KRATOM 101
WHat is kratom?
Kratom, Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) is a tropical deciduous tree within the coffee family (Rubiaceae) that grows throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam. The leaves have been used for centuries as a food and medicine by the indigenous people of these regions. Reference to its consumption by Native Malayans appears in the literature as early as 1836, and a description of methods of consumption in parts of the Malay peninsula, particularly in the region that is now southern Thailand was reported by Wray in 1907. Traditionally kratom leaves are chewed either fresh or dried, have been consumed as a tea made from boiling leaves in water or used in cooking food, such as soup.
In Southeast Asia kratom is used for a similar purpose as Americans drink coffee; mainly to restore energy and improve alertness. Kratom is also reported to increase work efficiency by improving physical stamina and alleviating the minor aches and pains associated with physical labor. Recent surveys show that kratom is still used today for these reasons across Southeast Asia and the general perception in these regions is that kratom is beneficial and poses little, if any, social or health risk.
Outside Southeast Asia, it is presumed that kratom is still traditionally used in communities with Southeast Asian heritage. In North America, kratom usage is still relatively new though growing in popularity, with reports suggesting kratom was first imported into the United States in the 1980s and 1990s. The number of kratom users in the United States remains vague but has been estimated as ranging from 3 to 5 million based on survey data.
(Mis)Information Overload
Information overload, that is what you find when you try to find information about kratom. It seems everyone has an opinion and it is really hard to determine what is truth or figure out where can you find trusted information. Even from within the U.S. government, the organization established to ensure public safety, there is conflicting information.
We have created this space to provide truthful and unbiased information. You do not even have to trust that what we say is true because everything here will be cited to peer-review scientific literature. The difference between media articles and peer-reviewed science is that anyone can have an “expert opinion” and throw it out into the ether on a web-site or put it into an article but only in the scientific literature is the information first anonymously reviewed by other experts before it is published.
So, the next time you see a statement about kratom, whether good or bad, look for the scientific citation that validates the statement.
how kratom works
Kratom works by interacting with the body’s central nervous system. The primary active compound in kratom, known as an alkaloid, is mitragynine. These alkaloids are opioid receptor agonists, with some affinity to binding, which are involved in pain perception, mood, and nervousness. However the binding is not the likely mechanism of action.
When consumed, kratom can produce a range of effects depending on the dosage and strain. At lower doses, it can produce stimulant-like effects, including increased energy and alertness, while higher doses can produce sedative-like effects, including pain relief and a sense of well-being.
It’s important to note that it is still unclear how kratom may interact with other chemicals such as prescription and recreational drugs. Effects on the body are not fully understood and more research is needed in understanding these interactions.
Kratom Formats
Popular formats for consuming kratom include powder, capsules, and extracts. Kratom powder is made by grinding the leaves of the kratom tree, and can be mixed with liquids or used to make capsules. Extracts are concentrated forms of kratom that are made by boiling down the leaves to create a concentrated liquid extract. This liquid is used to create kratom shots and kratom extracts.
how to take kratom shots
Kratom shots are a form of kratom supplement that can be taken in liquid form. They are usually taken orally, and are usually mixed with a liquid such as water or juice before consumption.
When taking kratom shots, it is important to follow the recommended dosage guidelines on the packaging. It is also important to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it to find the right amount for you. It is also recommended to avoid taking kratom on an empty stomach, as this can cause nausea.
It’s also important to note that kratom should not be mixed with other substances, particularly those that also interact with the opioid receptors, as this can lead to dangerous interactions and side effects.
Kratom Effects
Kratom is known to have a range of benefits, particularly related to pain management, mood regulation and as an aid to increase energy. It’s believed that the alkaloids in kratom bind to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which are involved in pain perception, mood, and nervousness. This is why kratom is commonly used as an alternative pain relief option, particularly for chronic pain conditions.
Additionally, Kratom has been reported to have positive effects on mood, as well as a relaxing and calming effect that can help to reduce stress and nervousness. Some people use kratom help improve focus and concentration. It’s also known to be used as an energy booster while some people use it for a mental boost when working on challenging tasks. However, It’s important to note that the kratom effects and benefits vary depending on the dosage and individual physiology.