If you are an ardent reader of health news, you must have read about kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). It’s a tropical tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves or extracts from them are used to make what has been marketed as a natural stimulant and sedative sold in the form of teas and capsules of plain powder.
Since many people use the supplement without a prescription to alleviate minor health problems, even healthcare providers and kratom experts suggest its use instead of synthetic medication. If you weren’t aware, kratom is also an ideal energy booster and can help users overcome fatigue and lethargy. On the other hand, when it concerns the doses and use of kratom, there’s a lot of confusion among users. This is because of various applications of the Southeastern herb.
In the market, suppliers sell this potent substance in ground leaves, tinctures, and capsules. Moreover, in Thailand, native users simply chew on kratom leaves to experience the desired results. Meanwhile, in other regions where the plant is not cultivated or locally grown, you can opt for kratom tea, extracts, strains like Maen Da and green Borneo kratom, and other infused supplements.
Kratom powder
The powder is produced by grinding sun-dried leaves. In addition, the fresh leaves of kratom are dried for a couple of days until the entire moisture evaporates. Post this step; these leaves are then grounded in a traditionally-driven mortar or through grinding machines in factories. Since kratom powder is the most-infused supplement, many users select it instead of capsules. Once you have it, consider mixing the powder with your choice of beverage. Moreover, you can even use it to make herbal tea, which, again, can produce soothing effects.
Yet another reason why users avoid kratom powder is because of the mess it can create. Even though this isn’t a significant drawback, prepare the area around you before utilizing kratom powder.
Kratom capsules
Remember, capsules are not a prevalent form in the Southeast parts of the world. That’s because native users are used to consuming raw leaves or boiling them to make their morning tea. However, they are the most popular commercial form of kratom. It’s important to know that these supplements are available in vegetable and gelatin-based capsules comprising kratom powder.
Unlike kratom powder, people do not have to measure their doses with kratom capsules. The manufacturers and brands already pre-equip the capsule with a specific amount that can be found on the product packaging. All a user must do is swallow them with water. Capsules can also save users from the weird kratom taste. This is due to the inclusion of gelatine shells that make the entire experience bearable and pleasant.
Once you’re well-versed with the supplement, there’s one drawback – delayed action. Consuming kratom in capsule form will take 15-20 minutes before getting digested and releasing the active alkaloids.
Buying Kratom
In the U.S, kratom is marketed as one of the many alternative medicines in the market. You can find it in stores that stock supplements and sometimes in farmers’ markets. Like every other product you can think of, you can also buy kratom online. Online sales are highest thanks to the convenience of delivery along with purchases.
Why Take Kratom?
Pain relief
Aside from recreational use, many people find value in kratom for pain relief. According to a study by the University of Rochester Medical Center, kratom has proved to be an effective analgesic and pain killer.
One user reports that kratom powder in a glass of water daily is why she can walk after an excruciatingly painful knee injury.
To ease withdrawal symptoms.
The other reason people take kratom is to be able to stop using other drugs. Users say kratom can help to ease the pain of withdrawal symptoms, making the recovery journey somewhat more accessible. It also helps that you don’t need a prescription to get kratom.
Strains of Kratom
Many different types or strains of kratom are available in the market with different effects. Effects can be broadly categorized as mood-enhancing, energy-boosting, pain relief, sedation, stimulation, and relaxation. Whether new to kratom use or not, it is important to understand the different strains to select strains to give you your desired effects. Other strains are generally green, white, or red.
Color differences
Green: green kratom strains are best for pain relief and serve as mild stimulants to enhance mood. Effects last about 8 hours.
White: These strains are best for energy boosting and are commonly used to treat depression. Effects last about 4 hours.
Red: These are ideal for relaxation and pain relief. It is these that serve best in opiate withdrawal. Effects last about 5 hours.
Powder or capsules – which one is better?
By now, you’d be wondering which type of product is preferable for daily use; the powder or capsules? Honestly, there is no right product you can consume. The choice entirely depends on what a user is looking for.
Users who wish to experience instant results and do not have issues tasting the bitterness of kratom can opt for powder. On the other hand, if you wish to experience the traditional taste of this herb, you can make tea with ground leaves. Convenience seekers can also benefit from capsules. In the end, simply use kratom capsules that are already equipped with powder and are good to go.
Conclusion
Kratom is a viable natural option for recreational use and in higher doses for pain management. You can find a wide variety of types in the form of supplements in health shops online. It is essential to consider the strain you choose to achieve the desired effects.
