Kratom has gained a lot of attention because of its effective therapeutic attributes, thanks in part to its naturally rich and remarkable alkaloid specifications that make it stand out among all other plants known to man. Best of all, when taken properly, it has very few negative side effects, unlike most prescription medications. But new users of kratom may find it confusing where to start because of the plethora of articles discussing the various effects, strains, dosing protocols, and even preparation techniques. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!
The following are some of the most notable remedial effects of kratom:
- Pain killer (analgesia)
- Energy booster
- Mood enhancer (Euphoric)
- Drug withdrawal reliefÂ
- Immune system stimulant
- Anti-depressant
- Blood sugar stabilizer
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-malarial
- Anti-leukemic
Aside from the medicinal properties listed above, kratom also has plenty of potent antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that make it even more valuable. Kratom does not contain any overly toxic substance that can pose a significant risk to the health of the general public. Hence, it is definitely safe, especially when used in an informed and educated manner.
Kratom for Pain Relief
Kratom’s pain relieving properties are effective for general aches and discomfort. However, they are helpful in conditions where the pain is more intense. A lot of people have already changed the way they take painkillers in favor of using the natural treatment that kratom has to offer.
With the public’s growing awareness of the stellar attributes of kratom, it is almost certain that kratom will be increasingly used as an alternative to synthetic pain-relieving medications throughout the world. It can be highly effective in alleviating pain in the following conditions:
- Arthritis
- Headache or Migraine
- Neck Strain or Soreness
- Scoliosis
- Chest Pain
- Backache
- Abdominal Soreness
- Minor Injuries (Including burns, scrapes and fractures)
This is a rather concise list of the conditions where kratom can be effectively used. There are many others where the use of kratom can successfully ease and soothe away the pain.
Common Strains for Pain Relief
The two of the most potent alkaloids present in kratom, Mitragynine and 7-0H Mitragynine, enhance its ability to mitigate pain to a substantial extent. Both alkaloids have opioid delta receptors that lower the body’s sensitivity to pain. Therefore, those strains of kratom with the highest quantity of both alkaloids can be used for the treatment and management of general and chronic pain.
Since the potency of the alkaloid content of the leaves differ among the various strains of kratom, researchers tested and identified the strains with the most potent alkaloids for the purpose of pain relief. They are as follows:
- Indonesian (a.k.a. Indo Kratom)
- Bali
- Borneo
- Maeng Da
- Red has been determined as the ideal vein color and the recommended does is moderate to high
Kratom for Drug Withdrawal Relief
Kratom has exceptional mood enhancing and pain relieving qualities as previously discussed. Such attributes also make kratom suitable to be used in conditions where an individual is suffering from the restlessness and soreness of withdrawing from certain medications like opium.
Kratom works exceptional well in alleviating and dampening the adverse effects of dangerous drugs. It also helps in easing the after effects of those drugs when trying to overcome them in order to get back to sobriety.
The recommended strains for drug withdrawal relief include:
- Bali
- Borneo
- Indo
- Maeng Da
- Red has been determined as the ideal vein color and the recommended dose is moderate to high
Kratom for Boosting the Immune System
Kratom has remarkable immune system boosting capabilities because its leaves contain an abundant supply of some of the most qualitative of immune system enhancing alkaloids called immunostimulants. These biologically active compounds strengthen the internal defense system of the human body by inducing activation or increasing the activity level of any of its components.
The overall improvement in the immune system aids in battling the attacks of the various types of common and potentially life-threatening diseases. A healthy immune system can repel such diseases more effectively as compared to a weaker one.
Here are four of the most important immunostimulants found in Kratom leaves:
- Isorhynchophylline
- Isopteropodine
- Mitraphylline
- Isomitraphylline
The recommended strains for boosting the immune system include:
- Borneo
- Malay
- Green has been determined as the ideal vein color and the recommended dose is low to moderate.
Kratom for Psychological Stimulation
Kratom has unique properties that soothe and refresh a person’s mood psychologically. It contains substances that promote relaxation and sedation using safe and natural means. However, these effects vary among the different strains because of the different levels of alkaloid balancing specifications in each of them.
On the whole, each strain can muster the effects of mood refreshment, motivation, and euphoric feeling. However, some strains contain the ideal combination of alkaloids that augments the effects of sedation and stimulation to further lift up a person’s mood.
Kratom for Depression Relief
Kratom has been tried and tested effective in managing depression. Note, however, that not all of the strains have significant effects on curtailing it because some strains are more effective in promoting sedation. They induce temporal effects of motivation so they are not useful in the long-run.
By far, the most effective strains for relieving the depression are:
- Maeng Da
- Thai (a.k.a. Thailand)
- Malay (a.k.a Malaysian)
- Both white and green has been determined as the ideal vein colors and the recommended dose is moderate
Green Vein Kratom has been proven effective in reducing depression. However, it depends more on the chemistry profile of each individual’s brain. Hence, the perceived intensity of those effects differs from one person to another.
Kratom for Anxiety
The effects of motivation and vigor produced by kratom are effective in minimizing anxiety. Below are the most widely used strains for relieving anxiety:
- Bali
- Borneo
- Indo
- Red has been determined as the ideal vein color and the recommended dose is moderate.
Among the three strains, it has been shown that Borneo has the most powerful balance of alkaloids that help overcome anxiety more definitively.
Kratom for Memory Enhancement (Nootropic)
Recent studies revealed newer and more likely possibilities regarding the additional beneficial health effects of kratom on improving neurological capabilities. Since it is a naturally occurring herb, kratom is essentially free from synthetic medicinal properties that adversely and permanently affect neurological effectiveness.
Kratom enhances intelligence, focus and memory by reducing the slack and cutting the unnecessary noise in the psychological background while increasing the overall level of concentration on the ‘focal’ subject matter.
The recommended strains for enhancing intelligence and memory include the following:
- Malay
- Maeng Da
- Thai
- Green has been determined as the ideal vein color and the recommended dose is low to moderate.
How to Take Kratom
Kratom is best taken orally. There are reports of users ingesting it in other ways (smoking, snorting, etc) but this is NOT recommended. That said, the taste leaves something to be desired. But fear not! Below are some of the most popular ways to ingest kratom orally while avoiding that plant root flavor.
Kratom Capsules
Taking kratom in capsule form is really the only option if you want to avoid the taste. It also allows you to take it on the go. Whether you are on vacation or just on the road, it’s never fun to haul around a big bag of powder. The major downside of this method is the sheer volume of capsules you’ll need to take to get an effect. For instance, a size 00 capsule only holds 0.5 grams of powder. This means that if your dosage is 5 grams, you’ll need to take 10 large capsules in order to achieve the effects. That’s why this method is best for a low dose or “emergency” use when you’re not at home.
Kratom Tea
This is performed by boiling kratom powder for approximately 30 minutes. Let it sit and then strain the liquid. According to some users, they felt better using this technique. They claimed that it has more consistent effects, though it is a bit time-consuming to prepare. You can also mix kratom with hot water. Strain the leaf residue and drink the liquid. It is effective but this method can sometimes restrict certain aspects of the desired effect.
Toss n’ Wash
This is the simplest and fastest way to consume kratom. It is performed by pouring the desired dose into your mouth. Quickly follow it with water and then swill before swallowing. You can divide the dose into a couple of mouthfuls if you don’t want to do it in one go. This technique requires minimal preparation and is generally considered as the best technique to feel immediate effects.
Kratom with Chocolate Milk
This is my personal favorite because it masks the taste very well and requires almost no preparation. Simply grab some chocolate milk (or a soy/almond substitute if you’re lactose intolerant) and throw it in a shaker bottle with your preferred dose of kratom. 1-2 cups is enough if you’re going to chug it down, but you can add more if you want to sip on it over time!
Kratom + Protein Shake
This is similar to the above method. The difference is that you will be ingesting more calories. Some people recommend this and claim they achieved better effects whenever they take kratom powder with a protein shake. However, most people feel stronger effects on an empty stomach, so your milage may vary.
How to Dose Kratom
For beginners, it is always recommended to start on low dosage and gradually increase until the ‘sweet spot’ is determined.
Start between 2 and 3 grams. If there is no effect after 30 minutes, take another dose. You must expect at least a minor effect and pick it off from here. Remember that too little won’t have any effect but even a slight increase in dosage may cause an intoxicating effect. A sign that your dose is high is when you already feel nauseated.
High-quality kratom can cause effect at 3 to 5 grams. Always go for the best quality in order to achieve the desired effects at a lower dose.
Beginners Dosing Guide
This is a general guide to determine your dose for a specific strain of kratom. Always start with Step 1 every time you try a new strain. It has been proven that kratom is best taken on an empty stomach, so take it when you wake up in the morning or 2 hours before mealtime. Kratom can also be taken with food but the effect is not as pronounced, so you must take a higher dose in order to achieve the desired result.
Step 1: Take 2 to 3 grams of kratom powder on an empty stomach. The effect will kick in after 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 2: Evaluate the effect or how you feel after 30 to 45 minutes. If there is no significant effect, add 1 to 2 grams.
Step 3: Reevaluate the effect after 15 minutes. You should be able to notice something at this point.
Step 4: If still nothing happens, add another 0.5 to 2 grams.
Step 5: You should feel something good by now.
Step 6: If after 4 to 5 hours, you want to take more, repeat the procedure using the same strain that you previously used.
Since you are just starting out, 3 to 5 grams of kratom powder should be enough. If you weigh below 150 lbs, a dose of 1.5 grams will be sufficient to get you going. For irregular users or those who rotate strains, this is usually a good amount to start with.
When using kratom for its medicinal properties, dosage is a crucial aspect for those who are expecting targeted effects. If the dose used is lower than needed, it may compromise the desired therapeutic effects. On the other hand, if the dose used is higher than recommended, the quantity of the excess may cause side effects like nausea and ‘wobbles’ to a certain extent.
Average Kratom Dosages (in Teaspoons):
- Low – 0.5 to 1 teaspoon
- Medium – 1.5 to 2 teaspoons
- High – 2.5 to 5 teaspoons
Average Kratom Dosages (in Grams):
- Low – 1.5 to 2 grams
- Medium – 2 to 4.5 grams
- High – 5 to 10 grams
It is important to note that because of the variability of potency among the different strains of kratom, the prescribed optimum dosage as indicated above are not absolute. The estimates are based on the summary of the bodies of research related to historical data as well as the findings of various studies conducted.
How to Prevent Kratom Tolerance
When trying to maintain the beneficial effects of kratom, a common concern is tolerance. When the concentrations of kratom alkaloids stay consistently high for extended periods, the brain can be desensitized or rendered less sensitive to the effects. It is therefore imperative to know how to use kratom effectively or you can lose out on the desired benefits of this magical plant over time. There are 2 key ways to achieve this:
Dosage IntervalsÂ
It should come as no shock that the best way to avoid tolerance is to space out your dosing schedule to ensure that kratom alkaloid levels in the brain return to baseline values before hitting your next dose. Kratom has a half-life of around 7 hours (many factors can affect this) which means it takes nearly 2 days before it is completely out of your system. Restraining your usage to twice per week, or 3 times max, is enough to keep most people from building tolerance. It is also advisable to limit the use of kratom to once daily, regardless of the condition that you are trying to treat.
Strain Rotation
Many have reported success preventing tolerance by changing kratom strains daily. The rationale behind this is that brain alkaloid levels tend to vary when a different strain is taken every day. For instance, if you want to take kratom every day, you would take Red Vein Thai on Monday, Maeng Da on Tuesday, a Bali on Wednesday, and so on. You’re going to want at least four strains in order to do this properly. Aside from preventing tolerance, strain rotation minimizes the likelihood of strain ‘burn out’, or becoming immune to the effects of a particular strain.
Finding the best way to effectively use kratom can be difficult as it involves lots of trial and error. However, if you carefully take all these factors into consideration, you will have a much better chance of enjoying the health benefits of kratom.
