The Beginner’s Guide to kratom
WHAT IS KRATOM?
Kratom, also known as Mitragyna Speciosa, is a tropical tree that is native to Southeast Asia, specifically in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea. The tree can grow up to 82 feet and is in the same family as the coffee plant.
The leaves of the kratom tree can be harvested and used for their psychoactive properties. The leaves are typically harvested from wild-growing trees in the region, but it can also be grown in home gardens and indoor plantations.
HOW LONG HAVE PEOPLE BEEN USING KRATOM?
Kratom has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia. The leaves of the kratom tree have been traditionally used by indigenous communities as a form of medicine, as well as a recreational drug.
Its use can be traced back to at least the 19th century in Thailand, where it was used as an opium substitute. The traditional use of kratom also extended to other countries in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The use of kratom in Western countries is relatively recent, with the first reported cases of kratom use in the United States dating back to the early 2000s.
Kratom is now widely available in the western countries and can be found in many forms such as raw powder, capsules, and as extracts, and it can be easily purchased in specialty shops or online.
WHAT IS KRATOM USED FOR?
Kratom is used for a variety of reasons and has been reported to have a number of potential benefits. Some of the potential benefits of kratom include:
Pain relief: Kratom leaves contain compounds that can help to relieve pain, similar to opioids but with less potential for addiction and overdose.
Anxiety and Depression relief: Kratom has been used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, this is due to its ability to increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
Stimulation: Kratom can also be used as a stimulant, increasing energy and focus.
Sedation: At higher doses, kratom can have sedative effects, which can help to reduce insomnia, improve sleep and alleviate stress.
Opioid withdrawal: Some people use kratom as a way to alleviate symptoms of opioid withdrawal
WHAT GIVES KRATOM IT’S PSYCHOACTIVE PROPERTIES?
Kratom contains a range of compounds, the most well-known of which are alkaloids. The main alkaloids found in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Mitragynine: is the most abundant alkaloid found in kratom and is responsible for most of its effects. It acts as a partial agonist of the mu-opioid receptor, which can help reduce pain and discomfort. It also has stimulant-like effects that can help increase energy levels and sociability.
7-hydroxymitragynine: is a minor alkaloid found in kratom, but it is thought to be responsible for some of its more potent effects. It is a much more potent agonist of the mu-opioid receptor than mitragynine, which can help with pain relief and opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Other alkaloids found in kratom include speciogynine, speciociliatine, paynantheine, and corynantheidine.
HOW DO YOU Take kratom?
Kratom can be taken in several ways, including:
Mixing kratom with water or in another liquid like juice and drinking it.
Capsules – prefilled or filling your own using a capsule machine.
Brewing Tea – boiling kratom powder in water and filtering it out.
Chewing on fresh kratom leaves, although this is less common as the leaves are not widely available in the Western world… and it’s disgusting.
Toss n’ Wash – pouring powder into your mouth (toss) and then immediately following it with water (wash).
Gel Films – thin films made from potato starch that you put kratom powder into, dip in water, and swallow with no taste.
For much more detail on how to take kratom, read How To Take Kratom – Comparing The Best Ways for 2022
how much kratom should i take?
The right amount of kratom to take can change depending on the person, how it's taken, and what you want to feel. It's important to start with a small amount and slowly increase it so you don't have bad side effects.
A good starting point for whole kratom powder (not extract) is 2-3 grams. It’s always better to start smaller, to see how it effects you.
Keep in mind that kratom can make you feel different ways depending on how much you take. A small amount will give you more energy while a larger amount will make you feel more relaxed
what are the different kinds of kratom?
There are different types or strains of kratom, which are classified based on the drying process of the leaf and the location where the tree is grown. The three main types of kratom are:
White: Whites are dried in the sun. It is known for its energizing and mood-enhancing effects. White strains are believed to be the most stimulating of the three main types and is often used to manage mild pain and improve focus, energy, and overall well-being.
Green: Greens are dried in the dark. It is known for its energizing and mood-enhancing effects. Green strains are believed to be a balance between red and white kratom and is often used to manage mild pain and improve focus and energy.
Red: Reds are moistened for a bit until they turn dark, then dried in the sun. It is known for its sedative and pain-relieving effects. Red strains are believed to be the most powerful of the three main types and are often used to manage chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
Using these three types, blends are made. For example, “Gold” strains are usually a mixture of green and red, while some vendors even add a tiny bit of white as well.
The effects of kratom can vary depending on the dosage, strain, and the individual taking it.
how is kratom harvested?
The process of harvesting kratom leaves typically involves the following steps:
Identifying mature kratom trees: Kratom trees are typically harvested when they reach maturity, which can take up to 6 years.
Cutting the leaves: The leaves of the kratom tree are typically harvested by cutting them from the branches using a sharp knife or scissors.
Drying the leaves: After the leaves are harvested, they are then dried. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the weather and the drying method used.
Crushing or powdering the leaves: Once the leaves are dry, they are typically crushed or powdered to make them easier to use.
Packaging and storage: The final product is then packaged and stored in a dry place to prevent mold and decay.
It's important to note that the quality of kratom leaves can vary depending on the method of harvesting, the maturity of the plant, and the geographical location where it was harvested. Therefore, it's important to source kratom from reputable sources that are transparent about their harvesting and processing methods.
what are the risks with kratom?
Addiction/Dependence: Although much less than with pharmaceuticals, kratom can be addictive with long-term use, leading to physical and psychological dependence. To prevent dependence, it is recommended not to consume kratom on a regular basis and to periodically take tolerance breaks.
Side Effects: Kratom can cause nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and insomnia. However, it does not cause respiratory depression, as pharmaceutical opioids do.
Quality Control: To avoid risk of consuming contaminated/adulterated products, purchase from a reputable source that is approved by the American Kratom Association (AKA).
As always, consult with a doctor before using kratom and be aware of the potential side effects and risks associated with use.
Sources:
"What Is Kratom? Jan 2021." American Kratom Association, https://assets.website-files.com/61858fcec654303987617512/619ddeac793d144d09fbc28a_aka-policy-brief-1---what-is-kratom-jan-2021.pdf.
"Kratom." National Institute on Drug Abuse, https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom#kratom.
"Strains vs Blends." Trees of Life, https://mytreesoflife.com/strains-vs-blends.
"Kratom: What Science is Discovering about the Risks and Benefits of a Controversial Herb." The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/kratom-what-science-is-discovering-about-the-risks-and-benefits-of-a-controversial-herb-152677.