Kratom: The Plant that Threatens Big Pharm
What is Kratom? Kratom is an evergreen tree (Mitragyna speciosa) that is native to Southeast Asia. Its medicinal properties are used as a way to boost cognitive function and energy levels. The leaves can be chewed or dried and made into teas or powders. It goes to market as an herb, powder or extract. In addition, there are three different strains of kratom. White, green and red, each having their own effect on the body. Other colors may be found but they are usually blends of the three primary strains. Treatments vary from relieving muscle pain, suppressing appetite, or helping with anxiety to opioid withdrawals. In recent years, its popularity as a treatment for ADHD has grown.
Is Kratom Legal
The history of kratom’s legality is a long and complicated one. Federal and state laws have been in a constant state of flux, with some changes happening overnight and others taking years to come into effect.
Kratom has remained legal at the federal level. Individual states are free to enact their own laws regarding the sale and possession of kratom. As of right now, there are a handful of states that have banned it, they are Rhode Island, Vermont, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arkansas and Alabama. The American Kratom Association is actively advocating the change in the laws replacing the banning of kratom with the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). Seven states have already accepted this act. The legality of kratom can change at any time. Federal and state lawmakers are constantly evaluating the risks and benefits.
What Kratom does to the Brain
There is some evidence to suggest that kratom may be effective as a nootropic. One study found that it improved memory and reaction time in rats. These effects in humans need researched.
If you suffer from ADHD, you know how frustrating it can be to try and focus on anything – let alone complete a task. The good news is that there is hope in the form of a natural remedy, kratom. There are a few different ways that it can help to ease the symptoms of ADHD. First, it can help to improve focus and concentration. This is due to the fact that the leaves contain alkaloids that interact with the brain in a way that promotes focus and concentration.
How does Kratom make you Feel
Kratom’s chemical makeup is similar to that of opioids in that it attaches to the same receptors in the brain. This causes a stimulant effect, pleasure and or pain reduction. For this reason, people use the supplement to help with withdrawal from opioids, and eventually stop using altogether.
There are three general classifications for the effects of different dosages: low, medium, and high. Low doses of kratom act as a stimulant, providing focus, energy and alertness. At medium doses, it has been reported to act as an analgesic, to decrease pain. At higher doses, it is reported to act as a sedative and totally relaxes the body and mind.
When you feel like you can’t possibly focus on anything, the low dosages are the best. The energy-boosting effects of the supplement help also. The medium dosages help you get through that pain and maybe experience euphoria. The higher dosages help you relax and sometime make you sleepy.
Conclusion
There is a lack of scientific evidence to support the claim that kratom is an effective treatment for any medical condition. However, there is a growing body of anecdotal evidence from people who have used it to self-treat conditions like pain, anxiety, depression, and opioid addiction that it works.
The American Kratom Association made the Good Manufacturing Practice Standards Program and introduced the KCPA, Kratom Consumer Protection Act to ensure public safety of this non-regulated herbal supplement. Purchasing a product from a vendor that adheres to these standards would ensure a quality product. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Use it in moderation and enjoy!