Hemp has had its day earning the disapproval of the FDA, and now there’s another botanical doing the rounds.
People have been harnessing the power of Kratom for centuries without ill-effect.
So, until proved otherwise, let’s talk about the benefits of Kratom.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom hails from a tree of the same name, known as Mitragyna Speciosa which is a tropical species found in Africa and Southeast Asia.
The leaves of this plant contain over 40 compounds and more than 25 alkaloids.
The most notable of these are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These two elements work like codeine and morphine to relieve pain.
In fact, the latter is 13 times stronger than morphine and can be harmful in large doses. It is wise to avoid Kratom products with a high concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Kratom is not an opiate, but it works on the bodies opiate receptors to induce the same results without the negative side-effects of opioids.
Kratom has been widely used in Asia for centuries as a medicinal tea. You can also smoke, chew or take it in capsule form.
According to thekratomconnection.com, there are about a dozen different strains of Kratom available today.
But what are they good for?
The Health Benefits of Kratom
The best-known Kratom benefits and uses center around its calming properties, but there are at least 8 known benefits of Kratom.
Here they are:
Relieves Pain
When you ingest Kratom, it stimulates the release of the feel-good hormones, dopamine, and serotonin.
This immediately makes you feel better and is the most important medicinal use of Kratom.
Supports the Immune System
Independent studies show that the alkaloids found in Kratom leaves act against bacteria to help the body fight infections.
In this way, Kratom acts as an effective anti-oxidant when ingested.
Boosts Energy
Kratom helps increase energy levels by activating metabolic processes that impact your hormone levels. This, in turn, creates a burst of energy when you most need it.
As a result, Kratom is useful to patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and a hit with students cramming for exams.
As a Sexual Stimulant
Naturally, this extra burst of oomph can also act as a libido booster.
In this way, Kratom earns a place on the list of natural aphrodisiacs like oysters, ginseng, and Ginkgo Biloba.
Reduces Anxiety
Pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications work to release the same feel-good hormones that Kratom does.
The difference is that Kratom does this without harmful chemicals to relieve anxiety.
Treats Diabetes
The alkaloids in Kratom leaves help to regulate glucose and insulin levels in the blood.
This can safeguard against the dramatic highs and lows that disrupt the well-being of diabetics.
Helps with Addiction Recovery
All of the above physiological and mental effects of Kratom work together to ease the withdrawal symptoms associated with going off opioids.
At the same time, Kratom re-creates the same calming and pain-relieving effects of opium.
This helps ease the transition to clean-living for many addicts.
What’s the Catch with Kratom?
Just like people react to different medications in their own ways, Kratom can have some side effects.
The most common ones are vomiting, constipation, and nausea after using Kratom.
Unfortunately, if you are one of these people that experiences Kratom side effects, you won’t be able to enjoy the benefits of Kratom. Luckily, these incidences are rare.
Keep reading the food and drink section of our blog. You’ll find loads more articles about the ways that nutrition, herbs, and supplements can enhance your well-being.