Posted by You hit the gym, you try and eat well–but sometimes that doesn’t feel like enough. Between the demands of work and the constant connectivity that has become endemic to our way of life, it’s no wonder why some guys today maybe feel more of a drain than a spring in their step–even on the weekend. But energy drinks, sugar, adderall–it all leads to a crash–and who has time for that? If you’re also trying to carve out time for a sex life, then neither alcohol nor harsher stimulants will do much good–both can sap your libido, not to mention your performance. What’s a guy to do?
Enter kratom–a biphasic botanical marvel that can bail you out of an energy-lag and potentially help you bolster your sexual wellness.
The Working Man’s Remedy
Known scientifically as Mitragyna speciosa, kratom has been used traditionally for centuries in southeast Asia. Laborers typically chewed the leaves or brewed kratom tea in order to either enhance their stamina or ease aches and pains at the end of the day. Kratom leaves contain many alkaloids, but the major players are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Both can interact with the body’s opioid receptors, as well as serotonin and dopamine pathways in the brain. And per the term ‘biphasic’ above, kratom can take on two different effects, depending on the dose.
At low doses (1-5 grams), kratom acts as a stimulant–it’s the extra kick of “mojo” that you might be missing as you stare down a calendar packed with Zoom meetings and too many emails to respond to. At higher doses though (5-15 grams), kratom becomes a sedative and a pain reliever–it’s similar to opioids, but without the same intensity, as kratom is only a partial opioid agonist. It won’t knock you out, but it will help you “switch off” after a stressful day. And somewhere in between those two modalities is kratom’s ability to help you reclaim your desire and prolong your pleasure…
Kratom’s Potential to Enhance Men’s Sexual Wellness
While kratom’s effects vary by strain and dosage, studies suggest there is ample potential to use it to enhance sexual wellness. For starters, kratom alkaloids already naturally influence hormone balance and neurotransmitter activity–and sexual performance depends on those very things. As a natural mood and energy booster, there is evidence to suggest that a low-dose white vein or green kratom can help you “get your groove back” if you suffer from stress-induced low libido. A 2024 social media-derived analysis echoes this, with kratom users noting increased drive and reduced inhibitions, likely due to kratom’s dopamine-boosting action.
Building on the above, another key benefit of kratom for men is enhanced libido. A recent study of long-term kratom users in Malaysia reported improved sexual desire and energy during intimacy, attributing it to kratom’s mood-lifting effects.This is especially exciting for guys who aren’t in the market for viagra, per say, but want to get that extra boost in bed.
If you are among the 30 million American men who struggle with erectile dysfunction, emerging research suggests kratom may offer a solution. Of the 156 men surveyed, 37.7% (n=59) and 20.5% (n=32) reported kratom having a positive and negative impact on their sexual health, respectively. Kratom use led to increased time to ejaculation in 104 (66.6%) patients which was perceived as positive by 62 (59.6%). While further studies are needed, it’s certainly promising that participants described firmer erections and sustained performance, potentially from enhanced blood flow and relaxed nerves. If you’re curious to try for yourself, kratom’s red vein strains, known for their calming properties, may ease ED-related performance anxiety and help you to relax and enjoy sex more.
Kratom may also help with premature ejaculation. In a 2023 study, 66.6% of kratom users experienced prolonged time to climax–and again, it is believed that this effect stems from kratom’s mild sedative properties, which can reduce hypersensitivity without dulling pleasure.
Lastly, one study shows moderate kratom use (under 5 grams daily) appears to preserve testosterone levels, and found no impairment in long-term kratom tea drinkers either. This is crucial for other areas of men’s wellness, as healthy testosterone supports your muscle mass, energy, and virility. Strains like green Maeng Da or Green Malay are popular for promoting these overall energy levels. If you’re seeking a little “boost” of energy, you should still start low to gauge personal response. Many men find 2-3 grams pre-intimacy is just right.
Beyond the Bedroom – Kratom for Sustainable Wellness
As exciting (pun intended) as it is to consider kratom’s potential to breathe new life into your bedroom, it’s important to understand that kratom’s effects are not universal. Every man’s body and needs are different, so as you would when using kratom for other purposes, listen to your body, hydrate, and consume only lab-tested, ethically sourced kratom products only as directed by the label. Anyone taking heart or liver medication, or SSRI’s should not take kratom, and you should not mix kratom with alcohol, so skip the cocktails on date night.
Kratom is not a substitute for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, or properly seeing to your mental and emotional well-being. Keep working out, keep eating enough protein, and consider exploring mindfulness practices to help you manage stress levels as well.