Kratom is a popular herbal remedy for anxiety. It can improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms, but it is important to follow a treatment plan. A doctor can help you determine the best treatment for your anxiety disorder.
Taking kratom tea is the most common way to use it. This method is easy to brew, covers the taste well, and can be stored for later use.
How to Take Kratom
Kratom has a wide range of effects depending on dosage, strain, and method of ingestion. Its active component is mitragynine, which binds to receptors in the brain. At low doses, it is energizing and stimulating, while at higher doses, it is more relaxing and sedative. It is sold as a dietary supplement and in smoke shops and paraphernalia stores, most commonly in powder form. It is also brewed into tea, or mixed with codeine-containing cough syrup to create a drink known as 4×100. It is often abused by those in recovery from heroin or opioid addiction as a way to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Whether it is used for pain relief or as a pick-me-up, taking too much kratom can result in dependency and addiction. It acts on the same receptors as opium, and has the potential to lead to opioid use disorder. Symptoms of kratom addiction can include runny nose, constricted lungs, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Taking kratom is safe when taken properly. The most important thing is to find the right dosage, and then stick to it. If you are new to kratom, it is best to start with a small dose and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effect. It is also essential to purchase from a reputable source, with a money-back guarantee and lab-tested products.
Dosage
Ideally, you want to start with a low dose and increase it gradually until you find the right balance for your unique body. The best way to do this is by weight rather than volume, so make sure you use a scale.
It is also a good idea to mark down the amounts you consume so you can track your results and discover what works for you. However, many of our kratom products come pre-dosed so you can skip this step and just enjoy the product.
When taken in the right quantity, kratom can help manage pain, and it is especially helpful for people with chronic pain. This is because kratom contains alkaloids that can bind to the kappa, delta, and mu-opioid receptors, suppressing pain sensitivity throughout the body. It is important to choose the right strain for this, though. The most effective pain relievers are those that contain the highest levels of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, as these compounds have the strongest opioid-like effects.
Kratom is also known to improve mood and alleviate depression. It can stimulate the brain, but it also induces feelings of euphoria, making it well suited to managing depression and anxiety. People who use kratom to overcome these symptoms often prefer the Bali, Maeng Da, and Borneo strains.
It’s also been found to reduce opiate withdrawal symptoms, which makes it popular among those recovering from addiction. However, kratom is not without risk of dependence and addiction, so it’s important to take caution and only use the recommended dosage.
Side Effects
Many people take kratom to boost energy and concentration. In low doses, it can have stimulant effects, while higher dosages produce a more calming effect. People have experienced side effects such as agitation, hallucinations and seizures. Those who smoke or snort kratom experience the effects more quickly because it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and passes the brain-blood barrier more rapidly. This increases the risk of addiction and overdose.
It’s also important to be aware of the potential for kratom products to be contaminated with other drugs. A recent study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs tested 15 products advertised on the internet as kratom or that came up when searched for ‘kratom’. All the samples contained the stimulant mitragynine but none had the narcotic 7-hydroxymitraginine.
In addition to avoiding kratom, which is currently not regulated, people who want to address pain and anxiety issues can use safer alternatives such as yoga, exercise, meditation or CBD products, says Cohen. It is also important to consult a doctor before trying any new drug or supplement, especially one that hasn’t been thoroughly researched. The results of that research should also inform federal, specifically NIDA, policy-making and strategic planning. A 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report found that a greater proportion of U.S. individuals who reported lifetime kratom use had one or more past-year substance use disorders than those who never used the herb.
Storage
When it comes to storing kratom, you want to make sure that it is kept away from oxygen. Oxidation is what degrades herbs over time, so it’s important to keep your kratom as protected as possible.
The best way to store kratom is in glass jars or containers with airtight lids. This will keep your kratom free from moisture which can promote mold growth. It’s also important to avoid places that have a lot of temperature fluctuation. This is why a dark room or cellar is a good place to store your kratom.
Another thing to keep in mind is that kratom needs to be stored away from UV light. This can cause it to deteriorate and lose its efficacy over time. UV light also exposes the kratom to oxygen which can accelerate the oxidation process.
When storing long-term, you should divide your kratom into larger bulks than what you would for short-term use. This will help to prevent the oxidation from happening as quickly. It’s also a good idea to keep your kratom organized by strain, month, and type to make it easier for you to grab the right one when needed. Some people even like to freeze their kratom, but it’s important not to do this for too long as it can lead to freezer burn. How to use kratom
