Kratom – also known as Mitragyna Speciosa is a unique herb/plant that grows naturally all across South East Asian countries. The most popular ones being – Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bali, etc.
Historically speaking, kratom was popular for its ability to manage chronic pains and overcome addiction on opiates (as part of folk medicine). It was also used to manage a bunch of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, etc. However, the herb found its way into Western markets since the onset of the 21st century.
Kratom is readily available both offline and online and you’re most likely to find it in powder and capsule form which happen to remain two of the most popular forms of kratom among users. You can visit Kratom Crazy – the online store to browse through kratom products. Except for a few countries and states – you should have no trouble getting your hands on it.
What do users have to say about Kratom?
Let it be known that kratom has not been studied clinically and so there’s little to no clinical evidence to support its efficiency. However, the internet is filled with anecdotal evidence including this WebMD page and Reddit reviews where people have talked about how kratom helped them manage years of chronic pains and also helped them overcome addiction to substances.
With that said, let’s jump right into discussing what all physical and mood-associated benefits you can expect from kratom’s consumption. But, before that – let us warn you that the FDA does not oversee kratom production, distribution, or dosage. Therefore, it’s advised to start with 1-2 grams initially if you’re a beginner and be careful with the dosage accuracy before upping it slowly over some time.
● Mild ‘Euphoric’ Sensation
Kratom is one of those herbs that will give you a mild high or euphoria. Don’t worry – what you’ll experience is ‘the legal high’. It is not going to knock you out or make you forget days or anything. Kratom happens to be legal almost everywhere in the US (with a few exceptions). And, even though majority users consume it for pain management, there are a few who use it for occasional recreational purposes also. In other words, they use it for ‘the mild high’.
Kratom’s working mechanism is largely unknown but it’s believed to interact much in the same way as opioids. However, it’s important to mention that kratom is not addictive.
Check out this research paper for more information on this. It’s the presence of two major alkaloids namely Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine that bind with the opioid receptors in the brain and produce that mild euphoric sensation.
● Expect mild relief from Anxiety
Kratom’s history in managing mental health issues goes back to the early 19th century. The natives would chew a few leaves before attending a social gathering. It helped them overcome anxiety and made them sociable.
If you’re someone who has been battling with anxiety for years – you may see some reduction in the severity of the anxiety you generally experience. As a result, you may suddenly find yourself talking more and may feel a sudden lowering of inhibitions. Check out this clinical mention for more information.
If you plan on being social for the next couple of hours, you may want to drink kratom tea. It may help you open up and be more socially confident. If you generally feel shy and awkward – you’re more likely to experience this particular effect of kratom.
● Relief from chronic pains and better mood
A no-brainer – we’ve already talked about pain management as one of kratom’s highest selling points. Many who struggled with chronic pains for years have found a better way of leading a pain-free life with kratom. Whether you choose to get it in the form of powder or tea is really up to you.
This sudden relief from bodily discomforts may ultimately improve your overall disposition. You feel more optimistic and generally happy about life. If you want to know more about its mood-enhancing and pain-relieving properties, check out this medical journal.
● Helpful in managing/overcoming Depression
This is another psychosomatic front where kratom may prove helpful. Its capability in managing a whole range of mood disorders extends well beyond stress and anxiety. It may also, to some degree, help fight depression.
Granted the relief may only be temporary, but even the temporary results may be worth it for those who need a break from a non-stop train of negative thoughts running in their head. To that end, you may suddenly find yourself feeling more in control of your emotions, thoughts, and feelings. Some users find themselves feeling hopeful and calmer.
While you’re not going to find any clinical evidence to stipulate these effects – there’s no dearth of online anecdotal mentions that support these claims.
There’s no doubt that kratom does offer a more natural and herbal route for managing an entire spectrum of mood-related and mental disorders. If you stick to the right dosage – under the right circumstances – you should definitely experience these effects; including mild/temporary relief from depression.
Can Kratom Make You Happy?
Kratom in itself is not a happy-making plant or herb. However, when you combine the occasional mild high along with relief from anxiety and depression coupled with a newfound sense of joy and hope – one may say that kratom could inadvertently – make you happy.
Final Thoughts
Since most people don’t rely just on anecdotal evidence – there’s a strong need for more full-fledged medical research and clinical trials to fully understand kratom’s true benefits and potential.
Also, since it’s not regulated by any regulatory body such as the FDA – users are advised to educate themselves about different kinds of kratom strains (all of which are unique in their effects). It’s also crucial that you buy from a certified vendor only to vouch for the quality.
Lastly, be mindful of the dosage and keep monitoring the effects to avoid any unpleasant effects.
