Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a close relative of the coffee plant, is a versatile herb with stimulating and sedative properties. Native to Southeast Asia, it has been traditionally used by laborers to enhance energy and prevent burnout, and as a remedy for ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and even wounds.
How Kratom Works
Kratom’s effects depend on dosage:
- Low doses (2–6 grams): Stimulating effects, increased focus, mild pain relief, and mood enhancement.
- High doses (6–12 grams): Sedative effects, pain relief, and euphoria.
Its main active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with the brain’s opioid receptors, offering painkilling effects without the same overdose risks as traditional opioids.
How Is Kratom Used?
Traditionally, fresh kratom leaves were chewed. Today, dried leaves are powdered and consumed in various ways, such as:
- Tea: The most common method, offering fast onset and reduced stomach discomfort.
- Toss and wash: Swallowing powder with a liquid chaser.
- Capsules: Portable and taste-free but more expensive.
- Extracts: Highly concentrated products like tinctures, gummies, and honey sticks.
Kratom Strains
Kratom strains are categorized by the color of their leaf veins:
- Red vein strains: Relaxing and sedative (e.g., Red Bali, Red Dragon).
- White vein strains: Stimulating, ideal for morning use (e.g., White Maeng Da, White Elephant).
- Green vein strains: Balanced effects, combining stimulation and relaxation (e.g., Green Malay, Green Borneo).
Kratom is legal in most parts of the world, though regulations vary. In the U.S., it is generally permitted, with some states enforcing local bans.
