Are you seeking a better alternative to modern medicine and over-the-counter drugs? Kratom might be the answer. It offers a wealth of potential benefits, from relieving pain to boosting energy. The herbal leaf could improve various areas of your mental and physical health.
Kratom is the common name for a Southeast Asian tree called Mitragyna speciosa. It contains several compounds that induce various effects when you consume the leaves. The primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, could enhance your well-being.
What benefits does Kratom provide? Join us as we explore the leaf’s positive aspects and which areas it could prove advantageous for you. We also cover the different strains and where to buy the highest-quality products.
Does Kratom help with physical pain?
Physical pain is debilitating and sometimes it may feel like there’s no solution to ease the discomfort. Some prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) meds offer relief but are not always ideal. They may also induce concerning side effects or have addictive potential.
Many users report that Kratom helps ease physical pain and it's worthwhile noting the original consumers of Kratom applied the leaves as a topical anaesthetic.
Modern advocates claim it’s better than prescription medication, stating it to be more effective than oxycodone, morphine and hydrocodone.
Kratom might help relieve neuropathic and nociceptive pain. The former occurs with chronic diagnoses like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and cancer. The latter occurs when you have an injury to muscle, body tissue, or tendons.
Experiencing pain affects you physically and psychologically. Using Kratom might help alleviate that discomfort. The alkaloids it contains work by binding to the nervous system and opioid receptors. They are believed to have similar effects to common pain relievers.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study indicated Kratom’s ability to increase pain tolerance. Those who consumed the leaf reportedly felt less discomfort after placing their hands in an ice bath while those who took a placebo experienced the usual unease.
Kratom might also provide anti-inflammatory effects. It could inhibit cyclooxygenase-2, helping to ease acute pain like that caused by sports injuries. Some reports claim relief from menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, and ligament and joint inflammation too.
Red vein, Bali and Borneo have been suggested as the best strains for easing pain symptoms. White Maeng Da could also relieve migraines and joint and back pain. Others report relief of fibromyalgia, muscle spasms and stiffness in the spine.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine could release endorphins that decrease the intensity of pain signals. Kratom may work in your neurochemistry to manage and alleviate feelings of discomfort.
Does Kratom help with chronic pain?
Kratom also shows potential in easing chronic pain symptoms. It may provide relief thanks to the alkaloids binding to opioid receptors. The results are similar to codeine and morphine, without the severe side effects.
Some users report Kratom helps with chronic skin conditions like psoriasis. It may also provide topical treatment of eczema and acne. You could also experience less itching and relief from burns, wounds and scars.
Kratom might have antifungal and antibacterial properties. It could also release essential endorphins, increasing pain tolerance and positive emotions.
One study on rats showed that mitragynine could reduce neuropathic pain. It may work on opioid and adrenergic mechanisms, reducing chronic disease-related discomfort.
Anecdotal reports say that Kratom may provide treatment for chronic conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Autoimmune disorders
- Connective tissue disorders
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Long-term sports injuries
- Chronic joint and muscle pain
The suggested Kratom dosage for chronic pain relief is 2 - 4 grams. This amount may provide euphoria, sedation, stimulation and pain relief. Each individual is different, so it is recommended to start low and slowly increase the dose. Stick to a single regime once you achieve the desired effects.
Does Kratom help with mental health?
A comprehensive, systematic review of pre-clinical Kratom studies showed positive results. It revealed the therapeutic potential and safety profile of the plant in humans.
Kratom might promote a positive state of mind. It may inspire uplifting feelings and reduce negative ones. Mitragynine, the primary alkaloid, binds to the brain’s opioid receptors. This action aids in regulating your moods and promoting serenity.
Users have touted Kratom as being an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. It might help improve blood circulation, resulting in a clearer, more focused mind.
Kratom could also improve cell and food metabolism. This action helps your body produce more energy, heightening positivity and motivation. Mitragyna speciosamay also help combat fatigue while increasing focus.
You might experience euphoria after using Kratom. The herbal leaf may promote feelings of tranquility, relaxation and mental clarity.
Kratom isn’t a treatment for mental health ailments or psychiatric disorders. Some users claim it helps combat bipolar disorder by stabilizing emotions. The White Borneo strain reportedly promotes contentment and mood regulation.
Mitragynine may also provide similar effects to anti-psychotics. It could inhibit receptors that cause irregular brain patterns. You might feel calmer thanks to the leaf’s reaction with kappa, mu-opioid and delta receptors.
Anecdotal reports tout Red Bali as being an effective mood stabilizer and booster. The strain contains high alkaloid content, leading to euphoric and mellow feelings.
Kratom might also prove efficient in combating stress and anxiety. Its soothing effects in higher doses could ease the mental strain of daily stressors. It may calm your nerves and help you focus on different tasks more clearly.
Red Kratom strains are popular for easing emotional tensions. They might combat chronic stress, anxiety attacks and fatigue. White vein varieties reportedly clear the mind, promote mental clarity and boost motivation.
Other anecdotal benefits of Kratom for mental health include:
- Enhancing concentration
- Improving memory
- Easing symptoms of panic attacks
- Relieving mental burnout
- Increasing alertness
- Improving sleep
The stimulant effect of Kratom in low doses might also provide a motivational boost when you need it. You may experience enhanced cognition, leading to better problem-solving and more organized thinking.
Does Kratom affect serotonin and dopamine?
Kratom may play a role in inducing the release of essential neurotransmitters. Two critical examples are serotonin and dopamine, known as 'happy chemicals'.
Serotonin sends messages across our internal systems. It aids in regulating and controlling body temperature, happiness, sleep, hunger and memory. The gut produces most of the chemical, but the brain also releases some.
Low serotonin affects your mood negatively. It can cause irregularities in the digestive tract and sleep cycles. Average levels of the chemical contribute to feeling content, happy and focused.
Serotonin in the gut’s enterochromaffin cells helps regulate digestive system movements. The neurotransmitter also aids in regulating:
- Mood and emotions
- Concentration
- Cognition
- The sleep-wake cycle
- Blood clotting
- Appetite
- Metabolism
- Hormonal fluctuations
Dopamine, the 'pleasure hormone', is similar to serotonin. It works in our reward systems by making us feel good when we do specific activities. Drinking or eating sugary treats boosts the neurotransmitter, producing happy, uplifting emotions.
The dopamine reward system aids brain processes that manage desire, motivation and cravings. The chemical also plays a role in some vital bodily functions:
- Alertness
- Sleep
- Movement
- Moods
- Blood flow
- Learning
- Urination
Scientists have observed mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine showing vital receptor-binding properties. Most notably, they interact with 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C. These receptors influence the brain’s serotonin levels, regulating sleep, mood and appetite.
The 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors may mediate compounds involved in anxiety and depression. They could regulate sleep patterns, schizophrenia, hallucinations and eating behaviors.
Kratom may stimulate the production of acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter travels through your nerve cells to perform various functions. It helps to regulate the endocrine system, improve focus and memory and ease pain.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine bind to norepinephrine (noradrenaline) receptors. This action has a stimulant effect, so Kratom might help combat lethargy in low doses. It could boost energy and improve focus at work, used in a similar way to our ancient Southeast Asian predecessors.
Kratom’s alkaloids could promote the release and reuptake of dopamine in the brain. They bind to D2 receptors, enhancing your reward system. They could also increase motivation and help you tackle daily tasks better.
People struggling with pain tend to develop anxiety and depression. The potential for Kratom to alleviate discomfort may help combat these feelings.
The Red Bali Kratom strain is popular for promoting serotonin and dopamine-related effects. It may help users feel relaxed and experience relief from stress. Some report it’s best for evening use. It could induce tranquility, euphoria and sedation, particularly in higher doses.
Discover the benefits of Kratom from Hidden Valley Botanicals
Now that you know about the potential benefits of Kratom, are you ready to try it yourself?
At Hidden Valley Botanicals, we provide peace of mind with high-quality products. We only source 100% pure Mitragyna speciosa without additives or synthetic compounds. Find the strain that suits you best and start enjoying the benefits of Kratom today.