Using Kratom: Why do people use it?

This tree is characterized by oval-acuminate dark green leaves and globular flowers clustered in yellow. A kratom tree can grow up to 12-30 feet tall and 15 feet wide. There are two different types of plants: the White Vein and Red Vein varieties. In different parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, the plant is also known as thom, krathom, ketum, kakuam, ithang, or biak biak. The natives of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia have been using the plant traditionally even before the West discovered its properties in the 19th century. Kratom products can be found in the form of plant extract, fresh leaves, dried leaves, powder, paste or small granules.

In addition to being used as a pain reliever and to cure diarrhea, similar to other alkaloid-containing plants, kratom is often used for therapeutic and recreational purposes. Taken in low to medium doses (about 2 to 20 grams of kratom leaves), the herb can reduce fatigue, as well as cause euphoria and stimulant effects. The herb's stimulating effects include increased sexual and physical energy, a more alert mind, a greater ability to do monotonous physical work, and an improved personality, such as more communicative, sociable, and friendly. Meanwhile, a higher dose of 21 to 50 grams of the leaves of the plant has sedative effects; making its user resistant to emotional and physical pain, have a pleasant feeling, feel and look calm, and have a pleasant sleep. However, a kratom user can also have unpleasant side effects, such as constricted pupils, sweating, itching, nausea, and kratom wholesale.

Kratom also has properties to treat addiction to opiates. Since the plant is cross-tolerant to opiates, it is often used for opiate detoxification treatment, especially in New Zealand. For approximately 6 weeks, patients can smoke kratom when opioid withdrawal symptoms occur. Within the time range, the kratom dose will gradually decrease. Therapeutic use of the plant should be controlled by an authorized party, as regular use of kratom can only cause addiction, although not as severe as opium or heroin addictions. In fact, in some countries like Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand, Denmark, and Myanmar, the use of kratom is controlled, and illegal possession of the herb can result in a strict penalty.

More studies on kratom also revealed that the herb contains antioxidants and is therefore considered to have essential benefits similar to those found in green tea. The herb also contains fiber that is helpful in relieving constipation.