Curious about Kratom? Perhaps, you might have encountered the term while scrolling online. Or maybe, you’ve heard it somewhere and got curious on what the word refers to and where to buy kratom online

Often, for people who are familiar with the Southeast Asian culture, Kratom may originally refer to the herbal supplement used traditionally by the masses to relieve aches and pains in the past. However, to date, the identity of Kratom has become more complicated than that.

Specifically, from an herbal supplement, the plant shifted to a recreational drug often used to elevate mode, boost physical endurance, and even relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Below, we have rounded up everything you need to know about this traditional herbal medicine, along with its benefits, uses, and dosage. Read on to know more.

What is Kratom?

Essentially, the term Kratom refers to a type of evergreen tree found in Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines and other South Asian countries.

What gave the tree a special status is its leaves, which are used as medicine and as recreational drug when chopped, chewed, or made into tea.

Are there Benefits Attached to Consuming Kratom?

Specifically, the leaves of Kratom contains two potent alkaloids, named the mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. When ingested, these alkaloids can produce euphoria and provide pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxant effects.

Due to this, the plant has been used traditionally by local labourers in Asia to combat fatigue and relieve pain that come with their day-to-day tasks

However, that is just the beginning.

Soon, due to the plant’s mood-boosting effects, it was later adapted to become an alternative med to treating mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Its sedative feature, which evokes feelings of euphoria, also made it an ideal treatment to ease withdrawal symptoms from illicit drug use.

How Much Kratom Should One Take?

Generally, consuming Kratom can lead to either a stimulant or sedative effect.

To achieve the first one, it is advised to take the substance in low doses, usually lower than 10 grams. When this happens, people who take the plant are expected to feel a boost in their energy, alertness, and giddiness. However, similar to the ‘high’ effect associated with marijuana, kratom consumption also leads to reduced motor coordination.

The effects are said to usually start within 10 minutes after ingesting the plant and can last up to one and half hour.

Meanwhile, when taken in larger dose, usually between 10 to 25 grams, users are to experience kratom’s sedative effect, which are often described with general feelings of calmness and euphoria lasting up to six hours.

Why Is It Banned in Other Countries?

Generally, while there is good anecdotal emerging evidence that kratom are effective in relieving withdrawal symptoms, there are also a few studies suggesting that using the herbal medicine can lead to the development of another addiction.

In one particular study, for instance, people who took kratom for over six months were reported to had experienced withdrawal symptoms similar to those that occur after opioid use.

Other side effects also often linked to the drug include constipation, severe weight loss, insomnia, and loss of appetite.

Because of these, kratom remains to be a controversial medicine in the science field.

What Now?

To date, with still no sufficient clinical and rigorous studies focusing on kratom, its benefits remain to be deeply anecdotal.

However, despite this, many proponents still believe that the true medicinal potential of the herbal medicine is still yet to be unveiled.