Today, many who use kratom, take it for relaxation and minor pain relief. The question is—is it safe?
Are you considering kratom but aren't sure how safe it really is?
In this article, we explore the truth about kratom and the safety behind this herb. Read on to find out more about this plant of the coffee family, and decide if it's worth it for you to take kratom.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is an evergreen tree found in the tropics. You can find it in Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and many other South-Asian countries.
It's often used for withdrawal from opioids, digestion, and chronic pain.
People also use kratom for:
- Withdrawal from morphine and heroin
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea
- Cough
Potential Side Effects
As with any medication/herb, there can be side effects.
They can include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Increased need to urinate
- Aggression
- Liver Damage
- Brain Swelling
Some signs of withdrawal are:
- Insomnia
- Anger
- Hot flashes
- Watery eyes
- Muscle spasms
- Twitches
A Kratom Hangover
Avoid taking it in large doses since it can lead to a kratom hangover. A kratom hangover is similar (but not the same) to a hangover from alcohol. It can last about a few hours after taking it.
If you're sensitive to kratom it can lead to a hangover. It can also affect those who have a lower body fat percentage.
The potency of kratom can impact whether you get a hangover or not. Switching who you buy your kratom from can cause a change in the strength of the product.
When you take kratom in large amounts it can have a sedative effect. In smaller doses, it can cause a stimulating feeling.
Is Kratom Safe?
If you take it once in a while and not regularly, and don't take a large amount, it's safer than taking it routinely, and in large amounts. When taken in large amounts, it has a similar sedative effect to opioids.
Many who use it say they're looking for pain relief without the side effects of Percocet or OxyContin.
The FDA released a report stating that there were 36 deaths attributed to kratom. They did say that the information they were given was limited. Some people mix kratom with other medications which can be extremely dangerous. They stated that kratom shouldn't be used instead of prescription opioids or to treat medical problems.
On April 6, 2018, there was a recall of kratom due to the FDA finding many kratom products containing Salmonella. On May 24, 2018, 199 people from 41 different states contracted Salmonella from different strains of kratom.
Different Types of Kratom
If you decide to move forward with kratom, do so at lower levels and understand the risks. You'll always want to start small and wait at least an hour to feel the effects before taking more.
There are 3 different veins of kratom:
- Green
- White
- Red
Yellow veins are very rare and are actually considered a Kratom White Vein. They're yellow since they're altered during the drying process.
Kratom has the name of where it comes from, for example, Yellow Borneo. Yellow Borneo comes from North Borneo.
Yellow Borneo is used for pain relief, relaxation, and energy. It's made from the leaves of the White and Red Borneo plant.
Which Kratom Should I Choose?
First, determine what you're looking to obtain before choosing the vein and type of kratom. If you're considering kratom, you should speak with your doctor before beginning.
You'll want to make sure any current medications you're taking won't interact with this herb.
If you're looking for sleep, try the Red Bali. For pain, you can choose among the Indo, Bali, Borneo, or Maeng Da.
For anxiety, many choose the Green or Red Malay, Borneo, or Bali. If you suffer from depression, you can try the Red/Green Malay, or Maeng Da.
How Can I Take Kratom?
Kratom can be taken in multiple ways—as a capsule, in your tea, or a smoothie. Since the raw powder on its own doesn't have a good taste, it's often combined with flavorings or sweeteners.
You can place the powder directly onto your tongue and swallow it with juice. There's also the option to brew tea with kratom in it.
To brew kratom tea, you'll need to have the kratom powder in a pot with water and heat. Let it brew for at least 10 minutes.
Next, filter it into a coffee filter to remove any powder.
To increase the strength, you can double brew the kratom. Take the powder from the filter, and repeat the process.
To decrease the taste, make your favorite smoothie, and stir the kratom powder in. The truth about kratom tea is that it doesn't always taste the best, but it works well!
Now You Know the Truth About Kratom
Now that you've explored the truth about kratom, you should have a better idea if it's worth the risk for you or not.
Are you looking for more information about everything lifestyle from marijuana to vaping? Do you want up-to-date information on different natural herbs like kratom to try and natural oils like CBD? Check out our other articles today in the Healthcare, Frugal Fitness, and Lifestyle sections.
