Traditionally, kratom leaves were used for various medicinal purposes. There are plenty of benefits derived from these leaves; some of them include prevention of diabetes, improving the body’s immune system, increasing sexual energy, boosting metabolism, and relieving pain. The leaves are also popular for easing anxiety, helping with addiction, eliminating stress, and inducing healthy sleep.
Kratom Leaves – What Are They?
Kratom originated in the native tropical tree found in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The leaves have been in medicinal use for quite a long time because of its morphine-like effects. Kratom leaves contain unique nutrients and chemical compounds, which include alkaloids and organic substances. Mitragynine is the active alkaloid found in kratom that is known for creating opioid-like effects.
The people in these countries widely chew the plant leaves. Surveys have shown that the male population in Thailand chew around 10-60 kratom leaves in a day. They can found in the form of leaves, gum, pellet, capsule, extract, and powder. People can consume it in the form of a tea, chew it, or even smoke it. If you want to purchase kratom products online, Big bear kratom is one of the well-known websites where you will find these products.
Kratom is known to have a fascinating history, mainly because it was banned in Thailand. But as it was the natural substitute for opium, it affected the country economy significantly after the ban.
You can buy kratom online, especially because it has gained the spotlight internationally. Some use it for medicinal purposes, while others use it as a recreational drug. Countries like Myanmar, Malaysia, and Australia has banned it in their markets. The European countries and the U.S. are using kratom for self-management of pain as well as withdrawal symptoms related to opioid drugs like prescription pain relievers and heroin. Kratom can only be used in countries where its use, possession, and distribution are legal.
Health Benefits
There are several fascinating health benefits offered by kratom. Let’s take a closer look at that.
Pain Reliever – Kratom leaves contain analgesic properties that can relieve pain very quickly. It does that effortlessly by altering the hormone system of the body. After chewing the leaves, the dopamine and serotonin levels of the body increases significantly. Therefore, it can help in alleviating pain responses. The alkaloids are also capable of dulling the pain receptors all over the body.
Immune System Booster – Independent studies were able to find out that alkaloids in kratom leaves display combinative effects that can improve the resilience and strength of the immune system. The extracts from kratom leaves were used as herbs, which were considered to be a natural and rich source of antioxidants.
Energy Booster – Kratom can bring about metabolic effects, which makes it quite popular among the labourers in several countries. The energy levels of the body significantly increase because the leaves optimise the metabolic process and impact the hormone levels. As a result, there is an increased supply of oxygenated blood in the body, which results in a burst of energy. People who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome will find kratom to be a great natural alternative.
Sexual Stimulant – Kratom is considered dot be an aphrodisiac by many users and traditional practitioners. Some also refer it to be a fertility booster. The blood flow and extra energy can help in increasing fertility, improving conception/duration rates, and re-energizing a tired libido, as per some preliminary animal studies.
Anxiety Reducer – Kratom leaves have also been used as an anxiolytic substance by people who suffer from mood swings, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. The hormone regulation in the body can also provide relief to the exhausting symptoms experienced by people because of a chemical imbalance in the body without having to depend on pharmaceuticals. However, more research is necessary for this area to understand its recommended doses and application on people suffering from anxiety.
Addiction Recovery – Kratom could be used for curing addiction, and it has been used for that purpose for hundreds of years. Opium addiction is a major problem, and chewing kratom leaves can help in bringing the addiction down along with the adverse side effects. Kratom leaves seem to be a tolerable solution in many parts of the world, as compared to other treatment methods.
Diabetes Management – This benefit may not be well-known, but the leaves are known to affect the blood sugar levels. The alkaloids found in the leaves can regulate the insulin amount as well as blood glucose. Therefore, it can be useful in managing the disorder and also preventing it from occurring in the first place.
Side Effects
Though kratom leaves offer so many benefits, there are a few side effects associated with it.
They include –
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Itching
- Constipation
Mixing kratom with other medications could also result in adverse effects.
Some of the risks associated with kratom use include –
Overdose – It is possible for people to overdose on kratom, especially when the dose is very high. It could also result in loss of consciousness and extreme sedation.
Addiction – Kratom can be quite addictive because it can result in withdrawal symptoms like diarrhoea, nausea, muscle aches, irritability, etc.
Liver Damage – In rare instances, kratom can also cause liver injuries and damage with symptoms like dark-coloured urine, jaundice, itchiness, and fatigue.
Death – Many deaths have been associated with kratom use. Therefore, it could also result in life-threatening consequences when taken with mood stabilizers and antidepressants.
There are always positives and negatives associated with anything. However, moderation is the key to everything. If you plan on trying kratom for its benefits, make sure that you are well-informed about the risks as well.