What is kratom?
Kratom is a plant originally from Southeast Asia that has gained attention for its reported ability to increase energy. As an herbal supplement, it also relieves pain and help with anxiety and depression.
What is kratom?
Kratom is a tree that grows in Southeast Asia (known as Mitragyna speciose). It has been used for hundreds of years to treat opium addiction and provide energy. Its first documented use was in 1836. The effects of this substance come from its leaves, which can be eaten whole or brewed into tea. In countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, this has been traditionally used as an herbal remedy for pain relief among rural populations – much like plants like chamomile or peppermint.
How is it used?
Kratom is usually taken orally and can be consumed in many different ways. It is often sold in a mixable powder or as an herbal supplement in pill form. Like marijuana, it is also available as a powerful extract. Some retailers offer kratom gummies, chocolates, tea and seltzers. I provide the powder and the tea form.
It can be easily purchased both online and in stores. There is even a retail chain called “CBD Kratom” with numerous locations in the World.
Why is it used?
Kratom has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes. Several short-term effects make it appealing, particularly:
- Pain relief
- Energy boosts
- Lifting one’s mood
- Anxiety relief
- Stress relief
Much like marijuana, different kinds of kratom can have different properties; in low doses, it can be a stimulant, and in higher doses, it can produce more of a calming effect. Many sellers advertise their products as being able to boost energy and concentration. For example, some retailers sell “energy shots” – similar to a Five Hour Energy – that they claim can help provide “cognitive boosts” and can be used prior to a workout. Others promote specific strains for relaxation. It can also be a substance of choice for individuals who are regularly drug tested for work or as a condition of treatment because most standard drug tests do not test for it. However, it can be detected in specialized tests. Some research indicates its potential to help relieve pain in place of potentially addictive opioids.
Can it help with opioid withdrawal?Kratom has been reported by many as a potential treatment for opioid withdrawal. Opioids include heroin, fentanyl and pain relievers like Oxycontin and Vicodin. Withdrawal happens when opioid use stops and can make people very sick. Some early research indicates that this substance’s pain-relieving effects can significantly reduce the painful effects of opioid withdrawal. Additionally, most of the current research done on this substance has been limited to self-reports and observational studies rather than in a controlled clinical setting except dr Christopher McCurdy. You can watch his presentation about kratom on YouTube.
Is it legal?
Kratom products are not regulated at the national level in Indonesia, US and Europe which can make them easy to access. However, they are banned in many countries.
While these products are widely available, none have been approved by the FDA. They warn consumers not to use kratom at all due to the risk of dependence and addiction.
What are the risks?
While people experience benefits from it, kratom can have some side effects. Short-term side effects can include nausea, dizziness and dry mouth. Kratom can interact negatively with other substances and medications, which can cause overdose. Particularly worrisome is combining it with alcohol, sedatives and opioids. Regular use is also not recommended. It is not yet known if kratom on its own can cause an overdose, but some research suggests that it can increase the risk of overdose when used with other substances.
How can people be safe?
Kratom may have some reported potential benefits, and has been used for hundreds of years by populations in Southeast Asia, which shows that it does work as a remedy to reduce pain. Be sure to provide your customers with accurate information about kratom. Make sure they are aware that there can be side effects, and there has only been limited research so far. some safety measures you can encourage them to take include:
- Don’t mix it with other substances, as this can increase the chance of overdose.
- Do research and try to obtain it from reliable sources.
- Take it only when you need it. Never take it for recreational purpose.
Reported overdoses including kratom almost always happen along with other substances.
How much is it? It's $50/kg with the minimum order 10kg and free shipping. It only takes $500 to get 10kg kratom from Indonesia. It cost $80-$100 in the US and Europe.
