Kratom, botanically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is undeniably one of the most talked-about herbs in the alternative medicine industry today. The tree is native to Southeast Asia, where its extracts have been used for decades to remedy various ailments.
But as with most herbs, Kratom’s efficacy depends mainly on proper usage.
Kratom supplements will only deliver the intended effects if properly administered. Wrongful consumption could leave you with a host of nasty adverse effects.
But what constitutes proper kratom usage, you may wonder?
Well, that question shall inform the basis of this article. Read on as we go over a step-by-step guide on how to safely use Kratom.
Kratom is a tree. The leaves are used as a recreational drug and as medicine. Kratom is banned by some in Thailand due to safety concerns.
1. Begin with High-quality Kratom
The first and most important step for safe kratom usage is to go for the highest-quality products you can find. The good news is that it’s fairly easy to vouch for the quality of kratom capsules or other kratom-infused supplements.
First, insist on organic kratom products. These are essentially supplements made from kratom trees grown under natural conditions, which entail the application of organic fertilizers and pesticides. Organic Kratom tends to have fewer impurities. It’s, therefore, highly potent.
The next step is to prioritize lab-tested products. According to the industry’s best practices, kratom products must undergo rigorous testing by third-party laboratories to guarantee their safety, potency, and efficacy. The best way to establish that a kratom supplement has undergone due screening is to ask the vendor for a certificate of analysis (CoA).
Last but not least, check the ingredients list for any additives. Processed kratom goods typically contain additives like preservatives (for prolonging their shelf life) and flavor enhancers (for enhancing the taste). While these chemicals play important roles, their percentage should be low enough not to overshadow Kratom’s potency in the product.
2. Use Kratom for the Intended Purpose
There’s no doubt that Kratom possesses immense healing benefits. The herb has demonstrated incredible efficacy against pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
Many people also report relief from nausea and sleep improvement. Plus, there’s evidence that kratom extracts may help with opioid withdrawal, making it a resourceful herb for recreational users.
Now, your primary intention for using Kratom doesn’t matter. The key thing is to administer the herb for the intended purpose.
Begin by researching the different ailments Kratom can treat, then strictly consume it for such diseases. Most importantly, avoid using the herb as soon as your condition improves. This will help avert possible addiction and dependency.
Young woman taking pills at home
3. Pick the Right Strain
One of the best things about Kratom is its availability in multiple strains. It’s vital to pick strains wisely, as each has its distinctive effects. The three main kratom strains include white-vein Kratom, red-vein Kratom, and green-vein Kratom.
White-vein Kratom is highly energizing. Products made from such strains will suit you better if you’re trying to relieve fatigue, mental slump, or nausea. They’re also suitable for recreational kratom users due to their stimulating effects.
Red-vein Kratom is generally sedating. Supplements formulated with red-vein Kratom are more effective against pain, inflammation, stress & anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Lastly, green-vein Kratom possesses nearly half the effects of white-vein and red-vein Kratom. Such strains are excellent for beginners due to their milder effects.
Many other kratom strains are based on the origin country, such as Maeng Da from Thailand and White Malay from Malaysia. However, most of these strains are predominantly white-vein, green-vein, or red-vein.
Mitragynina speciosa or Kratom powder in wooden bowl and Kratom capsules
4. Choose the Right Formulation
As well as strains, kratom products come in various formulations. The most common ones you’ll come across are capsules, powder, pills, and herbal teas. However, there are many other kratom-infused products to experiment with, including aromatherapy products, tinctures, vape oils, and skincare products.
All these products are capable of delivering Kratom to your system. However, they differ significantly in their onset time and longevity of effects.
Any kratom inhalable, including vape juices and aromatherapy products, has a quick onset time of around 5 - 15 minutes. However, those effects only last a few hours. The same applies to kratom tinctures, which are usually administered underneath the tongue.
On the contrary, kratom-infused edibles may take longer to kick in. But the effects can last several days once they get to your bloodstream.
5. Keep Your Doses Low
Kratom is generally more tolerable than many therapeutic herbs. However, side effects are never far away, especially in overdose cases.
It’s somewhat difficult to manage Kratom’s serving amounts, considering that the herb has no standard dosage.
While many people report 5 grams as the ideal daily kratom dosage, serving amounts ultimately depend on the individual user. Factors like age, body size, metabolic rate, and the ailment you’re suffering from will also determine how much Kratom to consume.
The thumb rule is to start with the lowest doses and then monitor your body for negative reactions for around 48 hours. Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and drowsiness.
You may up the serving amounts if there are no side effects and your condition doesn’t improve. However, be sure to increase the serving portions only in small increments.
Alternative medicine, herbal pain management and opioid withdrawal treatment concept theme with a pile of green kratom powder and capsules or pills isolated on white background
Summary
Kratom is one of the most powerful therapeutic herbs ever discovered. However, its efficacy depends on safe usage. We hope you can implement the above-listed tips to get the most from your next kratom dosage.
As a parting shot, note that Kratom is regulated in many jurisdictions worldwide. So, be sure to establish that you can legally access kratom products in your location.
