Table of Contents
[ez-toc]Kratom is a plant that is native in several countries in Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea. The leaves of the plant have been used since ancient times as a traditional medicine to manage diarrhea, pain, and cough. The leaves are also smoked, which gives users a euphoric high.
Using Kratom, Products which users describe as pleasant and mild, is also considered as a solution to control cravings for and withdrawal symptoms of opioids, alcohol, and other addictive substances. Although more research is needed to validate these claims, kratom isn’t currently considered an illegal drug. If you need more information, KratomSpace talks about all things kratom.
Using Kratom Products
Traditional uses of kratom include acting as rubber trappers, as well as farmers consuming the leaves of the plant as a way to achieve more energy. Some people chew, crush, or brew its leaves and use them in cooking. Currently, kratom products are various, including pills, extracts, capsules, and vapes.
Recently, products made from it have been seen in health food shops, vape stores, and dispensaries that sell drug stuff all around Europe and the United States. These products, which range from beverages to capsules, have been sought by consumers looking for alternative medicine for various ailments.
Using kratom products can give varied effects depending on its doses. People have reported feeling more energetic, more alert, and more sociable when consuming low doses of the drug. On the other hand, high doses can cause drowsiness and even place a person in a dreamlike state.
Many people have reported the following sensations when using kratom:
- itching
- sweating
- nausea
- constipation
- appetite loss
- seizures
- hallucinations
- increased urination
- psychosis
Effects To The Brain
Today, one can quickly get a hold of the substance as it’s easy to purchase online. It presents as a green powder sold in packets. Some are labeled “not for human consumption”. If you’re curious about this substance, check out how it affects the brain.
It is believed that kratom works similarly to stimulants and opioids. This means that compounds in the plant attach to opioid receptors in the brain, which can lead to pleasure, sedation, and reduced feelings of pain. This is especially true when a person consumes large quantities of the plant.
One of its compounds, called mitragynine, is said to interact with other receptors in the brain, which produces stimulating effects.
Unfortunately, the use of kratom is also linked to several uncomfortable and fatal side effects. Also, more research is needed to learn more about how kratom works.
Safety And Drug Dependence with Kratom Products
Drug regulating bodies over the world haven’t approved any uses for kratom. More studies are needed to determine its safety and medicinal effects. Companies that offer it as treatment for addiction to various substances have been cracked down. Drug regulating agencies have also warned people against using kratom products found to contain harmful microorganisms, such as salmonella.
A number of people who reported regular use of kratom claimed that they experienced trouble sleeping, pain, fever, and diarrhea after they stopped using the drug. They also reported feelings of restlessness, tension, anger, and sadness when they stopped consuming kratom.
Because of these reported side and addictive effects, kratom products have been banned in some places and considered a controlled substance in different Asian and European countries. In the U.S., the DEA or Drug Enhancement Administration proposed to ban kratom only to drop their proposal at a later time to allow scientists to study the substance more.
Kratom Products and the Possible Overdose
There have been deaths (though very rate) linked to the use of this substance. However, investigation of these deaths has revealed that most of these people also consumed other substances, or foolishly used way too much.
In recent years, there have been 11 deaths, and nine of these involved the consumption of other medicines and drugs, including caffeine, alcohol, and cocaine. Two of the deaths were traced to using only kratom products .
In 2017 44 deaths were reported involving kratom, with one case linked to using kratom alone. All other deaths were found to have resulted from using mixed substances, including kratom and other substances including over-the-counter medicines, illegal drugs, alcohol, and opioids.
Kratom is sold as dietary supplement. When combined with other substances it has caused deaths.
Final Thoughts on Kratom Products
Kratom is a plant a growing number of people believe will provide medicinal benefits. It affects the brain the way opioids do and can help reduce feelings of pain, as well as increase alertness and sociability when taken in low doses. But, it can also be addictive, and there have been reports of its side effects, including nausea, psychosis, constipation, and seizures, especially when taken in high doses.
For these reasons, it’s important to seek a professional if planning to take kratom as a medicine.
Further Reading:
How to Take Kratom Extract: Tips for Beginners for Optimal Benefits
Strains of Kratom A Comprehensive 2023 Guide to Understanding the Different Types
