You may have heard of the term "kratom" being bandied about, but you might not know exactly what it is or why it has become so popular. Kratom is an herbal supplement derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia that has long been used for its medicinal properties. 

In recent years, kratom's popularity has skyrocketed as many people are turning to it not just for its various health benefits but also as an alternative treatment option for chronic pain, depression, and anxiety disorders. This blog post will dig deeper into what kratom is and explore whether there is any scientific evidence to back up its purported health benefits.

What is Kratom?

Many people aren’t aware of what kratom is exactly, which isn’t too surprising since it has only become incredibly popular recently. Kratom refers to the leaves of a tree, the Mitragyna speciosa, which is a member of the coffee family and is found in Southeast Asia in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. In terms of what makes this tree or its leaves special, it has several medicinal properties. 

Kratom was first mentioned in medical literature in 1836, and the way it was used was described as a substitute for opium in Malaysia. It was only first sold in the US much later, more specifically in the late 1990s. Today, there are numerous trustworthy kratom vendors on the market, but you must research before investing in a kratom product of your choice.

What Health Benefits Does It Offer?

One thing that makes kratom very interesting is that the dosage you consume will determine the benefits, as well as the effects that can be expected to be experienced. For example, at lower dosages, you will experience a more energizing effect, and at higher dosages, kratom can be used as a sedative. However, these aren’t the only benefits that can be experienced. 

Antidepressant

Because kratom has a sedative effect due to the various alkaloids, if you were to consume it, you would experience a reduction in depression and anxiety. More than this, it would make you feel more positive and calm your nerves.

Pain Relief

Another reason people consume kratom is to experience its pain-relieving properties. More importantly, many people don’t like over-the-counter medication since it can have many negative effects and can become addictive. 

Euphoria

As mentioned above, one of the benefits that kratom can provide is an intense feeling of euphoria, and many people enjoy having a little positivity brought into their day. Regardless of the vein consumed, whether white, green, or red, you will experience the euphoric effects. 

How is it Consumed?

One of the more influential reasons why kratom has become so popular is because there are many different ways to consume it, which makes it very convenient. As of right now, these are some of the most popular methods; 

• Kratom tea: the most widespread method of consumption is consuming kratom tea, which is when kratom powder is placed in a tea bag. Many people use sweeter teas to avoid the slightly bitter taste of kratom.
• Capsules: another popular method of kratom consumption is kratom capsules. These capsules are consumed like any other capsules. This method is popular because you can make capsules for specific dosages. 
• Toss and wash: the most convenient method for many people is the toss and wash method. Basically, this method requires you to throw the kratom powder to the back of your throat and then drink water. 

Side Effects and Risks

Before taking any medication or starting any self-treatment, talk to your medical practitioner. Kratom, much like any herbal supplement, can lead to unintended side effects. In terms of kratom, these side effects include:

• Irritability
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth 
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Dizziness

As you can see, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to find out whether kratom is okay for you to take. Since it is new, you might not know if it will interfere with other medication you might be taking. To find out more information on Kratom check out Superspeciosa Kratom Guide for a more in-depth look.