5 Pros and Cons of Using Kratom

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You’ve probably heard about Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a herbal medication that people use for an energy boost and pain relief. It has alkaloid compounds and originates from a species of an evergreen tree. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine are the main chemicals in it.

In this article, you will find more about the pros and cons of using this herbal medication, as well as the facts that may help you see the bigger picture of its purpose. 

The Pros of Using Kratom

There is a lot to be gained from responsible Kratom use, so let’s go over the main benefits of Kratom first.

Reduces the feeling of pain

Kratom has a similar impact to opioids. Both mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, decreasing pain. However, unlike other opioid drugs, such as heroin, one Kratom ingredients study has shown it to be non-addictive (in small doses).

It also didn’t show behavioral side effects commonly associated with narcotics. That’s why many see this plant as the perfect tool for heroin addicts who try to stay clean. It delays the development of withdrawal symptoms while having no effect on physical drug addiction. In such cases, it is best to look for specific types of Kratom to meet your expectations and standards.

Stronger than morphine

That doesn’t imply that Kratom is entirely safe. For starters, 7-hydroxy mitragynine has shown to be a more potent analgesic than morphine. Excessive amounts of Kratom increase the risk of overdosing, so be careful with the intake to lessen the pain.

Kratom has become popular as an alternative to opioid pain medications such as hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin) and oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin). In many cases, you can use Kratom to manage chronic pain associated with conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Boosts energy

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Kratom can also help you feel more energized. Kratom is also available in a variety of forms, including tea. If you prefer this method of Kratom consumption, steep a few cut leaves in hot water. It relaxes the nerves while speeding up the heart rate.

According to various studies, Kratom boosts brain energy, making your thinking sharper. It also helps concentrate and maintain emotional balance.

Reduces depression

Kratom and its impact on mental health have gotten little attention from scientists. According to a study on Kratom usage, people used it to self-medicate mental health disorders. It includes sadness and anxiety, and they’ve reported that the symptoms are almost gone.

Some people have discovered that Kratom enhances their mood and alleviates anxiety symptoms. For people with opioid use disorder, Kratom can be a replacement for opioids.

Helps with insomnia

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Kratom’s calming effects may be just what you need if you have insomnia.

At smaller dosages, we can notice appropriate effects. Higher dosages can help you fall asleep quickly, but they can also make you tired when you get up the next day.  

Kratom is such a potent substance that it can interact with other medications. As a result, it is always a good idea to see your doctor before self-dosing.

The Cons of Using Kratom

You learned about the positive benefits of Kratom in the previous text. Now, I’ll tell you about some of the disadvantages that using Kratom can bring.

Liver damage

Long-term use of Kratom can cause acute liver damage. The onset of poisoning usually begins from the first to the eighth week of taking Kratom in various forms (powder or tablets). The symptoms include nausea, pruritus, and dark urine followed by jaundice. 

The pattern of liver poisoning is mixed or cholestatic and can be dangerous due to high serum bilirubin levels above 20 mg/dL. Patients who have experienced acute liver damage due to Kratom generally recover if they stop using it. 

Nausea

The first time you take Kratom, you’re likely to suffer from nausea, stomach aches, or even vomiting, especially if you take a substantial amount. A low dosage might be as little as one Kratom pill or half a teaspoon of Kratom powder. A good piece of advice is not to have Kratom on an empty stomach.

Hypoventilation

The primary cause of mortality from opiate usage is respiratory depression. Despite the lack of evidence, the risk of respiratory depression from Kratom appears to be low.

Constipation

Kratom’s constipating effects are due to the herb’s ability to dehydrate the person’s body, which triggers the body’s reflex mechanism to absorb any water from the feces.

High blood pressure

Many things in life can trigger high blood pressure.  If you use Kratom and are worried about your blood pressure, you may worsen the condition you’re trying to avoid. This information includes people with preexisting hypertension. Corynoxine is the link for Kratom and blood pressure.

Conclusion

Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of Kratom, you can determine whether to use it for medicinal purposes. The main thing is that nothing is helpful in large quantities. Before using it, read the product labels thoroughly and consult your healthcare professional.

Reference articles:

https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/drug-profiles/Kratom_en

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-Kratom#1

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/Kratom/does-it-get-you-high