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In 2021, 80% of Americans confirmed they are taking some form of additional nutritional supplement. This number has been steadily increasing over the last 20 years, especially since more research is going into alternative medicine.
One form of alternative medicine slowly gaining popularity is Mitragyna Speciosa, otherwise known as Kratom. When used medicinally, users claim to experience less pain, have increased sexual performance, and elevated moods.
But where did this drug come from? How can you add it to your diet so you, too, can experience its benefits? Well, keep reading, and we’ll demystify everything for you.
What Is Mitragyna Speciosa?
Mitragyna Speciosa, or Kratom as we’ll refer to it hereafter, is a tropical evergreen tree. It’s native to Southeast Asia and grows in areas like Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand.
Kratom has for centuries been used as a holistic medicine as an appetite suppressant, to help reduce muscle pain, and to aid ailments such as depression, digestive issues, anxiety, etc. However, it’s important to note that it has not yet been approved by the FDA to treat any specific condition in the USA.
Laborers harvest the leaves off the trees, then process them into one of the following forms, ready to be consumed:
- As a Tea
- As a Powder
- As Capsules or Pills
- As a Liquid
Unlike other drugs derived from plant leaves (i.e., coca), Kratom is very rarely smoked.
There are several varieties and strains of Kratom, and users report anecdotal evidence that each strain produces different effects. The different types include red, green, and white vein varieties.
How Does It Work?
Mitragyna Speciosa reacts in the body much like other opioids would. This is due to the component Mitragynine, which naturally occurs in kratom. This component attaches itself to the pain (opioid) receptors in the brain, resulting in various effects.
Reported Medicinal Benefits
Users who take kratom for medical ailments report feeling relief for the following maladies:
- Sexual Underperformance
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic Pain
- Coughs
- Digestive Issues
- Opioid Addiction
Currently, there are only animal and cell studies into kratom and its uses. Despite this, many are using kratom to help with their opioid addiction. It’s reported that kratom reduces symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Kratom is also less severe to withdraw from and has less addictive qualities than traditional opioids like heroin, codeine, oxycodone, and morphine.
Kratom is not detected on traditional drug tests, so if you need to screen for kratom, you need to get a specialized testing kit.
Side Effects of Kratom
Like any drug, Mitragyna Speciosa has the potential to be abused. Users can become dependent on it and experience severe withdrawal symptoms once they regularly use kratom.
Other side effects users report is:
- Nausea
- Dry Mouth
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Increased Urination
Some users report experiencing more severe side effects like thyroid issues, hallucinations, and delusions. Kratom also causes a decrease in breathing due to its sedative effects and has the potential of becoming fatal.
Where Can I Buy Kratom?
Today, Mitragya Speciosa is available through select shops over the counter, but users most commonly purchase it online. If you’re looking for large quantities, consider purchasing kratom wholesale bulk to save yourself money.
Always remember to check your state laws regarding kratom before making any purchases.
Find the Relief You’ve Been Looking For
It’s strongly advised to ingest Mitragyna Speciosa with extreme caution. However, when consumed responsibly, there are certainly benefits you may experience from using kratom. Whether you prefer it in capsule form or as a powder so you can mix it into your favorite smoothie, kratom may be able to provide you with the relief you’ve been looking for.
Please check out more just like it in our Health section, if you’ve enjoyed this article.