Posted by If the title of this article sounds too good to be true, for once you can rest assured. The leaves of Mitragyna speciosa are the over-achievers of the botanical world, capable of delivering the best of both the stimulant and sedative worlds. One day it can help you sail through an intense meeting or morning workout; the next, it’s melting away lower back pain and taking the edge off. As they say, “if you know, you know” – kratom’s hype is definitely backed by plenty of real success stories. So, if you haven’t tried kratom yet and are curious, this article will give you the basics of its unique pharmacology, uses, and how to consume responsibly.
Kratom – A Biphasic Botanical
When we say kratom has a biphasic effect on the body, it means that kratom is capable of affecting the body in two ways–but how? It’s all down to the chemistry inside the leaves…Kratom leaves contain over 40 alkaloids, but the major players for our purposes are mitragynine (which makes up the majority of the plant) and 7-hydroxymitragynine (smaller concentration but extremely powerful).
The pharmacology of kratom works as follows:
At low doses, mitragynine dominates, binding to adrenergic and serotonin receptors to deliver a smooth buzz–in other words, it allows the stimulant pathways in the brain to lead. Consumers often report heightened alertness, energy surges, and sociable chatter.
At higher doses (5 grams +), 7-OH takes the [metabolic] wheel and latches onto your brain’s mu-opioid receptors. Natural kratom at higher doses is thus like a milder morphine—delivering analgesia and sedation.
On average, the effects of kratom hit in 10-40 minutes, peak at 1-2 hours, and linger 4-6 hours. But this will vary depending on strain, body weight, and tolerance level–so always, always read the label and consume only the recommended dose.
Taking more kratom to “speed things up” is NOT going to enhance the effect you’re after. In fact, too high of a dose will, at the very least, make you very nauseated–and subsequently unable to enjoy the effects of lower doses because it ruins your tolerance.
Kratom For Energy And Mood-Boost
Low doses of kratom (1-5 grams) give you the buzz of coffee–but without the subsequent caffeine crash-out. Toss some powder in your morning smoothie or chase it with your orange juice and you’re ready to rock. And yet, kratom is not going to make you hyper or manic like synthetic “uppers” do. As the effects fully hit, kratom will help you maintain your focus and energy levels–which makes it the perfect accompaniment to undertaking a stressful work presentation or when you otherwise need to marshal your energy.
Additionally, many people also find that small doses of kratom help them maintain a balanced or brighter mood. If you struggle with either depression or anxiety, this aspect of kratom might appeal to you. However, it’s important to note that kratom is contraindicated by SSRI’s and other drugs–so if you currently take medication for depression or anxiety, never mix that with kratom products. Speak to a trusted healthcare provider to see what is best for you.
The best strains of kratom for energy are generally of the green variety: Green Malay, or Green Maeng Da. If you really need a “turbo boost” there’s also a white variety called White Maeng Da. For a mood-boosting effect, try Yellow Vietnam.
Kratom For Pain Relief And Sedation
When you reach dosage levels above 5, you will start to notice kratom can take on more of a sedative effect. Products between 5-15 grams will provide opioid-mimicking pain relief–which, of course, is why there is so much controversy surrounding kratom. This past year, the FDA has increasingly sounded the alarm about 7-OH extracts in particular and synthetics.
Nevertheless, the demand for a solution to chronic pain and opioid recovery is real–and many consumers have found a sustainable solution with kratom. Natural kratom has what is known as a “partial agonism” on the brain’s opioid receptors–so kratom can help ease withdrawal from stronger opioids while providing that much-needed bridge to lasting relief.
Moreover, the risk of respiratory depression is low if kratom is dosed below 15 grams, and many people find that the 8-10 gram range is perfect for achieving the sedation or pain relief they want. Even just a tea (like red Borneo) with 6-8 grams can provide ample relief for fatigue and sore muscles. As always, it’s recommended to use kratom at the lowest effective dose and cycle so as to maintain your sensitivity.
Consume Kratom Responsibly
The legal landscape continues to evolve around kratom in the US; some states have banned kratom completely, while others are more inclined to pass laws to regulate it for consumer safety. Now more than ever, consumers who travel interstate need to be aware of local laws, as some states are cracking down with harsh fines or even potential jail time. (If you remember the early days of cannabis, then this is nothing new).
If you are in a state where kratom is legal, it’s still important to consume kratom safely and responsibly. Stick to natural kratom and not synthetics. Buy products from only lab-tested AKA-GMP vendors, and cycle off 2-3 days weekly to avoid building too much tolerance. If you wish to explore kratom for long-term pain management, consult a healthcare provider.