7 Health Benefits Of Kratom That No One Told You About
Kratom is showing so much potential in the medical field. Although scientists are still determining its effectiveness, several studies provide enough evidence that it could be well worth your consumption. The plant is one of the most underappreciated herbs in the health industry. People have used it for a couple of years now, and as per a survey, at least 10-16 million individuals in the U.S. frequently use the herb by either brewing them in tea or consuming its ground leaves in food, which you can get from some of the best kratom vendors.
Perhaps you’ve heard about Kratom before but know very little about it. This post not only tells you what it is but shares its health benefits as well.
What is Kratom?
Also referred to as Mitragyna speciosa, Kratom is a herb native to Southeast Asian countries. Its leaves are available in three types:
- White
- Red
- Green
Each of these leaves manufactures various strains that provide unique effects. Mitragyna speciosa has been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as:
- Fever
- Diabetes
- Pain
- Diarrhea
This is because kratom powder contains over 40 compounds and more than 25 alkaloids, the two most active ones being 7-hydroxy mitragynine and mitragynine.
7-hydroxy mitragynine can affect the ability of particular neurons in the body to sense pain. Meanwhile, mitragynine interacts with the body just as opioid medicines do. Kratom boasts a variety of health benefits. The main ones are:
1. It May Help in Motivation
Kratom aids in the activation of opioid receptors in the cerebrum. This provides energy and motivation to work by offering an adrenaline rush. It achieves this by activating the sympathetic nerves and releasing noradrenaline and adrenaline.
Kratom leaves are known for their significant metabolic effects, well-known for raising energy levels.
2. It May Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is a collective term that may be used to refer to disorders such as:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
People suffering from anxiety experience symptoms such as:
- Tense muscles with cramps
- Panic
- Uneasiness
- Cold and clammy hands
- Vomiting
Kratom has an anxiolytic feature that can help you feel calm and relaxed. Within several minutes, you also experience a reduction in nervousness.
3. It May Improve Sleep
When you consume Mitragyna speciosa at higher (but regulated) doses, it becomes a sedative, which helps you sleep. It helps to control factors that affect sleep quality, such as:
- Muscle tension
- Physical pain
- Anxiety
- Stress
For better sleep, experts recommend taking between 5 and 15 grams of the herb.
4. It May Help in Managing Diabetes
Kratom leaves contain alkaloids that assist in regulating insulin and blood glucose levels. Through regulation, the plant hinders life-threatening lows and peaks associated with diabetes, which helps diabetes patients handle the condition and those without it to avoid it.
If you’re dealing with diabetes or obesity, consuming the plant can control your craving for chocolate, sugar, and other similar foods.
5. It May Help in Improving Sex Drive
Both men and women can use it to enhance their libido. Kratom has energizing characteristics that work wonders on your sex drive. For men, the herb leads to increased sexual desire and can also reduce anxiety, which can ultimately affect your performance.
Most importantly, it has analgesic and sedative effects that cause a lowered sensitivity of sex organs. It’ll calm you, increasing your sexual timing.
6. It May Help in Enhancing Focus
It seems contradictory that Kratom has sedating results, even if it helps you stay alert. It does this by assisting in releasing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant part in improving focus. It also:
- Regulates the endocrine system
- Aids in alleviating pain
- Lowers muscle contraction
As per research, acetylcholine improves focus and memory by raising the cortical circuits’ ability to react to sensory stimuli. Kratom also facilitates the release of dopamine and serotonin, both of which are associated with heightened attention span and focus.
7. It May Provide Pain Relief
Pain is categorized according to where it stems from and what area of the frame it affects. With regards to origin, there’s neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Several chronic conditions cause neuropathic pain like:
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Diabetes
- Cancer
On the other hand, nociceptive discomfort results from physical injury to the body tendon, tissue, or muscle. Kratom leaves can relieve all types of pain, such as headaches, stomachaches, and muscle pain. However, they’re primarily used for neuropathic pains as they can affect the body’s primary opioid receptor.
The leaves alleviate discomfort by reaching out to pain receptors found in the CNS and elsewhere in the anatomy.
The Bottom Line
Kratom has numerous possible health benefits, and you can use it regardless of your gender. The post above only touches on these advantages. You can take Kratom by mixing it into your food and drinks, taking it in powder form, or applying it to your body. You should never forget if it’s your first time using it because your body may take time to adapt or react to it. As such, you shouldn’t rush yourself. Stick to the recommended dose, sit back, and relax as the herb does its work.