Why Kratom Has Become a Staple in the Herbal Remedy Community?

Not too long ago, kratom only featured as a footnote in wellness discussion forums. However, that has changed remarkably as more people have become increasingly hooked to Asian plants. 

But what is it about kratom that makes it so popular with wellness enthusiasts? 

That question shall form the basis of this post. Read on as we unpack the top reasons kratom has become a staple in the herbal remedy community.

A Word About Kratom

Mitragyna speciosa, more commonly known as kratom, is a tropical evergreen tree from Southeast Asia that’s noted for its mild stimulant effects and opioid-like properties. 

Kratom shares unique botanical similarities with coffee. That explains why active compounds in the plant produce the same energizing properties as caffeine. 

Another notable kratom fact is that it’s regulated in several jurisdictions worldwide. Fortunately, the herb is legally accessible throughout North America and most of the Western world, with a few conditions. 

For instance, kratom Canada regulations permit the sale, distribution, and consumption of kratom extracts, provided that vendors label their products accordingly. 

Kratom supplements shouldn’t be marketed as containing definitive medicinal properties. Besides, regulators haven’t authorized the herb as a dietary product, technically prohibiting edible formulations. 

Despite these restrictions, kratom is widely available throughout Canada in diverse preparations. Users can also pick from different strains, depending on their desired therapeutic effects. 

Why Is Kratom A Household Name in the Herbal Remedy Community?

1. Kratom Possesses Analgesic Properties

Pain relief is one of Kratom’s biggest claims to fame. 

Kratom contains at least two dozen alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These compounds exert their therapeutic influence by binding to certain opioid receptors in the brain, producing pain relief as one of the benefits. 

One study established a significant increase in pain tolerance among subjects exposed to various alkaloids in kratom’s extracts.

2. Kratom May Alleviate Inflammation

Mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine are the first names that spring to mind when discussing kratom’s medicinal properties. 

However, as hinted, the plant contains over 20 alkaloids, each contributing to its therapeutic effects. Those include rhynchophylline and epicatechins, particularly cited for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Consuming kratom supplements loaded with rhynchophylline and epicatechins may alleviate inflammation by suppressing the release of cytokines and chemokines, proteins that flare up the body’s inflammatory responses.

3. Kratom May Help With Opioid Withdrawal

Opioid addiction poses an existential threat to Canada’s population and economy. 

In 2023 alone, close to 6,000 Canadians succumbed to opioid overdose. 30% of the fatalities were people aged 30 to 39 years, underscoring the dire need for immediate interventions. 

Well, it turns out that kratom might help ease the opioid crisis in Canada. 

Kratom produces nearly similar effects as controlled opioids like morphine and codeine. However, the herb is far less addictive than conventional opioid drugs. Therefore, opioid addicts can switch to kratom without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

4. Kratom May Quell Racing Thoughts

Many people associate stress with underlying conditions, such as bipolar disorder (BD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

However, anxious feelings can spring from our daily experiences and routines. Whether you’re planning a maiden date, job interview, or public speech, consuming kratom may help combat jitteriness and keep you calm. 

Research has shown that kratom alkaloids possess a similar chemical structure as serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with ‘feel-good’ effects. That speaks volumes about their potential anxiolytic effects. In one study, researchers found that paynantheine and speciogynine – two rare but powerful kratom alkaloids – have a high affinity for serotonin receptors. 

Many have since opined that kratom may potentially replace conventional antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram and dapoxetine.

5. Kratom May Boost Sleep Quality

There’s limited scientific research pointing to kratom’s potential to treat sleep disorders. However, mounting anecdotal evidence suggests the herb may boost sleep quality by shortening sleep latency. Again, that has much to do with its calming properties. 

Not only can administering kratom late in the evening help you unwind after a stressful day in the office. It may also lull you into restful sleep. 

Besides, kratom’s analgesic properties might help relieve sleep-disrupting muscle and joint pains.

6. Kratom May Optimise Your Energy Levels

Adequate sleep and high physical activity are correlated. But that’s not the only way kratom may optimize your energy levels. 

Findings suggest that small-to-moderate kratom servings may neutralize lethargic feelings by activating the brain’s reward thresholds. The herb triggers energy bursts, making it a staple component of fitness supplements. 

You could integrate kratom into your pre-workout routine to increase your endurance at the gym. Better yet, administer the herb before undertaking physically demanding works like construction and gardening. Kratom’s vivifying effects make it a welcome breakfast inclusion, too. 

One exciting thing about kratom’s invigorating properties is that you may leverage them to fight both physical and mental exhaustion. Whether you are a student preparing for upcoming exams or a product developer seeking extra inspiration during a scheduled ideation session, you can rely on kratom to get your creative juices flowing.

Final Word

Although kratom remains a go-to herb for thousands of alternative medicine enthusiasts, it’s important to proceed cautiously to minimize overdose risks. 

Exceeding the recommended kratom doses can induce drowsiness, irritability, and dry mouth. Other potential adverse events include gastrointestinal distress (for edibles), lung irritation (for kratom cigarettes and e-juices), and skin irritation (for topicals). 

The thumb rule is to start with lower grams per serving, say 1 gram/day, and increase the portions incrementally until you find your ideal dose.