
- 1 Kratom powder: The most common form of kratom
- 2 Crush some kratom leaves to get the extract
- 3 Enjoy numerous health benefits from kratom capsules
- 4 Do other forms of kratom exist?
- 5 Can you overdose on kratom?
- 6 Fascinating outcomes of using kratom
- 7 Is kratom addictive?
- 8 Which form of kratom is best for you?
- 9 Side effects for kratom users
- 10 Here are some of the precautions that users need to take
- 11 Kratom products that you can purchase online
- 12 Conclusion
Kratom powder: The most common form of kratom
The first form of kratom available today is powdered. Kratom powder is defined as a psychoactive drug that is obtained from the leaves of the kratom tree. The leaves are dried, and then finely ground. You can dry the leaves in an indoor or outdoor environment. Keep in mind that the processing method varies based on the vein type of kratom leaves.
Take your kratom in different ways in powder form
There are numerous benefits of taking kratom in its powder form. For starters, it allows you to find your preferred strand and vein-type seamlessly. And there is more. In its powder form, kratom is absorbed into your body quickly, thus allowing you to feel the effects faster and with more intensity.
Moreover, manufacturers have an easier time packaging this drug in powder form because it is relatively cheap. Another notable advantage of powdered kratom is that you can take it in your water, tea, milk, smoothies, juice, yogurt, and much more.
Oops! Kratom's powder also has its downsides
We cannot mention the positive side of the powdered form of kratom and fail to mention some of its disadvantages.
For instance, the powder tends to have an unpleasant smell in addition to having a bitter taste. This might force you to take it with a sweetener. You must also know that different powders come from different manufacturers, which implies that some might be better than others.
Another drawback of the powder form is that you must measure it before consumption. This limits the places that you can consume it from. Moreover, you might feel uncomfortable swallowing this powder because it can stick to your throat or tongue, thus leaving you with the irritating taste for a long time.
You also need to take extra care when handling the powder because it has a high likelihood of spilling and making a major mess.
Crush some kratom leaves to get the extract
You can also consume kratom as an extract. Usually, this is its most concentrated form. So, how is the extract obtained? Well, individuals who are well-versed with the process brew powdered or crushed leaves over an extended period.
The experts let the majority of the water to evaporate, which leaves behind a thick paste. The paste comprises of a strong concentration of kratom ingredients. You can also make this paste into resin, oil, powder, or tincture.
There exist different grades of kratom extract, and each starts with a digit followed by the letter X. The digit indicates the amount of kratom that was used to produce one gram of kratom extract.
Why you should settle for kratom extract?
Individuals might opt to take kratom as an extract because of some of its underlying benefits. To begin with, kratom extract is usually a strong concentration, which implies that you only need to take a small amount of the concentrate to achieve desired results.
Furthermore, kratom extract can be made into other forms, and when you consume it as a liquid, it gets absorbed into your system fast. Kratom extract can also be added into cosmetics, and you can also make soap out of it.
The cons of kratom extract
Kratom extract also has some disadvantages. The major one is that it takes relatively long to obtain the extract, thus making it both time- and cost-intensive process.
Moreover, you have to carry out extensive research to ensure that you purchase your kratom extract from a reliable vendor or retailer. This is because you can easily find extracts that are laced with some harmful substances.
Another major downside that we found about this form of kratom is that you may end up overdosing. How? Well, its extraction process doesn't allow you to measure the correct dose. Often, people don't know how much they are supposed to take.
Enjoy numerous health benefits from kratom capsules
The other form of kratom that you will find on the market is capsules. Kratom capsules have gained popularity over time because they reduce the bitter taste that kratom has, thus making it easier to consume. Kratom capsules feature five sizes that include size 000, 00, 0, 1, and 2. Size 2 contains the least grams of kratom per capsule while size 000 has the highest grams of kratom per capsule.
Enjoy some of the advantages of kratom capsules
If you prefer taking kratom as capsules, you don't have to feel bad about it because they have plenty of benefits that can help you achieve the desired outcome.
For starters, you cannot overdose on kratom capsules because you know how much kratom is contained in every capsule.
Additionally, the capsules are well packed, which allows you to move with them from place to place without having to worry about them spilling and creating a massive mess like kratom's powdered form.
The kratom capsules also have a covering, which separates the bitter powder from your tongue. The barrier makes it easy for you to take the drug. As a result, people who have issues with the drug's taste and smell can comfortably take the capsules to get the medicinal benefits they want.
Why you wouldn't want to take kratom capsules?
During our research, we also came across several disadvantages of kratom capsules. For example, the capsules involve a complex manufacturing process. You cannot compare it to the processes involved in making kratom extract or powder. That means that making kratom capsules requires a lot of manpower, and it is a resource-intensive process.
It also takes relatively longer for the kratom to get absorbed into your body because the capsules have a coating. What's more, the coating contains gelatin and other substances that might upset users that have a sensitive stomach or other allergic reactions.
The coating may also hinder vegetarians and vegans from consuming the capsules. But that depends on the coating material used. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you can have your kratom capsules using a cellulose-based coating, which means extra work.
Moreover, capsules might prove hard to find from some vendors. The majority of the vendors usually have other forms of kratom.
Do other forms of kratom exist?
Yes, there are other forms of kratom besides powder, extracts, and capsules. For instance, you can also take crushed kratom leaves. Usually, this type of kratom has all parts of the tree's leaves. It is mainly used to make kratom tea, and some users suggest that it is stronger as compared to the powdered form.
Can you overdose on kratom?
We have often heard kratom users ask whether it is possible to overdose. Well, you need to know that it is possible, and that's why people should consume this drug as recommended. According to data from the National Poison Data System, 11 deaths were resulting from kratom exposure between 2011 and 2017. So, yes. It is possible to overdose on kratom.
Furthermore, the FDA has identified about 44 deaths associated with kratom consumption. However, some of these deaths also incorporate the use of kratom and other substances such as alcohol, illicit drugs, over-the-counter medication, and opioids, among others.
Some of the deaths also result from packaging kratom as a dietary supplement. The supplements may be laced with compounds that can potentially harm users, thus resulting in death. That is why we recommend consulting your healthcare expert to establish if it is safe for you to mix kratom with other substances or medicine.
Fascinating outcomes of using kratom
Regardless of the form of kratom that you choose to take, you should expect to reap some benefits. Here are some of the fascinating things that kratom delivers to your body:
· Acts as an immune system booster
One of the major reasons why people are encouraged to take kratom is because it can help boost their immune system. Kratom contains alkaloids that have a significant effect on the resilience and strength of your immune system. Moreover, kratom is a natural source of antioxidants, and it has antimicrobial properties.
· Ease chronic pain with this beneficial herb
For years, kratom has been used as a pain reliever. The herb has opium or morphine-like qualities, which has increased its popularity over the years. Kratom usually has analgesic properties that help to ease pain through your body by stimulating your hormonal system.
When you consume kratom, the level of dopamine and serotonin that is released into your body increases, which helps to eliminate any pain that you might be experiencing. We also figured that the alkaloids contained in kratom help to dull the pain receptors all over your body.
· Sexual stimulant
Traditionally, kratom was used as a sexual stimulant, and people continue to use it today to enjoy these benefits. Claims have it that kratom has aphrodisiac properties, and it can be used to boost fertility. This herb/drug promotes sexual desire by improving blood flow and increasing energy, which can enhance fertility.
Moreover, kratom can be used to improve sexual duration and to promote the conception rate. Others use it to re-energize their libido.
· Boost your energy levels with kratom
Interestingly, kratom can work to improve the metabolism rate of the human body, which helps to boost the user's energy levels. The herb can impact your hormonal system so that it improves specific metabolic processes. The drug helps to pump up your energy levels by improving circulation, which ensures that your body receives enough oxygenated blood.
Kratom, therefore, can be used as a natural remedy by individuals suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Traditionally, laborers chewed kratom leaves to increase their physical tolerance, especially when they were working under the sun.
· Opioid withdrawal
According to a recent study, kratom was used by opiate users in Malaysia to minimize their dependence on the substance. They also use kratom to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms of opiate.
In the nineteenth century, kratom was used as an opium substitute. However, you must know that there hasn't been enough evidence to prove that kratom is safe to use in treating opium addiction. Most users who have been using opioids to manage chronic pain, however, have increased the rate of taking kratom.
· Experiencing anxiety? Ease it with kratom
Many people in different societies suffer from anxiety disorders, something that affects their productivity and ability to enjoy life. If you suffer from anxiety, depression, mood swings, or chronic stress, you can use kratom to reduce them.
Kratom is widely used to treat such ailments because it works by regulating the hormones in your body, thus providing the needed relief. Kratom helps to eliminate any chemical imbalance that can cause these conditions. You can say goodbye to using other drugs that may have side effects because they might do you more harm than good. Kratom is proven to ease the severity of these ailments.
· Manage your blood sugar levels with kratom
Do you suffer from diabetes? If you do, you will be glad to know that you can regulate your blood glucose levels by taking kratom. It doesn't matter if you will take yours as a powder, an extract, or capsules. You will reap the benefits either way.
Kratom has alkaloids that can help to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels in your blood. Besides helping you to manage the condition, you can also take kratom to prevent diabetes from developing, especially if someone in your family suffers from the condition.
Is kratom addictive?
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, kratom has some addictive qualities. Some users claim to experience withdrawal symptoms when they quit using kratom, particularly after heavy use. There are users who also develop tolerance to the drug while others become dependent on the drug.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with kratom include:
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Hostility
- Jerky movements
- Emotional unrest
- Running nose
There isn't a proven medical treatment option for kratom addiction, but behavioral therapy is believed to be effective.
Which form of kratom is best for you?
We've found that a majority of people cannot determine if they should take kratom as a powder, extract, or capsules. This, however, should not trouble you much because you just need to settle on the type that will give you the most stimulating effect. Alternatively, you could go for the one that gives you the euphoric feelings that you want.
If you are just starting off to use this drug, we recommend taking its powder form or capsules instead of the kratom extract. Why? Kratom extract is usually pure kratom, which means that it is very strong, and you may end up developing tolerance at a faster rate.
If you have been ingesting the drug for some time, then you should take kratom extract to achieve the stimulating effect that you want. Before you settle with the form of kratom to take, however, you must also consider how you would like to ingest it. If you prefer mixing it with foods, then the powder form is best for you. If you have sensitive taste buds, capsules can work for you because they have a coating to block the bitter taste.
Here is a video illustrating all that you need to know about kratom, including its benefits, negative effects, as well as a safety guide.
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Side effects for kratom users
Regular kratom users will tell you that there are some prevalent side effects of taking the drug.
For instance, you may experience respiratory depression, which might result in death. There are also rare cases where kratom exposure causes liver toxicity.
When you take kratom by mouth, you should expect to experience side effects such as vomiting, tongue numbness, dry mouth, nausea, aggression, constipation, and constant urination. You may also experience thyroid problems, delusions, and hallucinations.
Heavy consumption of kratom may cause seizures, brain swelling, and in worse cases, death.
Here are some of the precautions that users need to take
Kratom is a drug that needs to be taken with care. Otherwise, it may have some unwanted outcomes. Here are the warnings and precautions that users need to heed to.
Pregnant women and mothers are advised against taking kratom. However, we did not find any substantial evidence indicating that consuming it when in such conditions compromises the safety of the user or her kid.
Additionally, people that have mental disorders should be advised against using kratom. Why? Taking this drug might intensify the existing mental disorder, and it could increase the chances of such individuals committing suicide.
If you take a lot of alcohol, you should also watch your kratom intake. Using the two together is known to increase the risk of committing suicide. We recommend following the safest course of action.
Kratom products that you can purchase online
Kratom is legalized in various regions. As a result, there are many online stores where you can purchase your kratom. Some of the top products on the market include White Bali Kratom, Green Sumatra Kratom, and Red Bentuangie Kratom.
You can choose the product that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
Kratom is an herb, which is mostly used because of its medicinal and stimulant-like properties. The herb hails from a tropical evergreen tree, and it originates from Southeast Asia. Traditionally, kratom was used to treat various ailments such as musculoskeletal pains, intestinal infections, diarrhea, and coughs, among others.
Kratom's popularity has spread over the years, and it has been legalized in numerous areas. People use it to increase energy, sexual performance, and boosting appetite. They also use it to treat the same conditions it has been dealing with since the nineteenth century.
Are you looking to get yourself some kratom but don't know the right type to get? If you are, have a look at some of the forms available plus the different brands available, then select the one that matches your needs.
