What is Kratom

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a mysterious beauty of the plant world, found mostly in Southeast Asia. It’s a tree with leaves that some people use for all kinds of reasons. People have been chewing, brewing, or even just straight-up eating kratom leaves for centuries.

Kratom is a natural stimulant, and it can give you an energy boost and maybe even a mood lift. But here’s the twist – it can also act as a sedative in higher doses, so it’s like a two-faced coin. As well as benefits, it’s important to note that there are potential negative side effects too (see section below).

The two main stars in Kratom are two alkaloids; Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These are the ones responsible for all the action. Mitragynine is like the Energizer Bunny. It gives you that perk-up and can make you feel more awake and alert. The other one, 7-hydroxymitragynine, that’s the one that takes you on a chill ride. It’s a bit like a sedative, and it’s the reason some folks use kratom to unwind and relax.

How is Kratom made?

Making kratom is a fine art. The key is to keep the alkaloids, like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, intact. Here’s the lowdown on how kratom is made:

• Harvesting: Kratom trees have these big, glossy leaves that are the stars of the show. They’re plucked from the tree, usually by hand.
• Drying: Once those leaves are picked, they’re spread out to dry. Sometimes they’re left out in the sun, and other times they’re dried indoors. It’s all about getting them all crispy and ready for the next steps.
• Grinding: Once the leaves are dried, they’re ground up into a fine powder. It’s like turning those crispy leaves into kratom dust. This powder is what most people use to make kratom concoctions.
• Taking: To actually use kratom, you can choose from a number of options. Some folks take the traditional route of mixing the powder with hot water, like brewing a tea. You might also mix kratom powder into a smoothie, swallow a capsule, or take a liquid shot bottle (like a gas station energy shot).

Benefits of Kratom

Here’s a rundown of what some people claim are the potential benefits of kratom:

• Pep in Your Step: Some users say that kratom gives them a boost of energy and helps them stay alert. It’s like a little pick-me-up when you need it.
• Chill Pill Vibes: On the flip side, kratom can also have a relaxing effect. It’s like that feeling when you finally sink into your couch after a long day – cozy and calm.
• Pain Relief: One of the more touted benefits is pain management. Some users suggest that kratom can help with things like chronic pain or discomfort.
• Mood Boost: There’s talk that kratom can give your mood a little lift. It’s not a guaranteed happy pill, but some folks claim it puts a smile on their face.
• Social Lubricant: Similar to how some people might enjoy a drink to loosen up in social situations, some users say kratom can help ease social anxiety.
• Creativity Unleashed: Some users claim that kratom can get those creative juices flowing. It’s like a brainstorming session for your brain, they say.

But, and it’s a big but, the thing about kratom is that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are potential downsides and risks, like nausea, dependence, and even liver issues in rare cases. Plus, the scientific community is still figuring out exactly what’s what with kratom. So please make sure you read the ‘Side effects’ section below, carefully.

Strains of Kratom

There are different strains of kratom – Each with their own individual characteristics and traits. Here are the most common strains, and what you can expect from each;

Green vein kratom can give a mild energy boost, and it may also give the user better mental clarity to focus on tasks with greater endurance. These strains are the perfect balance between energized yet relaxed, focused yet calm. They offer a good mix of kratom’s benefits without being overwhelming in any one area. Benefits of green vein kratom may include happiness, joy, euphoria and mild pain relief.

Red vein kratom is thought to have a mild sedative effect, helping the user to remain calm. Some people claim red strain is the best kratom for pain relief, although it has not been approved for this use or as a substitute for any medication. Red vein kratom is the most mellow of the major kratom strains, and is not generally classified as a stimulant. Red vein kratom can invoke relaxation, contentment, pain relief and soothing of the mind.

White vein kratom is generally higher in mitragynine levels, which is the alkaloid responsible for kratom’s energizing effects. It can help to modulate mood, cognition, and memory. White vein kratom is not good for relaxation – as it can give you energy and improved focus. White vein kratom can improve energy, focus, creativity, motivation and stamina.

Maeng Da kratom actually translates to “pimp grade” in Thai. Big pimping, right? It’s like the Ferrari of kratom strains. People love it for its potential to pack a punch in the energy department. Need a boost to conquer the day? Maeng Da might be your wingman. In a nutshell, Maeng Da is the heavy hitter of kratom – bold, intense, and not for the faint of heart.

Place of origin can have a noticeable impact on the characteristics. Just like grapes from different regions give wine distinct flavors – kratom from different countries can vary in potency and the blend of alkaloids. Indonesian kratom is known for its mellow vibe, while Thai kratom is a bit more energetic. Kratom from the lush forests of Borneo has a different flavor profile than its cousin from the bustling jungles of Sumatra. There’s also kratom from Bali, Malaysia and more!

Potential side effects of Kratom

It’s important to note that the use of kratom is controversial, and its safety is not well-established. The potential side effects of kratom can vary from person to person, and the substance may interact with other medications or health conditions. Some reported side effects include:

• Nausea: Kratom can cause nausea, especially at higher doses.
• Dependency and withdrawal: There have been reports of dependence on kratom, and abrupt cessation can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, and mood swings.
• Itching: Some users have reported itching or sweating as a side effect of kratom use.
• Constipation: Kratom can lead to constipation due to its effects on the digestive system.
• Loss of appetite: Some people may experience a decrease in appetite when using kratom.
• Sleep disturbances: Kratom may disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia in some individuals.
• Sweating: Excessive sweating is another reported side effect.
• Tremors or shaking: Some users have reported tremors or shaking after using kratom.
• Psychological effects: Kratom can affect mood and may lead to symptoms such as anxiety or irritability.
• Liver damage: There have been rare cases of liver damage associated with the use of kratom.

If you are considering using kratom for any reason, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss potential risks, interactions with medications, and overall safety, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

How is Kratom taken?

Our full Kratom range takes a number of forms. You can mix kratom powder into a drink or food, swallow a capsule, or take a short liquid shot. See which method will suit you best;

Kratom Capsules

Capsules are the most convenient and effortless way to take kratom. Simply pop a capsule in your mouth, and swallow. Simple! They’re great if you don’t enjoy the taste of kratom, because they mask all flavor. Capsules come pre-made, which means you don’t have to spend time measuring or mixing.

The fact that capsules are pre-made also makes dosing easy – as you know the exact content of each capsule. Do be aware that capsules take longer to hit you than ingesting powder or liquid shots. So be patient! If convenience and portability is important for you – Buy Kratom Capsules here.

Kratom Shots

Liquid kratom shots come in small bottles, like the energy shots you find at the counter in a gas station. Shot bottles are convenient and they’re fast-acting, as your body absorbs them quickly. They’re super portable, and kratom shots are often flavored. This gives them a pleasant taste, rather than making it a nasty experience.

Be aware that most shots contain multiple recommended portions. So read the contents label carefully – and know your limits! So if you’re all about convenience, speed, and a bit of flavor in your herbal game – Buy Kratom Shots here.

Kratom Powder

Kratom powder is the versatile choice for users who want to mix it up. You can brew it in hot water like tea. You can mix it into juices, smoothies, or even soda. You can sprinkle it on food, salads or chips. It’s also the most cost efficient method. It’s light on the wallet because you’re buying in bulk, in unprepared form.

Powder also gives you more precision of your dose. You can add and remove even the tiniest quantities, until you get it just right. Make sure that you take care whilst measuring your dose – whether you’re using a measuring scoop or digital weight scales. This means preparing kratom powder is more time consuming than other formats. So if you’re into the DIY, free-spirited kratom experience – Buy Kratom Powder here.

Best Kratom Shortlist

So as you can see – kratom comes in a variety of forms, strains, and places of origin. So which should you choose? For our very top picks of award winning kratom – Explore our Best Kratom shortlist!

Related Articles

We hope you found this kratom guide helpful! Whilst you’re in the mood for learning – Did you know that we have an entire series of guides? These answer some of the most commonly asked questions. If you’re interested in learning about other substances, explore our related articles here;

• What Is Delta 8? What Are The Benefits + Side Effects?
• What Is Delta 9? What Are The Benefits + Side Effects?
• What Is Delta 10? What Are The Benefits + Side Effects?
• What Is THCA? What Are The Benefits + Side Effects?

 

Written by James Smith

James is our Head of Vaping Community. He’s a crucial part of Discount Vape Pen team – he listens to our customers and acts as the voice of the people. James is a proud advocate of CASAA, and is a top online contributor on the Vaporents subreddit – Which is Reddit’s largest flower vaping community.

Away from his keyboard – James will be listening to EDM music or walking his dog, Winnie! Meet all our Discount Vape Pen Authors here.