Posted by What is Kratom and why is it trending?
Trends come and go in the world of natural remedies and wellness–but kratom has a long, storied history that would sink any algorithm. Indigenous to countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is a tropical evergreen that’s part of the coffee family. Unlike coffee though, kratom is capable of much more than merely waking you up–hence its sustained popularity and notoriety.
For centuries, practitioners of traditional medicine have chewed kratom leaves or brewed them into tea for both medicinal and recreational purposes. By the 1900s, kratom was pushed underground in Thailand and Malaysia due to colonial laws–but usage never really went away as kratom was a cemented aspect of native culture.
If we fast-forward to the digital world of the 2000s, that’s when western interest in kratom really began to grow (pun intended). Online forums like Reddit’s r/kratom, which launched in 2011, brought even more curious people and consumers together through shared experiences, recipes, and advocacy. A plant that was once a “niche import” became a staple in the growing holistic wellness field. In many ways, what’s happening with kratom is nothing new under the sun, if you consider CBD/cannabis, Kava, and adaptogens.
Now, because the government generally loves to rain on the peoples’ parade, the DEA has already tried (unsuccessfully) to ban kratom in 2016. Legal issues surrounding kratom continue to evolve at both federal and state levels–but still, kratom’s popularity, practicality and cultural resonance in the US shows no signs of slowing down. This might also correspond with rising consumer skepticism toward conventional pharmaceuticals. In the next few sections, we’ll dive into why kratom is so popular, plus the host of potential benefits that you can enjoy with responsible use.
What Can Kratom Do For You?
The biphasic effects of kratom on the body and its benefits are impossible to ignore. Why? The kratom leaves’ active alkaloid compounds—primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—interact with the brain’s opioid receptors, producing effects that vary by dose. This means that kratom is technically neither an upper or a downer, and hence has a much wider appeal than other botanicals.
So, if you’re wondering “what happens if I take kratom?” again–it all depends on dose. As a rough guide: Low doses (1-5 grams) of kratom act as a stimulant, enhancing your focus and energy, while higher doses (5-15 grams) can deliver sedative, pain-relieving qualities similar to opioids–but with a milder profile. People who take low-middle doses report positive effects on mood and balance too.
It’s also important to understand how factors beyond dosage level can also influence the experience someone has with kratom.
Again: while online communities are filled with positive user experiences, kratom remains a hot-button issue among lawmakers and the medical establishment–but none of the controversy has stopped the demand–if anything, people are doubling-down.
Accessible Pain Management & Hope for Opioid Recovery
In the U.S., where opioid addiction has claimed millions of lives, consumers are increasingly looking to plant-based solutions. plus alternative sources for long-term pain management. Chronic pain affects over 50 million U.S. adults–whether as a result of physical injury or illness, it’s nothing to trivialize. Nevertheless, people who suffer all too often end up at an impasse. After exhausting NSAIDS like ibuprofen–or opioid painkillers, which carry heavy risks of addiction and side effects–they look to kratom to reclaim their quality of life.
Kratom has helped many consumers cope with conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain, due to mitragynine’s ability to bind to mu-opioid receptors without fully activating them. This makes kratom–that is, natural kratom, not 7-OH kratom or synthetics–a partial opioid antagonist. In other words, kratom relieves the pain, but reduces the euphoria and dependency potential compared to traditional opioids. This has huge implications for improving and saving lives, preventing addiction–and helping those battling addiction to recover.
However, if misused, kratom–like many other substances, including caffeine, alcohol, and cannabis–can be habit-forming. This is why education about safe, mindful use is so important.
Mood, Energy, and Mental Wellness
Beyond the potential for pain relief and pain management, kratom’s stimulant-like effects at lower doses make it a favorite for supporting energy and overall wellness. Consumers of low-dose or microdose kratom often describe enhanced mood, reduced anxiety, and sustained energy. If you’re tired of the crash of caffeine and wary of Adderall, but still want a “boost” a low-dose kratom product might be worth exploring.
Kratom is also notably more affordable (at least at the time of this publication) than CBD/Cannabis–and still (in most states) easier to procure. The affordability and accessibility of kratom is not lost on anyone during these uncertain times, much less Gen Z consumers. It’s also worth noting, re: Gen Z that this age demographic is especially keen on natural wellness products, so we expect to see not just demand, but even more innovation related to kratom in time.
Starting Your Own Kratom Journey?
If you’re considering incorporating kratom into your wellness routine and you’re already here reading, that’s awesome! An educated consumer is a safer and happier consumer. Our other pro-tips include:
- Source your kratom responsibly from vendors bearing AKA certification, such as Real Botanicals.
- Start at the lowest effective dose and rotate your usage to maintain sensitivity.
- If you are seeking kratom for long-term pain management or addiction recovery, consult a medical provider.
Be sure to also check out our guide to using kratom safely.