What is Kratom?
Kratom is a type of evergreen tree that is native to Southeast Asia. Its botanical name is Mitragyna speciose and it is a member of the coffee tree family, Rubiaceae. It has recently gained popularity as a botanical product in many countries of the world and is currently being studied for its potential use in future medicines. Kratom is most often used for its stimulant effects to treat fatigue, as a pain reliever, and as a mood enhancer.
You may never have heard of Kratom, but this southeast Asian herb has a history of traditional and medicinal use going back thousands of years. Local customs and oral histories of several Southeast Asian countries detail Kratom’s use as an effective treatment for common ailments and afflictions. There are also written accounts dating back to the nineteenth century describing its first recorded use as a treatment for symptoms of morphine withdrawal and use as an opium substitute.
What is Kratom used for?
The chopped fresh or dried leaves of Kratom have been traditionally used to combat fatigue and increase productivity among farming populations in Southeast Asia. The leaves have been commonly consumed either raw or brewed into a tea but they can also be smoked or taken in a concentrated liquid or capsule form. Modern usage of Kratom has shown its effectiveness with the treatment of pain and with promoting a relaxed state of body and mind.
Kratom has recently shown promise as a natural alternative for the treatment of some medical conditions and with the treatment of opioid addiction. Troy Farah of Discover Magazine reports that more than five million Americans “use Kratom regularly” to “provide pain and anxiety relief” without the need of additional pharmaceuticals. While more research is ongoing, many clinical trials have shown Kratom can interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain. This opens up new possibilities in Kratom’s potential use as a treatment for addiction. While Kratom is still relatively unknown, Erin Brodwin of Business Insider reports that a growing number of physicians and researchers are now becoming interested in the “untapped potential” benefits of Kratom to the pharmaceutical industry.
What are the physical effects of Kratom?
Kratom is most often described as a mild stimulant in lower doses and as a somewhat powerful sedative in higher doses. A moderate dose of Kratom generally consists of three to five grams of dried leaf, but anything above five grams is considered a strong dose. Kratom also effects different people differently, based on individual tolerance, dosage size, and other factors.
Lower doses of Kratom are usually more stimulating and characterized by increased motivation, talkativeness, and sociability. A sense of euphoria mixed with high energy and focus also usually accompanies a lower dosage. Some may experience slight nausea or dizziness during the initial onset period, but this typically gives way in time.
At stronger doses, users often report a decreased sensitivity to physical and emotional pain as well as increased feelings of joy and elation. Some additional effects might include a warming sensation, increased empathy, potential sexual arousal, and mild visual hallucinations. Depending on dosage size, effects of Kratom can typically last from two to eight hours.
Different Classifications and Strains of Kratom
Kratom is composed of many different strains of varying strength. These strains are grouped and differentiated using a color classification system that references their physical properties, methods of preparation, and their physical effects. These classifications include Red Kratom, Yellow Kratom, Green Kratom, White Kratom, and Mixed Kratom. Each classification is described below.
Red Kratom
Red Kratom strains are considered to produce powerful euphoric and pain relieving effects compared with Green and White strains of Kratom. Red Kratom leaves are harvested from the outermost exterior portions of the Kratom tree where the leaves are most exposed to direct sunlight. This strain is typically aged and cured in a process that takes longer than Green and White strains. The strongly euphoric properties of Red Kratom make it one of the most popular varieties with users seeking its mood enhancing effects.
Yellow Kratom
Yellow Kratom strain is actually a variation on the preparation method of Red Kratom strain. It begins as Red Kratom and undergoes a longer and more involved process of drying which can additionally include fermentation. Similar to food preparation involving fermentation, this can alter both the physical and chemical properties of the strain to deliver a completely different product. The result of this process is Yellow Kratom strain which is prized for its heightened euphoric effects when compared with the standard Red Kratom strain.
Green Kratom
Green Kratom strains are often characterized by a milder euphoric effect with an increased level of energy and concentration. At higher doses, Green Kratom may produce a greater sense of calmness and relaxation for users. Similar to what the name implies, Green Kratom strains tend to be the “greener” and least dried and processed leaves of the Kratom tree. These leaves are most often harvested from the lower and bottom portions of the tree where they receive the lowest amount of sunlight compared with other strains. Green Kratom strains are sought out by those seeking an energizing experience of mental calmness and clarity.
White Kratom
White Kratom strains are often considered to a good choice for those seeking a balance between the energizing and sedating effects of Kratom. White Kratom strains can usually provide a broader spectrum of effects when compared to other strains. As with other strains, individual effects may vary based on dosage size and other factors, but many users report experiencing a sense of relaxation alongside an increase in energy and focus. The leaves of White Kratom strains are only moderately dried when processing the plant. The leaves themselves are harvested from the middle and interior portion of Kratom trees where they receive mostly indirect sunlight. White Kratom strains are very popular with those new to Kratom who are seeking a more rounded experience.
Mixed Kratom
Mixed Kratom strains are a mix of the different varieties of Kratom leaf. Mixed Kratom strains are often a popular choice due to the wide amount of variation among different blends and special combination formulas of the Kratom. As a choice offering more variety, Mixed Kratom is very popular with both those new to Kratom and more experienced users.
Extracts
Extracts of differing Kratom strains also exist in resin, liquid, or capsule form. As a more concentrated dose with potentially more intense effects, it is usually helpful to start small initially and increase dosage size as needed.
Awareness
All Kratom strains differ in their effects. Larger doses tend to be more sedating than energizing. Kratom affects different people differently. Similar to other herbs and medicines, regular use of Kratom may develop a greater tolerance over time. To avoid this, it is recommended to alternate between Kratom strains that are taken on a regular basis.
At Uncle Stu’s Smoke and Vape Smoke, after years of research and testing, our staff has been able to procure the best strains of Kratom available in the market. We directly deal with our sources in Southeast Asia to provide you a 100% authentic product.
If you’re curious to learn more about Kratom or which strain is best for you, stop by any of our locations in Carol Stream, Algonquin, Lake Zurich, Romeoville, or South Elgin. Our staff at Uncle Stu’s Vape and Smoke Shop are trained to finding and providing you the best product for your needs.