Kratom is a species of tree that grows in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Its leaves and extract were used as an alternative medicine for chronic pain and other ailments.
Many people have also used kratom as a treatment for anxiety symptoms. Because kratom is a psychoactive plant, it indeed has a significant impact on one’s mental health. There are already several anxiety patients who are using kratom for self-management of their anxiety and even depression.
Helping with anxiety is one of the kratom benefits that many kratom users are aiming to experience. Anxiety is very challenging, especially if you are in the middle of an attack. That is why many people are looking for an effective alternative medicine to help them manage their symptoms, and one of the solutions they have found is kratom.
How does Kratom help With Anxiety?
Even though more and more people who suffer from anxiety have started to use kratom, the question is, how does kratom help manage anxiety? Although kratom isn’t really an opioid, its effects are comparable to those of morphine or codeine.
Mitragynine is the active component in kratom. This kratom ingredient relieves pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. These effects could be responsible for kratom’s antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects that have been reported by kratom users.
It has also been confirmed that some users report that kratom enhances their mood, which results in relieving their anxiety.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG), the two main pharmacologically active components in kratom, are both indole alkaloids that give it its opioid-like properties.
While kratom is well known for its affinity for mu-opioid receptors, studies have revealed that one of its active ingredients impacts the same receptors that some antipsychotics bind to, like serotonin, dopamine, and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.
Because of that, kratom use promises the possibility that kratom can be used as an antipsychotic and an antidepressant.
Is Kratom Safe?
Kratom has shown so many benefits for the human body. For millennia, Kratom has been used in Southeast Asia as a stimulant for diabetes treatment, diarrhea, increased circulation, and lengthening sexual intercourse.
The use of kratom continues up to this date. In fact, it is used as a sedative and as a pain reliever. Kratom serves as a stimulant in extremely tiny dosages of 1–5 grams (g), providing consumers with extra energy. They may feel more attentive and gregarious, as well as talkative.
Meanwhile, Kratom can provide a sedative effect at larger doses of 5–15 g. This effect is somewhat similar to the effects of opioids, which make people weary, peaceful, and happy.
More and more people have been using kratom to treat ailments, whether they are physical or psychological. And so far, the only reports that have been made about kratom usage are of overdoses of kratom.
A kratom overdose can result if you don’t track your kratom intake. Just like with any other modern medicine your physician prescribes, kratom should also be taken properly at the right dosage. Because no other reports have been made aside from the kratom overdose, it is safe to say that kratom is safe.
However, since the FDA hasn’t approved the use of kratom, it is still advised that you consume kratom or any other supplements or alternative medicines with caution. Before consuming, you should talk to your doctor or conduct more research about this herbal medicine.
Is Kratom Addictive?
The effects of kratom and its substances on the body in the short and long term are still being studied. Like most other drugs, the quantity consumed, potency, formulation of the product, how it is ingested, co-occurring health and mental health conditions, a person’s background with drug use, and other factors all play a role.
There is compelling proof that kratom has significantly less potential for dependence and overdose than OTC drugs.
Individuals who use kratom on a regular basis, according to studies, are at risk of becoming addicted. happens because the body adjusts to constant exposure to the substance.
When they stop using it, withdrawal symptoms can appear as the body adjusts to not having the substance. In addition, a physical dependence can result in cravings to help alleviate these symptoms. Individuals who consume greater doses regularly appear to be at the greatest danger of developing dependency (more than 5 grams per day and more than three times per day).
However, a study also suggests some people might have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms when they stop consuming kratom. According to one case report, those who went to the hospital related to kratom typically showed symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Muscle pain
- Stiffness of joints
- Diarrhea
- Mood Swings
- Runny nose
- Difficulty sleeping
What is the Best Kratom Strain for Anxiety?
When it comes to kratom strains, there are many you can choose from. However, there are three strains that are best for anxiety. These strains are:
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Maeng Da Kratom
Maeng Da is among the most famous strains on the market, and it’s also one of the strongest, with long-lasting effects. In addition, the plant has a wide spectrum of stimulating and sedating properties, making it perfect for treating anxiety and depression.
What separates this type from others? Agriculturalists used a procedure called grafting to alter it over several years genetically. Farmers in Thailand combine multiple strains through grafting to develop a more potent version.
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Green Malay Kratom
Green Malay is among the most famous green-vein kratom strains in the world, originating in Malaysia. For generations, it has been used as a traditional medicine in Malaysia. Anxiety, sleeplessness, fevers, chronic pain, and digestive problems can all be relieved with it.
Green Malay has a long-lasting benefit that users can enjoy throughout the day. People trying to manage chronic pain or muscle discomfort induced by anxiety seek it out for this reason.
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Red Bali Kratom
The properties of Red Bali are often milder and linger longer than those of Maeng Da variants. Because of its calming and analgesic properties, Red Bali is one of the finest kratoms for anxiety and sadness. It can also increase your energy depending on the amount.
One characteristic that makes this strain so famous for anxiety reduction is how slowly it works. The effects of Red Bali gradually quiet you down and make you feel pleasant and comfortable.
Takeaway
Many studies have shown that Kratom is an effective alternative medicine for treating anxiety and other mental health issues. Studies have been conducted and still continue to understand the characteristics of this alternative medicine better.
Taking kratom is just like taking other herbal medicine to help manage some illnesses. However, like with any other medicine or herbal supplement, it is best to exercise caution. You can start searching and shop for Kratom now.
