Do you ever feel tired at the most inopportune moment, or do you suffer from insomnia, anxiety or stress? You are not alone, modern times make these problems worse. But what if there was a natural alternative that could help you regain your energy and spiritual well-being? What is kratom, what are kratom’s effects and what makes kratom so special? This exotic plant from Southeast Asia offers a solution. Thanks to its stimulating and calming effects, kratom can support not only your mood, but also your overall well-being. Learn how to take it correctly and get the most out of its beneficial effects.
What is kratom?
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa in Latin, is a tropical plant. It is very similar to the coffee plant, even belonging to the same family. It has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for various health problems, but in recent years it has experienced a huge increase in popularity.
Kratom has stimulating or sedative effects depending on the dose – in small doses it increases concentration and energy, in larger doses it acts as a relaxant and soothes pain. For many people, it is a natural alternative to synthetic drugs, so it is important to know the correct dosage and use to enjoy its full potential.
Kratom leaves have very extensive effects, which is why it is so popular with people in all parts of the world. Shortly after ingestion, it induces a state of euphoria and relaxation, increases concentration and helps with physical or mental exertion, as well as with integration into a collective. The effects depend on the type of kratom (green, white or red) and its dosage.
Where does kratom come from?
Kratom’s original home is Southeast Asia, it is most widespread in Thailand, Malaysia and, in particular, Indonesia. In Thailand, it was once cultivated secretly, precisely because of its effects. People used it instead of opium, which was unaffordable to them. Thanks to its stimulating effects, it helped local people cope with physical exertion, especially on hot days. Unlike opiates, kratom promotes activity and increases energy.
At the end of the 19th century, it played a major role in combating opium addiction. However, because Thailand specifically had a lot of money from the sale of opium, its use was banned in 1943. Because opium itself was taxed, but kratom was not. It was not until 2019 that kratom was re-legalized in Thailand, but only for medical purposes.
What does kratom look like and what does it need?
Kratom is a tropical tree that can grow up to 30 meters and its leaves are always green, falling mainly in the dry season. It thrives mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, such as the rainforests of Southeast Asia, and rarely grows in the north. In addition to Asia, it thrives in Africa, where it likes a marshy environment. This plant prefers moist soil full of nutrients and once it takes root, it does very well. If kratom is grown in areas where there is a risk of frost, it often means that the plant does poorly and the leaves lose their effects.
Kratom leaves contain the largest amount of active ingredients just before they fall off the tree. In its natural habitat, late summer or autumn is a good time to collect them. Unlike most retailers, where leaves are harvested after 30 days, our kratom is harvested after 50–60 days and offers exceptional quality and strength.
What does kratom do to our body?
According to a number of studies, kratom offers a variety of beneficial effects, including support for fighting addiction. It is known to suppress withdrawal symptoms, which can make it easier to wean yourself off all kinds of drugs. Our ancestors discovered this many years ago, when people addicted to opium managed to overcome their cravings for the drug when kratom was administered and were no longer addicted after detoxification.
Red kratom also acts as a powerful analgesic, helping with muscle pain, toothache and even diarrhea or intestinal infections. Some customers also highlight its analgesic properties for relieving painful symptoms during menstruation. Due to its properties, it has become a popular natural remedy for managing various types of pain and promoting overall health.
Did you know that ...
kratom also acts as an aphrodisiac? Some users confirm that kratom helped them improve sexual performance and increase sensitivity during intimate experiences. Thanks to its relaxing effects, it can extend the duration and enhance the overall experience.
White and green kratom have powerful effects that can stimulate the body and mind, making it a great means to increase energy and concentration during work. Its positive effect on overall mood and energy can also help with depression and anxiety management. Users describe an easier way to overcome lethargy and an increased appetite to be active. Although it increases energy, it does not lead to uncontrollable states of euphoria or mania – people remain able to function normally and actively participate in social and work life.
Although kratom is considered relatively safe, it can also have side effects, especially when taken at higher doses or dosed incorrectly. The most common side effects include nausea. Prolonged overuse can lead to the development of addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Overdosing can lead to vomiting and temporary nausea, but more severe symptoms are rare. With prolonged use of reasonable doses (up to 10 grams/day), addiction does not develop.
Recommended products from the article
Kratom effects – Green, white, yellow and red
The specific effects of kratom are determined by the three basic types - green, white and red. It is always the same kratom, just processed differently. Depending on the way it is processed, the effect differs. There is also yellow kratom, in the Czech Republic it is a processed blend of red and white kratom in a 60:40 ratio. So what does kratom do?
- Green kratom – It significantly improves mood, supports the desire to communicate, is suitable for company or having fun as an alternative to alcohol. It also provides a slight energy boost, but not as much as a white kratom. It is the ideal choice if you suffer from depression, anxiety or just need to improve your mood. Green kratom is the most popular type of kratom.
- White kratom – It provides a significant amount of energy and improves concentration. It also slightly improves mood, but not as much as a green kratom. The ideal choice for work, study or physical performance.
- Red kratom – It relaxes your body and mind. If a larger dose is used, it is a great pain reliever. It also has noticeable aphrodisiac effects.
Each colour has several representatives (subtypes), but there is no significant difference between them. They are distinguished either in their strength (content of active alkaloids) or they are mixes of kratoms of two colours in different proportions. I recommend testing multiple options, ideally of each colour. It is advisable to rotate between types during use to prevent tolerance building up.
Best Sellers
How to use kratom
In Southeast Asia, kratom was traditionally used by chewing fresh leaves, but this is not common in other parts of the world. Instead, it is usually prepared as tea from crushed leaves or predominantly in powder form, which is obtained by drying and grinding the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. Nothing is added to the powder, so its quality is comparable to kratom leaves. However, we pay close attention to quality control – each batch is tested for heavy metals, microbiological parasites, lead and effective alkaloids. If kratom does not meet our strict criteria, it is not further processed or put on sale. The leaves are first crushed, then ground into a fine powder and mixed in a large blender to distribute the active ingredients evenly throughout the batch, guaranteeing consistent quality and effects. So how to use kratom?
It is not smoked or administered intravenously. It is always swallowed. Kratom itself is quite bitter and is therefore usually taken in a mixture with, for example, grapefruit juice.
- The quickest and most common way to take kratom is to mix it in warm water and drink it. If the bitter taste does not suit you, you can mix it with purchased or fresh juice, or a smoothie. For the best results, I recommend shaking the mixture thoroughly in a shaker to dissolve the powder well. The effects of kratom usually occur within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the dose and individual body response.
TIP for a stronger kratom drink
- If the bitter taste of kratom bothers you, tablets may be the ideal choice. Tablets are an easy and practical form of use that you will appreciate anywhere. You do not have to mix with water or weigh the exact dose, each tablet contains exactly 0.95 g of kratom. For more experienced users, the recommended dose is 3 tablets, equivalent to 2.85 g of kratom. If you are just starting to use kratom, it is recommended that you start with a half dose, 1–2 tablets, best of all between meals. The dosage is individual and each organism reacts differently, so it is a good idea to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it as needed.
When to use kratom?
Experienced users usually use kratom on an empty stomach, as this gives you the strongest effect due to better absorption. For beginners, it is advisable to take a smaller dose of kratom between meals, ideally at least 1 hour before or after a meal. Using kratom just before or after a meal can significantly reduce its effects, so this procedure is not recommended. If you take a small dose too soon after a meal when starting to use kratom, you may not notice any effect at all. If you do want to have it with or right after food, drink a lot of liquids after using kratom. Grapefruit juices are best. The time of use is not important. It is up to you when you want to feel relaxed, when you want to be full of energy or when you are about to have company.
How long does kratom last?
The effect lasts 3–4 hours on average. But it can be individual. The duration is influenced by several factors, such as eating before/after use, the way you take it, the dose and how your body absorbs the kratom.
Kratom dosing
If you want to enjoy kratom use to the full, it is necessary to know how to dose it. The average dose of kratom is 3 grams, equivalent to one regular teaspoon (not heaped!). However, for beginners, I recommend starting with half a dose, meaning 1.5 grams or half a teaspoon. For red kratom I recommend using a kratom dose ofbetween 4–8 g for stronger analgesic effects. This larger dose is recommended because the process of producing red kratom consists mainly of longer drying, which reduces the content of mitragynine, the substance behind the euphoric effect, but increases the content of other alkaloids that result in an analgesic and relaxing effect. However, such dosing is best suited for those who already have sufficient experience with kratom.
Our bodies work individually and kratom affects everyone a little differently. Gradually increase the dose carefully until you find the ideal amount that suits you best. If you do not notice any effect after half an hour, have an extra gram. After more than 4 grams, you will feel a sedative state. If you feel nauseous, you have probably overdosed. Exclusively for our documentary on kratom, Dr Virhan Novianry, M. Biomed, a biomedical scientist at the Faculty of Medicine of Tanjungpura University in Pontianak, Indonesia, who has been studying kratom for 4 years, said that he considers kratom safe at a maximum daily dose of up to 10 g. This experience is confirmed by kratom expert and owner of kratomuj.cz Ondřej Tanistra.
Important warning! If you have low blood pressure, start with a dose of less than 1 gram of kratom. Kratom has the ability to lower blood pressure, and in this case it is necessary to be extra careful. It is recommended that you gradually monitor the body’s reactions and adjust the dosage as needed to avoid possible complications.
What happens in an overdose?
You are not at risk of death or any severe consequences. Nausea and vomiting may occur with an overdose, after which relief usually follows. If you overdose, we recommend eating more carbohydrates, such as pastries or filling food, to help absorb the kratom. Another side effect of overdosing may be low blood pressure. In this case, coffee will help, as it increases the pressure.
Am I at risk of addiction when using kratom?
In general, if used responsibly, meaning not 5 times a day, there is no need to worry about addiction. It is ideal if we treat ourselves to it, for example, 1–3 times a day, skipping kratom altogether at least 1 day a week. With this frequency of use, we can enjoy it without fear. In case of more serious problems, you can also take multiple doses per day for a short time.
People who use kratom in inappropriate amounts and over a long period of time (e.g. 12 g or more a day for several weeks) may experience symptoms such as decreased energy, lower mood, restless leg syndrome or difficulty sleeping when they stop using it. However, these withdrawal symptoms are not common when kratom is consumed in moderation. This means that kratom is not to be feared. It can be useful to us in many ways, we just need to consume it wisely.
TIP for the next article
For more on withdrawal symptoms, read our article: Kratom – withdrawal symptoms and how to relieve them.
People also often ask
Is kratom legal?
In some countries, kratom is legal, in some places it is regulated or only available on prescription, and in a few countries, kratom is completely banned. For example, our neighbors in Slovakia resorted to banning kratom, when they placed it on the list of banned substances in the same category as heroin on 9 December 2021. What an absurdity! Apparently, the pharmaceutical giants didn’t like losing their customers. It is also illegal in Poland, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK. Responsible retailers are calling for kratom to be regulated under strict conditions. Age restrictions or mandatory laboratory tests are most often mentioned. In the current situation, kratom is being sold as a study or collectible product.
What is the quality of kratom powder on the market?
You can come across cheap kratom that is of dubious quality. To achieve the result, you will need 2–3 times the dose of high-quality kratom and the effect will be weaker anyway. There are also cases where some retailers dilute kratom to save money. They often dilute it with non-natural substances that can be harmful to humans. Poor quality kratom is also at risk of Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Quality kratom is regularly tested for the presence of dangerous bacteria, heavy metals and also for the content of the effective alkaloid mitragynine.
What effect does the combination of kratom and alcohol have?
While some people claim that combining kratom with alcohol is safe, it is important to be careful. Alcohol is stronger and can suppress the effects of kratom, so with higher amounts of alcohol, the effects of kratom may not be that evident. Yet kratom can provide energy and a certain degree of relaxation. Using the two substances separately to minimize the risk of side effects is recommended.
Warning
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute a recommendation for the consumption of kratom or other psychoactive substances. Kratom is classified as a psychomodulating substance, and products containing it are not intended for persons under 18 years of age. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in combination with alcohol, nicotine, medications, or other psychoactive substances.
Do not use these products before driving a motor vehicle or performing activities requiring heightened attention and coordination. In case of health issues or chronic illnesses, consult a physician before use. Keep out of reach of persons under 18 years of age.
Sources
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE. Kratom [online]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585120/
HEALTHLINE. Kratom: Is It Safe? [online]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/is-kratom-safe#controversy
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE. Kratom—Pharmacology [online]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7203303/
FRONTIERS PSYCHIATRY. Biochemical Benefits, Diagnosis, and Clinical Risks Evaluation of Kratom [online]. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00062/full
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG. Kratom [online]. Available from: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom#safe
MDPI. Developmental Toxicity of Kratom [online]. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/10/6294
