For those who don’t know, Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia. It is tremendously effective as a healthier alternative to opioid abuse, and it has been used to treat people going through certain drug withdrawals.
In fact, a few people ‘round the internet have gone on to state that higher doses of Kratom made them feel a bit sedated – similar to the very opioids they’re trying to get away from! This is because Kratom has psychoactive properties, and it definitely (beyond a doubt) inspires euphoria.
And it is completely legal.
It’s no wonder many health institutions (and people already in the know) have resorted to using the plant to treat their addictions to various harmful drugs. Kratom’s leaves have been used (at low doses) as a stimulant, as a sedative (at high doses).
One of the ways to use the leaves is as a painkiller. Another way is to use the leaves to make a tea which promotes positive feelings.
Let’s take a look at why Kratom is a healthy alternative to traditional medicines used for treating several ailments.
Helps with Opiate Withdrawal
Kratom is often used to treat drug addiction because its properties mimic the sensations induced by opiates and similar, “good-feeling” drugs. The life-saving power of this natural plant cannot be overstated or exaggerated, as it has prevented many relapses.
This is because (aside from helping people kick the habit), the beneficial plant has also been shown to help people in these ways:
- Inspires happiness
- Soothes upset stomach
- Washes users in a calming euphoria
- Reduces anxiety
Many labourers overseas even use the plant at low doses to get through a gruelling day of back-breaking work.
By the same token, those experiences might not be the same for everyone. Since all our bodies are different, and what works for one person could be toxic to the person sitting next to you, people using Kratom may instead experience:
- Constipation
- Uncontrollable sweating
- Mildly-tolerable itching
- Obnoxious nausea
- Loss of appetite
Considering the benefits and risks, I would say the trade-off is worth it for most people. Methadone and oxycontin are two drugs that have DESTROYED thousands of lives and brought devastating horror to countless families. When it comes to Kratom, we can count our lucky stars that its side effects of nausea, itching, and not wanting to eat are mild (or so I personally think).
Is Safe at Low Doses and Not Addictive
Kratom, taken at lower doses, has been shown to provide a healthy boost of energy. This is wonderful news, isn’t it?
Especially for people who are sensitive to caffeine and are looking for other ways to get that bit of extra “boost” to grind through the morning or late-afternoon, Kratom can be a great option.
Helps with Mundane Tasks
Another interesting effect surrounding this plant is its mood-enhancing qualities. This means that time-consuming, fun-stealing chores (such as filing taxes, cleaning the house, dealing with parents-in-law, etc.) become tolerable.
Additionally, since Kratom doesn’t impair cognitive function, you could even actually – let’s say – fill out some government forms. Such as tax forms. Its effects (when used at the proper – low – doses) are similar to painkillers. You will still manage function properly. Although Kratom’s main effect are to boost energy levels, it is by NO means a stimulant/psychoactive drug in the same vein as speed, coke, or caffeine.
In some parts of the world, Kratom is commonly referred to as “herbal speedball”, “Thom”, “Ketum”, and “Biak-biak.”
Can Be Quickly Absorbed for Maximum Effect
If you like chocolate milk, then whipping up a delicious Kratom choco-milkshake will be no problem.
There will be a problem, however, if you just add a dose of powdered Kratom to chocolate milk. The powder will float on top and not mix with the milk at all. This is bad, since you want the Kratom to be thoroughly mixed with your drink – that’s how you receive its healthy, beneficial properties.
Ideally, to get Kratom’s health benefits in the best-tasting way of all (in my opinion), you need to transform it into milkshake form.
To do this, all you have to do is make it the same way as you would with whey protein or creatine powders. I buy chocolate-flavoured powders – chocolate is amazing. Which is why I think I’m going to try out the following “Chocolate Kratom Milkshake” recipe the next time I have some on hand. The recipe is simple to make, and all you need are a few items you can pick up anywhere.
Ideally, you want to use 1 cup of chocolate milk for each dose of Kratom. Some people suggest using chocolate-flavoured almond milk since it’s incredibly healthy but personally, I’m not a fan.
What you do next is prepare the milkshake as you would any other drink. You do this as follows…
- Put a dose of powdered Kratom into your drinking glass.
- Add a cup of chocolate milk to it.
- Stir it up until the liquid thoroughly mixes with the powder.
- Add ¼ cup of chocolate milk to get rid of any lumps and make the drink smooth.
- Once all the lumps are gone, feel free to add whatever chocolate milk is left.
- Drink up and enjoy!
If you don’t want to make a milkshake, Kratom leaves can be chewed (which some people do), or brewed to be used as a tea. Many people have gone so far as to smoke the leaves or to crush them up and eat them in food (like basil leaves).
Can Be Addictive If Used Improperly
As with anything, Kratom has negative side effects, as well.
Typically, these effects result when people use much more than the recommended dosage. Blatantly abusing this wonderful plant leads some people to experience “opiate”-like sensations – this is why Kratom is a wonderful treatment for helping with opiate withdrawal.
However, it should be obvious that these sensations pave the way to addiction and relapses.
Other harmful symptoms of a bad experience are nausea, vomiting, constipation, and insomnia. (Vomiting is why I may never use Kratom again – it was a horrible experience that was supposed to be fun. I was an idiot, though, and took too much without reading up on the negative symptom related to higher doses. If you’ve ever had your mind/body/spirit altered by a plant, chemical, or substance, and you HAVEN’T thrown up, then consider yourself lucky.)
Conclusion
While Kratom can be a healthy alternative to opiates, can help with withdrawal, and can help curb addiction, be warned: Kratom itself can be addictive. As with anything we ingest (coffee, beer, food, etc.) the potential for becoming addictive is high – no matter what it is. That, however, is a story for another day.
I hope you’ve gained some valuable insight into this “mysterious” alternative so that you can make wise choices for yourself.
Featured photo credit: tea-honey-lemon-ginger-mint-above via pixabay.com
