Overview of Kratom

Once a natural home remedy native to Southeast Asia, kratom today is making its mark on users seeking its immense medicinal properties across the globe. Also known as Mitragyna Speciosa, this plant is one of the most widely-known herbs that experts recommend for treating a vast range of ailments, according to Worldhealth.net.

From powders and capsules to extracts and teas, the use of kratom in its many forms is shifting the perception of the modern science landscape. Today, it’s estimated that between 11-15 million Americans use the different strains of kratom regularly, whether for energy, addiction relief, pain management, or its other presumed health benefits.

How does kratom work in the brain?

Kratom leaves are abundant in chemical compounds, more formally known as bioactive alkaloids, that are believed to bind to the brain’s opioid receptors and influence the body. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most well-studied of these compounds are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Found in kratom leaves, mitragynine breaks down into 7-hydroxymitragynine in the body once consumed, with both alkaloids activating the mu-opioid receptors that rest on the surface of nerve cells.

However, the research on the interaction between kratom’s predominant chemicals and the brain isn’t just limited to the effects on a user’s opioid receptors. In recent years, scientists have observed that mitragynine may also be effective in binding to people’s adrenergic receptors, serotonin receptors, and dopamine receptors — all of which may be responsible for its reportedly stimulating effects in users.

Regardless of where current research stands on kratom’s effects on the brain, the natural substance is often regarded to reap significant health benefits that can help users treat, manage, or cope with a range of conditions and diseases.

Health Benefits of Kratom

Before stepping into the realm of kratom, it’s important to first know the medical uses and health advantages associated with using this plant-based substance. Some of the most common kratom uses include:

Pain and inflammation relief

Physical pain is reported as the most common condition that kratom leaves can treat. According to Credihealth, a 2017 study found that kratom is especially beneficial for its immunity-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects, with the potential to treat pain resulting from both physical injury and chronic conditions.

Whereas many people have traditionally turned to painkillers and over-the-counter drugs to ease chronic pain and inflammation, kratom could offer a more natural way to manage these ailments. In fact, kratom strains, especially red-veined strains, have been indicated to considerably curb the severity of the pressing painkiller epidemic in the U.S., as they are widely used for their clean analgesic properties and balanced effects.

Energy enhancement

Kratom Powder

The kratom plant is known for its intense metabolic effects, which are believed to significantly increase a user’s energy and focus levels. According to Worldhealth.net, studies have found that the Mitragyna Speciosa leaves induce particular metabolic processes while enhancing others, which in turn escalates the body’s ability to generate energy.

Because kratom is understood to also increase blood circulation throughout the body, kratom leaves are suggested to expedite the conveyance of oxygen to vital body cells. As a result, the cells metabolize food substances at a much faster rate, swiftly producing higher energy levels.

Euphoric effects

According to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, some people prefer to use kratom for its ability to bring a little more positivity into their daily life. All three basic kratom strains — red, green, and white — have variants that are believed to offer euphoric properties, elevate mood, and deliver “happier” thoughts for hours on end.

Blood sugar regulation

Research suggests that the alkaloids present in kratom leaves could have a positive effect on users’ blood sugar levels. By regulating the body’s blood insulin and glucose levels, this herbal supplement may be considered effective in alleviating the harsh symptoms of diabetes. Working to keep diabetes at bay and help those who have already been diagnosed manage their condition, this herbal supplement is suggested to prevent dangerous peaks and drops most commonly associated with high blood pressure.

In addition to managing blood sugar levels, kratom leaves also interact with satiety receptors that are located in the body’s hypothalamus. For those suffering from diabetes or obesity, kratom may help curb your appetite for sugary treats and other trigger foods.

Opiate withdrawal management

While kratom is often reported to produce opioid-like effects in users, this all-natural plant is only a partial opioid agonist and does not induce long-term dependency. As such, the leaves of kratom are believed to effectively help treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, such as:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sleeplessness
  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings

One of the main reasons why experts cite kratom as a potential substance to treat opioid addiction lies in its ability to provide similar sensations as opioid drugs — without the characteristic comedowns and severe side effects.

Libido enhancement

Because kratom can improve energy levels, reduce anxiety, and stimulate feelings of euphoria, the natural psychoactive drug is often believed to enhance libido.

According to a 2019 study conducted by the Journal of Herbal Medicine, 99% of the people who used kratom to enhance their sex life found that they benefitted from increased libido and better sexual performance. The general consensus behind this finding lies in kratom’s powerful aphrodisiac effects, making the plant an incredibly useful herbal performance enhancer.

Mood regulation

Mood elevation is another commonly favored, presumed health benefit of kratom. History has it that natives of countries such as Thailand and Malaysia traditionally chewed kratom leaves to stay calm and relaxed during social gatherings or events. To this day, kratom users across the globe are still turning to kratom to calm their nerves, feel more sociable, and promote a more positive state of mind, according to Credihealth.

In addition to helping to treat anxiety, the sedative effects of kratom are also suggested to aid with depression and low mood management, making the plant an efficient method to keep users at peace even in the most taxing situations.

Your Kratom Journey With Kratom Connect

No matter if you’re seeking relief from chronic pain or are in need of a mental health boost, kratom may be the next all-natural solution to your health needs, according to some. At Kratom Connect, our premium products are produced using stringent manufacturing guidelines and quality control procedures to bring you the most high-quality kratom in today’s market. We offer green, red, and white-veined strains in our kratom powders and capsules.

To learn more about the benefits of kratom, shop our collection of products or sign up to receive your free sample pack today.