Kratom has rapidly gained popularity over the last few years, becoming one of the hottest new alternative medicine trends in the West.
Indeed, used for centuries in the East, Kratom’s numerous medicinal properties have prompted an increased consumption among health-conscious consumers. And with over 15 million active Kratom users in the US alone, according to the American Kratom Association, the supplement is now more popular than ever.
Are you wondering what benefits have made this Southeast Asian plant so popular?
To assist you, we’ll highlight what Kratom is before looking at its health benefits.
What is Kratom?
Kratom (or Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree within the coffee family. The tree is native to Southeast Asia and, more particularly, indigenous to Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Malaysia. Other names for Kratom include Biak, Ketum, Thang or Thom.
Related reading: Caffeine and Kratom : 4 Important Similarities
Kratom leaves and powder have been used for centuries in Southeast Asia as a natural remedy to alleviate pain, enhance the mood, or fight fatigue. While Kratom leaves have many different active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the two main active ingredients.
There are a few different Kratom types based on the color of the vein of the leave. Each strain has different mental and physical health benefits:
- White Vein
White Kratom is the most potent mood and energy enhancer of all Kratom strains. As a result, it can be used to help increase concentration and provide an energy boost throughout the day.
- Green Vein
Green Kratom is a mild energy enhancer that can help increase focus and overcome social anxiety. It is not as potent as white kratom, making it ideal for people looking for an energy boost without risking overstimulation.
- Red Vein
Red Kratom is the most widespread strain available on the market. The supplement provides soothing benefits making it an excellent natural sleep aid. It can also be used to relax the body.
Note that consumed at lower doses, Kratom has a stimulant effect. However, the plant has sedative properties when consumed at higher doses. Kratom is mainly consumed as a pill, powder, extract, gum, or tea.
Kratom’s Health Benefits
The reason behind Kratom’s incredible success over the last few years is the numerous health benefits this natural remedy can provide. Indeed, while Kratom is often touted for its pain relief and euphoric properties, the supplement has also been associated with several other medicinal properties.
We’ve listed below some of the main benefits of using Kratom:
Relieves Pain
Mitragynine, one of the active ingredients present in Kratom leaves, is known to bind to opioid receptors in our brain, thus alleviating pain. Besides, 7-hydroxymitragynine, the other main ingredient present in Kratom, is 13 times more potent than morphine.
As a result, Kratom leaves have been used for centuries to alleviate pain due to their powerful analgesic effects. Besides, a few studies, including a study published by the NCBI have demonstrated the pain relief properties of this incredible plant.
Elevates Your Mood and Alleviates Anxiety and Depression
Mitragynine has powerful anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties, as highlighted in a few different studies. In addition to being a natural anti-depressant and anti-anxiety product, Kratom has also been associated with mood-enhancing properties by thousands of users.
Boosts Energy Levels
Usually chewed throughout long working days, Kratom has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia to provide a well-needed energy boost. More recently, numerous scientific studies revealed that low doses of Kratom act as a stimulant, therefore enhancing energy levels.
Enhances Libido
Some studies have shown that Kratom is an efficient natural sexual enhancer. Green Kratom strains are usually the best to improve sex drive and aid in prolonging sexual intercourse.
Helps with Addiction Recovery
Kratom has been commonly used to treat opioid withdrawal in Southeast Asia. Indeed, mitragynine, an alkaloid of Kratom, acts by binding opioid receptors, effectively reducing opioid withdrawal.
We hope this article has shed some light on what Kratom is and why it has become so popular. With so many powerful health benefits, it’s no wonder Kratom is being praised by health-conscious consumers looking for natural medicine alternatives
