Current Perspectives On Kratom: The Truth About This Controversial Plant

Kratom is a plant that has been generating a lot of buzz in recent years. Some people hail it as a miracle remedy for everything from chronic pain to opioid addiction, while others claim that it's nothing more than a dangerous drug that can be addictive and harmful.

So what is the truth about kratom? Is it safe and effective, or should you stay away from it? In this article, we take a closer look at kratom and explore the current perspectives on its impact on human health and well-being.

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Origin of kratom

Before tackling kratom and its uses and impacts today, we first take a look at its rich history in traditional medicine. Kratom is a plant that has been used for centuries across Asia to treat a variety of health conditions.

The first users of kratom were workers in Malaysia and Thailand. The leaves would be chewed during long days of work, or brewed into a tea designed to help ease muscle pain, fatigue, and other consequences that came with their laborious lifestyles.

Kratom was also used as an opium substitute among people who could not afford the expensive drug but wanted something similar. People were further drawn in because kratom did not exhibit the same severe withdrawal symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting when they stopped using it.

The first time kratom was introduced outside Asia was in 1836, when a Dutch botanist named Pieter Willem Korthals made a note of its ability to alleviate fatigue while working on plantations near Malacca (now part of Malaysia) where laborers were chewing fresh leaves all day long.

This discovery ultimately led to an increased interest in kratom and its potential to help people manage a variety of health issues. Before thinking of trying kratom, it’s always best to read more about kratom pills. 

What is kratom?

To get to the bottom of their controversy, we should get to know kratom. Kratom is basically an herbal supplement that comes from the Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical evergreen tree found in Southeast Asia.

The leaves of this plant contain compounds called alkaloids, which are thought to have various effects on human health and well-being.

The two most active alkaloids in kratom are mitragynine and speciogynine. These alkaloids interact with the body's opioid receptors, which is why some people liken the effects of kratom to those of opioids.

However, there is limited scientific evidence on how these alkaloids actually impact human health, so more research is needed to understand how kratom works in the body and brain.

How does kratom work?

The active compounds found in kratom leaves are thought to have various effects on human health and well-being.

When taken by mouth, they can cause sedation, pleasure, decreased pain perception, and feelings of relaxation that are similar to those caused by opioids. In fact, there are now plenty of tasty and delicious kratom recipes people do with their kratom.

Kratom is also a stimulant and can increase alertness, energy, and sociability when taken in small doses. While at higher doses, it can cause euphoria, decreased anxiety, and feelings of relaxation.

What are the main benefits of kratom?

Many people decide to use kratom for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common benefits reported by kratom users:

• Mood-lifting effects.

• Relaxation and reduce anxiety

• Euphoria

• Decreased pain perception

• Stimulant effects (energy, alertness, and sociability) in small doses.

• Sedation when taken at higher doses

What are some known side effects of kratom?

Of course, kratom has earned its fair share of controversy because of its side effects. Some side effects of kratom include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Dry mouth, itching or tingling in the mouth area

• Dizziness and drowsiness

• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature

• Agitation or irritability

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Tremors or jerky movements

All of the mentioned symptoms can be very uncomfortable, which is why many people who have experienced them are discouraged from taking kratom.

That being said, these side effects are not immensely common and usually occur when a person takes large doses of the supplement over time. In fact, most of the reported cases involved an overdose.

Is kratom addictive?

This is another controversial topic associated with kratom use today: addiction. Many users say that they do not experience any form of withdrawal symptoms after stopping their intake of this plant-based supplement.

However, there have been cases of people who have experienced withdrawal symptoms after stopping the intake of kratom for a long time or those who have consumed it in high doses.

This is likely due to its interaction with opioid receptors in the brain and body, which can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction if used incorrectly or overused.

Is kratom legal?

Kratom's legality is also a topic of debate. While it is legal in some parts of the world, it is banned in others. The legality of kratom also varies from country to country, so it's important to do your own research on this before trying it out.

What are people saying about kratom?

Now that we have a better understanding of what kratom is and how it works, let's take a look at what people are saying about it.

On the one hand, many people swear by the benefits of kratom and say that it has helped them manage various health issues like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, addiction, and fatigue.

They laud the fact that kratom doesn't exhibit the same severe withdrawal symptoms as opioids and other drugs, making it easier to quit.

While on the other hand, there are those who warn of kratom's possible side effects and addiction potential. So far, there are too many subjective data to be completely sure.

The current perspective on kratom

So what is the general consensus on kratom today? The truth is, there are still a lot of missing links when it comes to this controversial plant. However, based on the limited research that has been conducted so far, it seems that kratom may have some benefits for certain individuals – but it also poses some risks.

For example, several studies suggest that kratom may be helpful for people struggling with opioid addiction. It has been shown to reduce cravings and withdrawals symptoms, and some people find it helpful in managing their addiction.

However, more research is needed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of kratom for this purpose. In terms of its side effects, kratom seems to be most harmful when taken in high doses or over a prolonged period of time.

Others who regularly consume this plant-based supplement say that it can lead to dependence and addiction if used wrongly or abused. Additionally, there are concerns about kratom's legality in some countries like Australia and New Zealand, where it has been banned outright due to safety issues associated with its use.

The bottom line is that both sides have a point, and there are still plenty of unknowns. While some people do gain a lot from using this plant-based supplement, others may experience adverse reactions or even become addicted to it.

Final Thoughts

The current perspective on kratom is still mixed, but it seems that this plant-based supplement has potential benefits and risks for certain individuals.

So if you're thinking of trying it out, it's important to do your own research first and consult with a healthcare professional. And as always, remember to be responsible when taking any new supplement. Thanks for reading!