Have you heard of kratom addiction? Some liken it to a coffee addiction while others compare it to opiate addiction.
What is kratom? It is considered a supplement or a medication but is otherwise referred to as a recreational drug. Either way, it is not regulated by the FDA.
Keep reading to find out all you need to know about this leaf and leaf extract from a tree found in Southeast Asia.
What Is Kratom Made Of?
Kratom is made from the leaves of a tropical tree that is native to Southeast Asia. It’s an herb extracted from the leaves of the evergreen tree, Mitragyna speciosa.
What Are Its Uses?
Kratom is used as an alternative medicine for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, cough, diabetes, or withdrawal from heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs.
There is not very much evidence to support claims of its effectiveness and it is banned in several states.
It is often marketed as a tea in liquid form to treat muscle pain or as an appetite suppressant. People also use it to stop cramps and diarrhea.
How To Take Kratom
It comes in various forms like capsules, tablets, tinctures, gum, and extracts. Some eat the fresh or dried leaves, while others enjoy it as a tea.
Dried leaves are also ground into a powder and it is ingested that way. A less common way to take it is by smoking or in a vape pen.
The kratom dosage amount depends on your reason for taking it, your age, sex, health status, and most importantly, in what form you’re using it. Some are more potent than others.
How It Affects You
When using kratom, one can feel the effects on the brain and/or the body within five or ten minutes. The positive effects range from the following:
- increased energy
- boost in mood
- less anxiety
- increased focus
- more chatty
- decreased pain
- muscle relaxtion
The negative side effects can be mild or more serious and include:
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- itching
- memory problems
- heart palpatations
- high blood pressure
- insomnia
- liver or kidney problems
- psychosis
Because kratom can interact with other substances like prescription drugs and alcohol, the CDC reported hundreds of calls to poison control centers around the country. Most of the calls were for mild or moderate side effects.
Looking for an alternative to a morning coffee? Check out white ketapang capsules and experience their energizing effects.
What is Kratom? Now You Know
Now that you have the answer to your question, “What is kratom?”, you can decide if it’s something you want to try amid the safety concerns. Consult a pharmacist or other health professional before kratom usage.
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