This is a question many people are asking these days since the herb is becoming more and more popular. Kratom is made from the leaves of Mitragyna Speciosa, a plant in the coffee family. It’s been used for centuries in Southeast Asia as a medicinal herb to relieve various chronic ailments. Over the years, it has gained tremendous popularity around the globe. Despite its growing popularity, Kratom is still an unknown subject in the United States. However, that is gradually changing as more people are discovering its benefits.
Kratom: What Is It?
Kratom is an herbal plant indigenous to Southeast Asia. Kratom leaves have a wide range of properties and benefits to offer. They can have psychotropic effects as well. The exact origin of Kratom is unknown, but it is likely to have originated in the tropical forest jungles of Southeast Asia. Kratom trees are typically found in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries that have tropical climates. Such weather conditions help the Kratom plants thrive well and also play a crucial role in their alkaloid composition.
The leaves of the kratom tree have been used for centuries by indigenous people in these countries for their psychoactive effects. In low doses, kratom leaves can produce stimulant effects, and in high doses, they can produce sedative effects. Kratom has been used for various purposes, including relieving pain, increasing alertness and energy, and even treating diarrhea.
The Phytology Behind Kratom
This Southeast Asian-grown tropical evergreen tree belongs to the same plant family as coffee. Kratom is a tree that is indigenous to places like Borneo, Malaysia, and Indonesia that is very adaptive and can grow as tall as 80 feet or more. Kratom attracts botanists due to its propensity to flourish in a variety of conditions, such as flood plains and desert climates. Additionally, when exposed to excessive heat and sunlight right before harvest, it dramatically stimulates its development.
Southeast Asian Kratom farmers are aware of the importance of picking leaves at precisely the appropriate time to preserve their alkaloid content. If you harvest it too soon, the alkaloid content will be much lower than usual; if you pick it too late, the same thing will happen. Kratom alkaloids are the substances that make Kratom so unique and are present in the highest concentration in the leaves when you harvest Kratom at the ideal moment.
Alkaloids: What Are They?
These naturally produced biochemical substances, which are most frequently found in flowering plants, are extremely useful to humans when consumed. The two primary alkaloids discovered in Kratom are 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine. Kratom is unique among other commercially available botanicals due to these two alkaloids. They are responsible for the unique and beneficial effects of kratom. Most kratom powders have less than 2% mitragynine in them, and even less 7-hydroxymitragynine. However, the liver produces more 7-hydroxymitragynine while processing mitragynine.
There are three key kratom strain types: white, green, and red. Each strain has different effects due to their alkaloid composition. Red vein kratom is the most potent, while white vein is the mildest. Green vein kratom falls in between these two extremes. Different strains also have different colors of veins running through their leaves, which is how they got their names.
Kratom strains can be utilized for a range of purposes. White and green vein kratom are often used as energy boosters, while red vein kratom is more commonly used for its relaxing and sedative effects. Kratom strains can also aid those struggling with pain relief, depression, anxiety, and even addiction withdrawal. No matter what the purpose, it is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed in order to avoid any unwanted side effects.
If you are interested in trying kratom, there are many different strains available to choose from. Do some studying to learn the one that will best suit your requirements.
Popular Kratom Strains
There are a plethora of exceptional Kratom strains available, each with its own unique set of effects. Some of the most popular strains include Maeng Da, Borneo, and Malay.
- Maeng Da is one of the most popular strains of kratom. It is a strong stimulant that can provide an energy boost and increase focus. Maeng Da is also a potent mood enhancer and can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
- Bali is another popular strain of kratom. It is a more relaxing strain that can provide euphoric sensations and help with pain relief. Bali is also known for its long-lasting effects.
- Malay is a stimulating strain of kratom that can help to reduce tension without causing drowsiness or fatigue. Malay is often combined with other strains of kratom to enhance the effects.
- Some of the most popular kratom strains include Thai. Thai kratom is indigenous to Thailand and is well-known for its ability to boost energy levels. White Thai is also popular for its energizing effects.
There are several other Kratom strains like Hulu, Dragon, Borneo, as well as other Kratom strains available on the market.
Different Types of Kratom Products
Kratom is available in a variety of forms, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The most common forms of kratom include powder, capsules, and extract. Kratom powder is the most popular form of kratom because it is the easiest to use. Simply measure out the desired dose and add it to water or another beverage. Capsules are also easy to use, although they can be more expensive than powder. Kratom extract is the most potent form of kratom, but it is also the most difficult to use. It is important to start with a very low dose when using the extract, as it is easy to accidentally take too much.
No matter what form of Kratom you choose, be sure to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. This will help avert any undesirable side effects. Kratom is a safe and effective way to improve your health and well-being, but it is important to use it responsibly.
