Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is becoming an increasingly popular herbal supplement in the United States with a claim of bringing relief and enhancing energy levels. At the same time, some others hold the opinion that Kratom powder or leaves help with disorders caused by heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs.
According to the DEA, Kratom is a tropical tree native to the region of Southeast Asia. Consuming Kratom leaves can produce both stimulant effects (in low doses) and sedative effects (in high doses) in the body, which can further lead to psychoactive symptoms and psychological issues or dependencies.
Based on historical beliefs and practices, Kratom was first used by farm workers in the Southeast Asian region, where these workers chewed Kratom leaves to relieve pain and gain energy. As a result, they were able to work more efficiently.
But is Kratom dangerous? And how does it work in the body exactly? In this article, we are going to explore what is Kratom, its types, uses, benefits, and effects. We will also address the concerns related to Kratom, such as Kratom’s duration in the body and its legality status across the globe.
Key Takeaways
- Kratom tea leaves are used to manufacture herbal supplements, which are increasingly gaining popularity all across the United States. People who consume Kratom on a regular basis have reported an increase in energy levels, pain relief, and reduced stress.
- Kratom is not an FDA-approved medicine, which is why products or medications generated from Kratom herbs are not very well regulated. Some of the countries and states in the United States have even made sales illegal, which is also considered illegal for consumption.
- There is no clear or scientifically proven evidence that Kratom is completely safe to use or effective on certain types of diseases. Kratom can be an addictive substance and causes side effects after interacting with certain drugs or chemicals, making it unsafe to consume for many individuals.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is derived from the trees of Mitragyna speciosa, which is popular for being used as a dietary and herbal supplement all over the world. In the United States, Kratom is gaining popularity among consumers for giving relief from pain, anxiety, and stress. Many people are consuming Kratom to overcome the withdrawal effects caused by opioids.
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Other Kratom products, such as powders, tinctures, and pills, are labeled as supplements for anxiety reduction and managing opioid addiction. However, the increasing popularity of Kratom raised concerns about its legality and effects on health, which is why Kratom is now under the radar of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Is Kratom Legal?
Both DEA and FDA have warned Kratom or mitragynine consumers about the potential risks and side effects associated with Kratom. Based on the survey and research performed by these authorities, Kratom contains various psychoactive compounds that can interact with the brain receptors to infuse opioid-like effects.
This probable fact has labeled Kratom as a possibly addictive product, which can lead to potential abuse of mitragynine and cause long-term health issues. With the ongoing health concerns associated with Kratom, the legality of Kratom remains a critical focus of policymakers and medical professionals.
Street Names of Kratom (Mitragynine)
Since Kratom is used more like an herb or substance for opioid withdrawal, it has a unique set of names that are more common among the crowd. Here are the street names of Kratom that made it popular among the West and different communities around the globe:
- Biak-Biak
- Herbal Speedball
- Ithang
- Kakuam
- Ketum
- Kratom
- Thang
- Thom
These street names are often glamorized by the local slang language, or they refer to a certain culture among various circles. However, among all of these, Kratom remains the most popular street name for Mitragynine Speciosa, which is also widely recognized by manufacturers around the globe.
What is the Origin of Kratom? Brief Historical Overview
Kratom leaves are collected from the Mitragyna speciosa Tree, which is native to the Southeast Asian region. If we go a few decades back in the past, Kratom leaves were mostly consumed in Thailand, Malaysia, and many other Southeast Asian countries due to their stress and pain relief properties.
Native farmers and workers of Southeast Asia consumed Kratom by chewing mitragynine leaves or brewing them into tea. However, modern-day Kratom consumption can be found in a variety of forms, including powders, capsules, tablets, and tinctures.
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Over the past decade, Kratom has gained popularity in the Western region for its mind-altering effects, where several consumers have claimed that Kratom helps them manage pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal.
What are the Active Compounds in Kratom?
The active compounds in Kratom primarily include mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds bind to the receptors in the brain, which produces opioid-like effects, which are generally milder than real opioids. The active mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in Kratom can be found in several Kratom forms, including capsules, tablets, tea, gummies, powders, and tinctures.
Is Kratom a Natural Herb?
While many users find Kratom beneficial for certain health conditions and label it as ‘a natural herb’, Kratom is still considered controversial for consumption due to its potential for addiction, diverse effects, and disapproval from the FDA. Also, it is still under the radar of DEA, which is why its consumption, distribution, and sale are regulated in many states.
What are the Effects of Kratom on Your Body?
Kratom’s effects on your body depend on a number of factors, such as gut health, when you last ate, and most importantly, how much Kratom you have consumed. For an idea, a low dosage of Kratom (such as a teaspoon of Kratom powder) can cause the following effects on your body:
- Increased energy.
- Increased mood and interactivity socially.
- Sharp mind with better focus.
Now, if you consume a large dose of Kratom (a couple of tablespoons of Kratom powder), then you may experience the following effects in your body:
- Sedation (feeling drowsy and sleepy)
- Pleasuring sensation in your mind
- Reduced pain level.
For many people, Kratom works more like coffee, as it gives them an instant boost of energy. However, it’s important to understand that these effects are only reported by Kratom consumers, and there is no clinical proof of Kratom’s above-mentioned effects.
What are the Uses of Kratom?
Kratom comes in different forms and varieties, and many people consume Kratom for a number of reasons. So here are the seven most popular uses of Kratom and the reasons why people use it so much:
Pain Management
One of the main reasons why people consume Kratom is to manage chronic pain in the muscles. Some studies suggest that Kratom alkaloids, mainly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, may effectively relieve pain by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain. Kratom compounds are known for their safety profile and their behavior in the pharmacological department.
Especially in comparison to opioids, mitragynine compounds have much less chance of causing respiratory depression. This is yet another reason why many people use Kratom as an alternative to opioids. However, more research is needed in this area to refer to it as clinically approved.
Enhanced Focus and Energy
If consumed in smaller doses, Kratom can act as a stimulant to boost energy in your body, which helps to improve focus and gain energy to work. Historically, Kratom was used by laborers to recover from fatigue and improve performance at work.
Improved Functionality
Many laborers and farmers chewed Kratom leaves to gain energy, as it helped them work for long hours without taking breaks. Nowadays, Kratom drinks and powders are considered the ultimate source of energy, which includes some amount of mitragynine.
Anxiety and Depression
Many users have reported that Kratom helps them battle anxiety and depression by alleviating its symptoms substantially. As a result, Kratom promotes a sense of well-being and immense relaxation. But at the same time, the scientific evidence to prove that Kratom helps with anxiety and depression is very limited.
Opioid Withdrawal
Kratom is often used by those who are looking to avoid dependence on opioids or are looking to overcome opioid withdrawal symptoms. Kratom directly affects the opioid receptors, which helps to overcome the withdrawal symptoms such as pain, nausea, and anxiety. Hence, many people suffering from opioid addiction opt for Kratom, making it the perfect alternative for those who undergo opioid addiction.
Better Sleep
Kratom has sedative effects, which interact with brain receptors to cause immense relaxation. However, it only works if Kratom is consumed in higher doses. People who suffer from insomnia often choose Kratom as the ultimate remedy for sleep. But on the dark side, they could become addictive or dependent on its effects.
Mood Enhancement
Kratom consumers often report that it helps with anxiety and mood and helps to deal with symptoms caused by depression. Similarly, users have reported that Kratom has helped them with anxiety to enhance their mood while promoting well-being and relaxation. However, this effect of Kratom still needs to be studied.
Stimulant Effects
Kratom causes stimulant effects at lower doses, which allows for increased focus, improves alertness, and sharpens the mind while providing an instant boost of energy. According to some studies, this reason to use Kratom may be effective for users. However, there is very little evidence that supports the fact that Kratom can be used as an effective stimulant safely.
What are the Types of Kratom?
When it comes to the types or varieties of Kratom, the discussion extends to more than just a few numbers. Primarily, there are three main types of Kratom strains: Red, Green, and White Kratom. The primary type of Kratom is identified by the color of the vein in its leaves.
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Furthermore, Kratom is categorized on the basis of its region, which includes Malaysia, Indonesia, Sumatra, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries. The drying or manufacturing process is also one of the factors that define the type of Kratom. So, let’s discuss the three main types of Kratom strains and their uses with side effects.
Type #1: Red Vein Kratom
Red Kratom is harvested from the matured leaves of the mitragynine speciosa tree that has red-veined leaves, which is also the most popular type of Kratom. Red Vein Kratom is considered the most potent type of Kratom as it has mature leaves. Further types of Red Vein Kratom are as follows:
Red Bali Kratom
The Red Bali Kratom got its name from the Bali region and is known for its strong relaxing properties. Red Bali Kratom is commonly used by those who seek relief from stress or any muscle discomfort. Due to having intense sedative effects, Red Bali Kratom infuses deep relaxation, which also comes with its own side effects.
Red Thai Kratom
Red Thai Kratom offers a balanced experience with a strain that offers mild relaxation and subtle mood enhancement. This type of Kratom may help with alleviating tense feelings while boosting a content mood and overall well-being. New consumers of Kratom often choose Red Thai Kratom to feel mild sedative effects as compared to other red strains.
Red Maeng Da Kratom
Red Maeng Da Kratom is known for its potency, and it is also labeled as one of the strongest types of Kratom available in the market. This type of Kratom is consumed by those who have high tolerance levels and seek relaxation from intense discomfort without causing drowsiness. For daytime use, Red Maeng Da Kratom is a popular choice as it keeps you up and running while being functional.
Red Borneo Kratom
As the name suggests, this type of Red Kratom comes from the famous Borneo Islands, where Kratom is known for its gentle and calming effects. It might help to reduce stress and tension without causing intense sedation, which makes it yet another suitable type of Red Vein Kratom for daytime consumption.
Type #2: Green Vein Kratom
Green Vein Kratom is harvested before the maturing process of the Kratom leaves begins, as it undergoes the minimal process. This is the point where Kratom alkaloids in the plant are not fully developed, which leads to a balanced alkaloid profile. Unlike Red Vein Kratom, Green Kratom offers more mild, energizing and relaxing effects. Green Vein Kratom has three types further:
Green Malay Kratom
Green Malay Kratom is more popular for its lasting effects that bring a combination of energy boost with mood enhancement properties. Individuals who prefer to maintain a positive mindset with a better focus often consume Green Malay Kratom.
Green Borneo Kratom
Green Borneo Kratom defines the Green Kratom properties the best, as it promotes productivity with a sense of calm. This type of Kratom can also help to manage stress and perform more energy-demanding tasks.
Green Maeng Da Kratom
Being one of the most potential types of Green Vein Kratom, Maeng Da stands strong with its combined effects of increased focus, energy, and mild relaxation. This type of Green Vein Kratom is the favorite choice of those who require better concentration with functional capabilities.
Type #3: White Vein Kratom
The White Vein Kratom is more related to the coffee family, and so are its effects since you feel uplifting and stimulating effects after consuming White Kratom, just like the coffee. White Vein Kratom is considered the most unique type of mitragynine due to its natural compounds that are related to coffee and are now found in other types of Kratom. White Kratom is further categorized into the following categories:
White Borneo Kratom
For a clear-headed focus, White Borneo Kratom is the top choice of many consumers as it promotes mild stimulation. Some users suggested that it improved cognitive performance and also enhanced concentration.
White Thai Kratom
White Thai Kratom has more properties than coffee due to its uplifting and energizing effects. It improves mood and boosts motivation, which is why many consumers prefer breakfast.
White Maeng Da Kratom
The most potent form of White Vein Kratom is Maeng Da Kratom, as it is called Maeng Da mitragynine for its energy boost and long-lasting effects that promote mental clarity and stimulant effects.
What are the Benefits of Kratom?
Medical research has been limited when it comes to Kratom and its benefits for health. Up until now, there has been no effective or safe way to use Kratom. However, some health benefits that have been reported by the frequent users of Kratom are listed below:
Pain Relief from Kratom (Temporary)
Some consumers of Red and Green Vein Kratom consume it to ease chronic pain due to Kratom’s sedative effects. As for medical studies, one of the Kratom compounds, 7-hydroxymitragynine, is 13 times more potent than morphine. Although Kratom works on the opioid receptors just like Morphine, Kratom selectively deactivates the signals that go to the brain. Keep in mind that Kratom is not an FDA-approved medicine for pain.
Mood Enhancement
Another popular reason why many people consume Kratom is because of its mood-enhancing properties. According to some early studies, the Kratom alkaloids (mitragynine) can work as a temporary antidepressant and hunger suppressant. When experimented on animals, Kratom reduced corticosterone levels in mice, which usually increases during depression.
Opiate Withdrawal
The most common and most popular use of Kratom, which is also assisted by medical science, is to alleviate the effects of opioid withdrawal. Many individuals use Kratom to treat opioid addiction. However, there is still no approval from the FDA to use Kratom for this purpose.
It’s true that the number of Kratom benefits is very much numbered, but it is only based on experimental or medical facts. Any other benefits of Kratom still require a lot of research to officially link them with its herbal effects on the human body.
Side Effects of Kratom
Based on a survey conducted on 2500 adult Kratom consumers1 in the United States, about two-thirds of them have not reported any severe side effects. However, the variation of side effects can vary on the body’s health condition, dosage, and potency of the Kratom strain as well. So here are some of the side effects that you should be aware of before consuming any amount or type of Kratom.
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling sweaty
- Hallucinations
- Itchiness
- Liver damage
- More frequent urination
- Nausea and decreased appetite
- Seizures
Onset and Duration of Kratom’s Effects
The onset and duration of Kratom’s effects depends on the amount and form of Kratom you consume. Moreover, it also depends on the consumer’s tolerance level and metabolism how long it takes for Kratom to kick in:
How Long Does It Take Kratom to Kick in?
- 15 to 30 minutes: After consuming an amount of Kratom that is equivalent to your tolerance level, it takes about 15 to 30 minutes for Kratom to digest and start showing its effects. On an empty stomach, Kratom can kick in as quick as 10 minutes. However, it is not recommended to consume Kratom with an empty stomach for beginners.
How Long Does the Effects of Kratom Last?
- 2 to 5 hours: Kratom effects usually last for 2 to 5 hours, which again depends on the dosage, strength of the Kratom strain, and metabolism of the consumer. A lower dose means Kratom will last for less time and vice versa.
- Peak effects: The peak effects of Kratom are felt within the first 1.5 to 2 hours after consumption.
How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?
The amount of time for which Kratom stays in your system can again vary depending on the type of Kratom you consume, the amount of Kratom you consume, and the metabolism of your body. The primary alkaloid in Kratom (mitragynine) has a half-life of 7 to 9 hours, which means that it takes about 7 to 9 hours for half of the Kratom amount you take to release from the body.
Based on the Mitragynine half-life, it could take Kratom around 1 to 3 days to completely eliminate or release from your body. On the other hand, it could take 5 to 7 days for heavy consumers of Kratom to release detectable mitragynine from the body in order to pass the drug tests.
FAQs
What gives Red Vein Kratom its Natural Color?
Scientifically, the lengthy drying process of Mitragynine leaves gives them a natural dark color, which indicates a higher concentration of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) alkaloids. These alkaloids are the active ingredients that interact with the brain receptors in the body, which results in varying effects of Kratom.
What is Red Vein Kratom known for?
Red Vein Kratom is very popular for its potent effects and fast-acting properties. This is why it is a popular choice for getting relief from migraines, arthritis, and other painful chronic conditions. Also, Red Vein Kratom is known as a popular part of nighttime rituals due to its strong sedative effects if consumed in an appropriate amount.
How Should I get started with Kratom for the first time?
For beginners, it is recommended to consume Kratom in a lower dosage to minimize the risks of diverse effects while ensuring safe management conditions.
Which type of Kratom is Suitable for high-tolerance consumers?
Red Vein Kratom is a versatile choice for consumers, which ultimately depends on the dosage and tolerance of the consumer, as they can experience pain relief and manage low energy levels. Red Maeng Da kratom (also known as Red Vein Kratom) is the most potent, with effects similar to opioids.
Is Kratom Detectable in a Drug Test?
Drug tests do not commonly contain detection for Kratom and require a specialized test to check for Kratom via urine, blood, and hair samples.
What is the safe dose for consuming Kratom?
Approximately 1 to 5 grams of Kratom powder is considered a lower dosage, while anything above 7 grams is considered a high dosage of Kratom for beginners. It depends on its type, as Kratom tinctures are more potent in lower dosages as compared to Kratom powders in higher doses.
Conclusion
Kratom (mitragynine) originated from the islands of Southeast Asia and made its way around the globe, becoming a viral sensation in countries like the United States. After being consumed for its sedative opioid-like effects, Kratom was labeled as an herbal solution or remedy by consumers. However, there is no claim by the FDA to consider Kratom as a medicine, which is why Kratom products are still regulated under the restrictions of consumption in some cities and states. We hope this article provided you with valuable insights on Kratom and its effects on the body, along with its safe use.
