Kratom

Kratom for Focus, Energy, and Creativity

Kratom (kray-tum), or Mitragyna speciosa, is a plant native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and can be consumed to induce various mental and physical effects, such as sedation or dizziness. The plant has a thin stem and broad leaves with a pointed tip. Kratom can be consumed as crushed leaves (eaten or smoked), tea, capsules or powder.

In previous centuries, Kratom was used to treat diarrhea, pain, opioid and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, as well as detoxify the body from other substances, improve sexual desire and fight fatigue.

Today, surveys indicate that kratom users consume the plant as a nonprescription treatment for pain, opioid disorders, depression and anxiety, although these uses—or any others, for that matter—are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Kratom’s two main active compounds are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which bind to the body’s opioid receptors and produce a morphine-like effect. Users often experience feelings of sedation, including euphoria, pain relief and decreased breathing at higher doses, while lower doses tend to cause alertness, physical energy, talkativeness and rapid heartbeat.

A 2015 study with 10 men administered between 6.25 and 11.5 milligrams (mg) per day for one week and a final dose of 6.25 to 23 mg. The researchers concluded that kratom could be used as an opioid substitute for those addicted to opioids. The worst side effects of the study were temporary blood pressure and pulse rate increases and tongue numbness; researchers speculate there were no serious adverse effects because they dosed less than 30 milligrams

Although kratom is known as a sedative, at lower doses it can boost energy and help you focus on tasks. Here are some first-hand accounts.

Reducing Anxiety: Kratom is a natural medicine that is being used to treat anxiety.
Treating Pain: Kratom is used by chronic pain sufferers all over the world. It even has the potential to replace stronger prescription medications! Learn more here.