If you’ve recently been hearing about the benefits of kratom, you’re not alone. This coffee-related herb has long been used for its medicinal properties in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other East Asian nations, and has been slowly gaining traction in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about the healing attributes of kratom and how to best add this ingredient to your nutrition plan.

How Does Kratom Work?

Kratom includes more than 40 active compounds that produce its reported benefits, including 25 alkaloids. These compounds affect the nervous system’s opioid receptors, which many users find produces a similar effect to opiates without the addictive properties.

Proponents of the herb’s effects most often mention mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids reportedly increase focus and energy, which makes kratom a popular alternative to coffee or energy drinks containing caffeine. Mitragynine also may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could improve discomfort and stiffness for those with rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, and injury.

As noted by an article published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, some studies report that the alkaloids in kratom have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. These ingredients may lower blood pressure and reduce the muscle tension that can contribute to atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

The effects of kratom are thought to slow down peristalsis, a function of digestion. This reduces diarrhea, which means that kratom could be an effective remedy for those with irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. The antioxidants included in this herb are similar to compounds naturally produced by the body.

How Is Kratom Used?

The leaves of this tropical tree are traditionally chewed by workers to increase focus and a boost of energy. Because it stimulates the brain’s dopamine centers, kratom is often consumed in order to produce a euphoric effect and to ease the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, including nausea, vomiting, sleeplessness, pain, restlessness, and anxiety. Some believe it reduces cravings created by drug dependency.

Kratom has the potential to provide relief for those with arthritis, osteoporosis and other forms of chronic pain. The herb has also been used as a potential remedy for diarrhea and other digestive ailments as well as blood sugar control for those with diabetes.

Many fans of kratom mention the herb’s stress-relieving effects. Its reported ability to reduce anxiety, improve mood, enhance sleep and even increase one’s desire to socialize have potential to boost the quality of life for those with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic stress, insomnia, and other mental health concerns.

Because taking kratom can affect the part of the brain that makes you feel full, some consume it as a weight loss aid to reduce food cravings. The energy boost provided by the herb may also facilitate motivation to exercise and lead a more active lifestyle.

Healthline reports that kratom has stimulant effects when less than 10 grams is ingested. Taking 10 to 15 grams can be used to create a sedative effect. It’s best to start slowly so you can fully understand the effects of the herb on your body and mind.

Experience the Healing Power of Kratom

Buy Kratom Extracts is your source for 100% natural kratom. We offer the herb in the form of a powder that can be added to yogurt or protein shakes, as well as liquid tinctures for easy dosage alone or with food, and even convenient capsules that take the guesswork out of dosage. Browse our online shop or complete our online form to learn more about our high-quality imported kratom products.

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