Are you ready to test your expertise on kratom and its many uses? Most people who are familiar with the plant know about a few of its uses. Most notably, it has been reported by some people as effective in their withdrawal from harmful substances like chemical opioids. But what other kratom uses are there? Read below to find out. As always, read our disclaimer first.
- Opiate Withdrawal
- Pain Relief
- Energy and Focus
- Sexual Stamina
- Depression Relief
- Anxiety Relief
- Relaxation & Sleep
- Antioxidant
- Diarrhea
- Appetite
Table of Contents
1. Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal
If ever there was a significant use for an herb, it would be one that saves lives. Opiate withdrawal is among the most significant kratom uses. There are countless testimonials by those who have experienced kratom’s ability to ward off the symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Many even go as far as to say that kratom has helped save their lives. The alkaloids in kratom, specifically mitragynine and 7hydroxymitragynine, are indole alkaloids, which are not classified as opiates. Their structure is more closely related to yohimbine found in corynanthe yohimbe bark and rauwolfia serpentina.
Kratom Use in Southeast Asia
Kratom’s history in treating opiate addiction dates back to traditional use in southeast Asia. Although not true opiates, the alkaloids in kratom, still plug into opiate receptors in the brain. As a result, they satisfy some of the brain’s needs for opiates with a safer alternative. Therefore, users can begin to detox from opiates without feigning for harmful chemicals. The physical effects of kratom, which include relaxation, pain relief and anxiety relief, can also help mitigate some of the side effects of withdrawal. Although not a perfect solution, it has still saved lives.
Kratom vs. Other Holistic Remedies for Opiate Addiction
Kratom, although merely an herb, works much like the common pharmaceutical treatment for opiate addiction, methadone. While neither kratom nor methadone can be considered a definitive cure, both have saved countless lives, and they are among the best tools opiates can reply on. The only other herbal treatment that may be more effective, ibogaine, has intense side effects and is totally illegal in the U.S., making even clinical use prohibited.
Kratom vs. Methadone
Whereas kratom is not an opioid, methadone is. It has none of the same side effects as ibogaine. Like other opiods, higher doses of methadone can lower the body’s vital functions. This effect can lead to the same type of overdose as the drugs an addict is trying to come off of. One of the problems of methadone treatment has been that some of the addicts switch to abusing methadone. As a result, a number of those cases ultimately end up in overdose deaths. Since kratom’s alkaloids are indole alkaloids, they can provide withdrawal relief without the same risk of shutting down one’s heart or vital functions. They can use kratom without the risk of overdose.
Kratom vs. Opiate Addiction
For most serious opiate addicts, the so-called recreational effects of kratom are minimal. Instead, it is a much weaker effect. So there is less incentive to continue using kratom once it has served its purpose. For the vast majority of users, it is easier to taper off of than opiates or methadone. But even if one was to switch from opiates to kratom and continue using the kratom, they may not have treated their addiction problem, but they have moved away from something that can kill them. So if only from a physical standpoint, kratom is a valuable tool in the fight against opiate addiction. Certainly, there is no cure-all, but kratom deserves credit in its role in this ever-growing battle.
2. Kratom for Pain Relief
Pain relief may be the most widely sought-after kratom use. Many kratom users would agree that kratom is the most effective herb available for support with pain relief. (If we exclude medicinal marijuana from the debate, that statement is probably even more accurate.) There are different types of pain relieving drugs that act on the brain differently to bring about pain relief. However, it seems that action on the opioid receptors has the most profound effect on pain relief.
Kratom and Opioid Receptors
Just like opiates are generally considered the most effective pharmaceutical drugs for pain, kratom plugs into the same receptors, to the most significant degree, and so kratom is among the most recommended herbal remedies for pain. There are other medicinal pain herbs that have mild opioid activity. People don’t generally consider the opium poppy to be an herbal remedy. Its derivative product is dangerously addictive. By contrast, kratom may be the among the strongest herbs that contains compounds that bind with opioid receptors. Wit this in mind, people widely recommend it as an herbal pain remedy.
Kratom vs. Prescription Opioids for Pain Management
Today, people are on a quest for natural alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs. Prescription-strength opioids are highly addictive and dangerous. By contrast, you can easily find kratom testimonials online. People find it to be a life-changing alternative that they report as extremely unlikely to result in an overdose. Pain can manifest in countless ways, but those who use kratom to support pain management range from cancer patients, to sufferers multiple sclerosis, to sufferers of chronic back pain to those with arthritis.
Short-Term Pain Management vs. All-Day Sedation
Kratom use is also seen in support with more short-term pain management for post-operative pain, menstrual cramps, dental work or injuries. Many people are ditching their scripts for natural alternatives. Much like medical marijuana, many people report that kratom helps them deal with these types of ailments. Some may actually find cannabis to be as effective in relieving pain, but there are a lot of patients who do not like the effects of cannabis. Many users find kratom to be more functional in a situation where they want pain relief without the feeling if being drugged all day long. It is always important to consider the variability between users of any substance. But it is hard to discredit an herb’s pain relieving potential when they are willing to give up prescribed drugs.
3. Kratom for Energy and Focus
Boosting energy is one of the oldest kratom uses. People chew kratom leaves traditionally in southeast Asia. This is because field laborers report being more productive. As it has made its way into the U.S. in recent years, kratom has been seen in various energy, focus and even pre-workout formulas.
Alkaloids, Dosage and Energy vs. Sedation
Depending on the dosage, kratom can be energizing or sedating. The alkaloids mitragynine and 7hydroxymitragynine have an indole structure similar to yohimbine. Yohimbine is actually a rather strong stimulant, which was formerly seen in most workout supplements as a replacement for ephedra. Mitragynine and 7hydroxymitragynine are nowhere near as stimulating as yohimbine. It seems the opioid activity in these two kratom alkaloids brings in some sedation at higher doses. But the structure may explain some of the reason why it has energizing properties.
Vein Color, Alkaloid Content and Effects
Dosages may range from user to user, but a mild dose of kratom can typically provide the necessary energy to make the user more productive and focused. Kratom leaf is sorted by vein color. Common opinion seems to be that the white and green strains are more energizing than the red. The content of each of the different alkaloids in kratom varies between types. Generally, those with higher levels of 7hydroxymitragynine will be more energizing. Kratom’s effect on energy can pertain both to physical and mental stamina. Many kratom users describe kratom’s energy as being similar to a good cup of coffee, but without the jitters. Both kratom and coffee plants are in the rubiaceae family. Kratom’s effects tend to be longer-lasting than those of coffee, and they seem to be more well-rounded.
Kratom Energy Enhancement and Use Cases
Kratom is sometimes suggested on weight-lifting forums for energy, and it also helps with muscle soreness. Many of the typical supplements used for working out elevate heart rate much more than kratom. Caffeine is the most widely-used substance for energy, but many kratom users report a certain sharpness that caffeine lacks. College students sometimes use kratom for studying and focus while writing papers. Kratom may be beneficial to those with Attention Deficit Disorder. Kratom may also be beneficial to those seeking support for fatigue, especially that which stems from multiple sclerosis, cancer and chemotherapy, chronic fatigue syndrome, anemia, depression and many other conditions. For some users, kratom can help support relief of other symptoms while also replenishing energy levels, so they do not have to take multiple substances to treat different things.
4. Kratom to Increase Sexual Stamina
Another kratom use that dates back to traditional kratom use is an increase in sexual stamina. Many users, male and female, report that kratom can enhance their sexual experience. Kratom’s energy boost can often give users the ability to perform better physically. Both male and female users may find the energy to perform longer and better than they would without kratom. Many male users find that kratom also helps prolong their ability to hold off orgasm but still maintain an erection. It should also be noted that kratom’s primary alkaloids are similar in structure to yohimbine, which is perhaps the most common herb for male performance.
Kratom increases tactile sensation for many users, which can enhance the experience for both sexes. However, kratom also has the duel function of relaxation and analgesia, which can help relax the muscles enough for males to have greater control over their orgasm. Certainly, there is always variability. Some partners may find it difficult to orgasm at all, but others find that it magnifies the intensity of their orgasm. Dosage and individual reaction play a role, but it does seem widely reported that increased sexual stamina is on the list of kratom uses.
5. Kratom for Depression Relief and Mood Enhancement
Euphoria is one of the primary side effects of kratom, and so it is not surprising that many people use kratom for depression and general mood elevation. Although kratom has its own energizing effects, kratom’s effect on mood also may contribute to its motivating properties. Kratom users widely report mood enhancement and a gentle feeling of warmth. As with most herbs, kratom is not an approved remedy, and mental conditions should not be disturbed without professional advice. However, many users report anecdotally that kratom helps their depression. People are often looking for a natural alternative to medications or they are looking to treat the problem without certain side effects. Individuals with varying levels of depression report that kratom helps them, and many of them are able to use kratom as an alternative to medication.
On a more general level, kratom imparts a sense of well-being for most users. So it can be useful in social situations. In a situation where maintaining one’s faculties is a concern, kratom may be preferred to alcohol to reduce social anxiety and promote conversation. Most kratom users would also agree that kratom generally has fewer side effects than alcohol.
6. Kratom for Anxiety Relief
Anxiety relief is another potential kratom use. Kratom can have a relaxing effect that some users find will help counteract anxiety. Kratom imparts a sense of well-being that may help reduce anxiety. Most energizing substances tend to cause anxiety. By contrast, kratom has a duel effect, and is able to reduce anxiety for some users. Some people choose to ingest kratom instead of their prescribed depression and pain medication. According to them, kratom is a natural alternative to anxiety medications.
Many of the common anxiety pharmaceuticals, namely benzodiazepines, have a strong risk of addiction with regular use with severe physical withdrawal symptoms. These drugs also have a significant risk of overdose as they tend to shut down the body’s vital functions if the dose is increased or they are combined with alcohol or other drugs. Kratom does not shut down the body’s vital functions, and there is no risk of overdose. So some people choose kratom to treat their anxiety.
7. Kratom for Relaxation and Sleep
Although kratom can be stimulating, it also has a sedative effect. Depending on the person and dosage, some kratom users find that kratom can relax them for sleep at bed time. Some anxiety sufferers report significant results from their kratom uses. They say that it can mitigate the symptoms, resulting in more rest. Some sufferers of insomnia report that kratom can improve their sleep quality. It is likely that sleep studies would show kratom is not beneficial for actual rest. Alcohol and other drugs tend to have a negative impact on rest, even though they can help a person initially get to sleep . Kratom’s use in this regard is probably the same. But as one of the purely symptomatic kratom uses, some users do report that kratom helps with relaxation at bedtime.
8. Kratom as an Antioxidant Source
One of the lesser-known kratom uses is as a significant source of antioxidants. Kratom and coffee are both members of the rubiaceae family, and both are rich sources of anti-oxidants. Kratom has the powerful antioxidant, epicatechin, which is also found in raw cacao and green tea. Epicatechin not only has antioxidant properties, but it may also hold anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, it may have heart health benefits by regulating nitric oxide in the blood. Mitragynine itself also has anti-oxidant activity. Kratom has begun appearing in anti-aging and topical skin creams. Some people swear by incorporating caffeine into lotions to keep the skin young. Similarly, the theory is that the anti-oxidants in kratom can be used topically to reverse the aging process.
9. Kratom to Treat Diarrhea
One of the oldest kratom uses is as a treatment for diarrhea. It seems that kratom is used for many of the same remedies as opium. Even other so-called opium substitutes, such as wild lettuce, were traditional remedies for diarrhea. It seems that kratom can slow digestion and reduce digestive secretions. Kratom may reduce spasms associated with irritable bowel syndrome for some people as well. Kratom is also most commonly taken as a powdered leaf, either in capsules or as loose powder swallowed with water. The powder itself, seems to have a particular “binding” effect that can help counteract diarrhea. Certainly, individual reaction can vary, but it seems powdered kratom is the most effective form for diarrhea.
10. Kratom for Increasing Appetite
Many kratom users report having the “kratom munchies”. There are users that experience the opposite effect, who can use kratom for appetite suppression. But anecdotally, kratom seems more prone to increase appetite, based on user reports. For some, kratom can have a drastic increase on appetite. This may be correlated to a possible effect on blood sugar levels.
Some sources indicate that kratom can normalize blood sugar levels and have a positive effect for diabetics. If it has any effect on blood sugar, then it would only make sense that it could increase hunger. And there is no denying that it increases appetite for some people, regardless of the underlying mechanism. At least for those people, kratom can be useful for increasing appetite. As such, it would be valued for many of the same reasons as medicinal marijuana or hemp extracts are valued for its role in increasing appetite. In short, kratom could offer some relief to anyone who has loss of appetite, whether from sickness or other causes.
Which of These Kratom Uses Will You Try?
Now that you know what people have reported about their own use of kratom, you can consider trying it. There are many sources for kratom online, including some fakes. So, you’ll want to explore the more reliable companies for the best possible results.