Kratom is a natural supplement found in the leaves of an evergreen tree in the coffee family. The tree itself is only exclusive to Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and other South Asian countries.
For centuries, its leaves have been used to boost energy and relaxation.
Today, it is popularly used to treat pain, and digestive ailments or manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
There are some mixed opinions about “Is Kratom Safe” on the Internet, and some gray clinical literature; which means people are unsure whether it’s safe to use. Aussie Kratom puts an end to this question, is kratom safe, in the light of science?
To learn more about what is known about Kratom, keep reading, we’ll clear all your doubts in a minute.
Is Kratom Legal to Use?
In the U.S, Kratom is legal and its products are sold at various stores — like herbal or smoke shops — and online as well.
Kratom is usually sold as alternative medicine in the United States.
However, to this date, it is completely illegal and its use is strictly prohibited in
- Thailand,
- Australia,
- Malaysia,
- and many European Union countries.
People still find their way to use it by anonymously buying online.
Even though it’s illegal, people still use it because of the health benefits associated with the natural herb, Kratom.
Why do people use Kratom? How do they use it?
People use it because, for decades, it has proven beneficial effects on health. However, it has varying effects at low and high dosages.
At low doses, Kratom has been reported to boost energy, uplift mood, and lead to longer productive hours. People who consume less say that they feel more energetic, more alert, and more sociable.
And on the other side, at higher doses, it is known to be sedative, producing euphoric effects, and dulling emotions and sensations. In simple words, higher dosages will lead you to feel calm, relax, and fall asleep.
Low dosages can be anywhere between 3-6 grams. Whereas, high dosages are anywhere between 15-30 grams. The effects of these Kratom can start as soon as ten minutes and can stay anywhere between 6 to 24 hours — depending upon the frequency and dosage amount.
People use it in the form of Kratom powder, capsules, or Kratom tea — but essentially, all of these forms have the same associated benefits.
What are the ingredients of Kratom?
Kratom’s main ingredients are these two alkaloids; mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. There is a lot of scientific evidence available that these two alkaloids can have analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant effects. That’s why usually Kratom is used to ease chronic pain, swelling, or redness.
How are Kratom powders made, you might ask?
It is usually made by crushing or powdering the green leaves of the tree, Kratom.
Kratom powders might not be available in-store near you. But you can find them online, here on our site.
These powders are usually light brown colored or light green. Impure powders often contain extracts from other plants as well. But, the pure extract will only have Kratom leaves, for the maximum effects.
People worldwide, in Australia, the US, or other parts of the world, take it as tea, powder, paste, and capsule to relieve pain and opioid withdrawal.
Does Kratom have stimulant effects?
According to the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), a small dose of Kratom does provide a stimulant effect on the body.
The effect starts within ten minutes only and lasts for 1-2 hours.
These effects can often include:
- alertness
- sociability
- giddiness
- reduced motor coordination
Does Kratom have sedative effects?
Kratom does have sedative effects. A higher dose, 10 and 25 grams provide calmative effects which last up to 06 hours.
People who are mentally drained, exhausted, have sleep pattern issues or going through sleep diseases like insomnia. They take Kratom to get a well-shut sleep.
Okay, is the use of Kratom controversial?
Kratom has not been studied in-depth yet, so hasn’t been legally recommended for medical use. That’s why it is not legal yet in many European Union countries.
Clinical studies are very important for the development of any new drug. Studies help us to know the side effects and harmful interactions of any drug. These studies also help to know about kratom and those drugs which are effective yet not dangerous.
Therefore, before bringing any drug to the market, the first clinical study is done in which all its advantages and disadvantages are evaluated, and then it is thrown in front of the people.
Kratom has the ability to have many effects on anybody.
Kratom contains many alkaloids similar to opium and hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Alkaloids have a wide range of effects on the human body. Some of these effects can be beneficial, but some are very harmful as well. This is why kratom still needs a lot of studies and lab tests.
Because of that, its risks and safety haven’t been established yet.
Animal studies suggest that mitragynine, the major psychoactive alkaloid of kratom, can cause addictive properties. And it can have many side effects like nausea, sweating, tremors, the inability to sleep, and hallucinations. Plus, these side effects can be the cause of some rare problems like seizures, high blood pressure, and liver problems.
So, even with the many benefits associated with it, apparently, it is still controversial. And because of the reasons above, people have mixed opinions about the use of Kratom.
What are the side effects & safety concerns?
Overdosing to a great extent or for a long time can cause many side effects such as:
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Chills, nausea, and vomiting
- Changes in urine and constipation
- Liver damage
- Muscle pain
- Insomnia
Plus, Kratom can affect the brain and nervous system:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations and delusion
- Depression and delusion
- Breathing suppression
- Seizure, coma, and death
There are numerous calls to the CDC poison centers for kratom overdose every year. Mainly because people abuse the use of Kratom.
Conclusion: So is kratom safe?
A good amount of beneficial effects of Kratom have been reported yet. With the help of many researchers in the future, kratom can be declared beneficial. However, there is still no clinical evidence available on the basis on which it can be considered beneficial, which is the reason why it’s illegal in many parts of the world.
Without in-depth research, many aspects of Kratom are still behind the scenes, such as effective and safe dosage, possible interactions, and possible harmful effects including death. And we believe that taking any drug without knowing all these things can be harmful.
Kratom is only safe if you’re already healthy enough, and you use it in controlled small dosages occasionally to lift your mood up, feel energetic, or relieve pain. ( Just like coffee, except coffee does not relieve pain) But as with any drug or supplement, overdosage of Kratom is not safe for the long term.
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Please note that this article does not provide health or medical advice.
Consult your nearby doctor for any advice, for your mental or physical health.
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