Posted by As it happens, it actually isn’t too hard to grasp why Kratom functions both as a stimulant and sedative. The key to this concept lies in the alkaloid makeup of the Kratom leaf. In most Kratom product sold online, users will find descriptions of the product based on leaf age and drying process.
While the drying process can have massive effects on the use cases of a Kratom leaf, the most important variable to consider is the age of the leaf itself. In youthful leaves, which tend to be described as Green or White Kratom strains (named so because of their color), the alkaloid compound 7-OH is present in far less quantities than in an aged Kratom leaf. Because of this, the energizing effects of Kratom have room to shine, especially at low dosages.
Inversely, aged Kratom leaves contain a higher concentration of 7-OH, which means that, especially at moderate to high dosages (between 2 to 5 grams), users will experience an effect just opposite of what a young Kratom leaf at lower dosages will provide. Instead of energy, a deep sense of calm.
Kratom as a Stimulant
With the information above in mind, consider the Kratom products you would conceive of purchasing. As the Kratom tree hails from the same family as the Coffee Arabica, Rubiaceae, it should come as no surprise that it can also be ingested as a stimulant.
The most common strains of Kratom most suited to this purpose, Green and White Kratom, can be bought with great availability in powdered form, although tablet or pill products exist as well. On rare occasion, you might find a vendor who supplies its listings with pre-made drinks which can function very well in creating a social atmosphere for those who like to enjoy Kratom with others.
What is important to understand when it comes to ingesting Kratom for the purposes of stimulation is a matter of dosages. Because Red Kratom strains have a higher concentration of 7-OH, you need less of it to obtain a calming effect because less Red Kratom is still enough 7-OH to create the reaction your brain needs to fall into a snooze-able state.
But this doesn’t mean that Green and White Kratom leaves can’t achieve the same effect, it just means that they require more quantities to supply its user with enough 7-OH to get there. And because Kratom can be habit forming and, therefor, dangerous when used irresponsibly, Green and White Kratom makes for a very poor option for late-night wind-downs, often requiring between 6 to 8 grams to achieve a sedating profile. As a general rule of thumb, one should never consume more than 10 grams of Kratom in a single sitting, or a bout of sickness might onset. And because 10 grams is unsafe, 9 grams should probably be avoided for an extra buffer for any accidental over-dosages.
Kratom as a Sedative
Now that you understand how Kratom can function as a sedative, all that’s really left is to discuss how to achieve a sedative profile with Kratom safely. And given the information laid out above, the way there is very straightforward. Keep in mind, Kratom, while effective as either stimulating or relaxing a user, is never an effective sleep aid. If taken too late or just before a night’s rest, Kratom will actively harm the quality of one’s sleep regardless of the quality, type, or quantity taken. Do not use Kratom to aid in sleep. Period.
First, a user should prepare their aged Kratom product: for new users, products labeled “Red Kratom” is ideal. Between 4 to 5 grams is a good starting point and, for most people, will probably be all that’s required to tip the scales into the sedative profile. If that doesn’t quite work, between 6-7 grams will do the trick. Anything beyond that is considered unsafe and not recommended.
In these doses, Kratom is usually taken in pill-form, although its still possible to mix your favorite drinks with powdered form at these dosages, keep in mind that pills and tablets offer users a much more exact measurement than eyeballing a couple tablespoons of Kratom can.
After that, it’s just a matter of personal taste: Don’t use it as a sleep aid, keep the dosages within safe ranges, and don’t use daily. Cheers.
You might be interested in Real Botanical’s Kratom Alternatives.
Here is a review of Kratom Alternatives.