Chances are you’ve heard of kratom, or mitragyna speciosa as it’s sometimes called. If so, then this is the guide you need to read.
There’s a lot of misinformation regarding the ideal kratom dosage, different strains, the effects they have, and more—here we’ll give you the facts.
In this article, we’ll take a science-based approach to some common questions surrounding kratom, like what it is, how it works, and so on.
So, get ready for the ultimate guide to kratom, and keep reading if you want to discover the best dosage, strains for happiness, and much, much more.
What is Kratom?
Kratom, otherwise known by its scientific name mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tea indigenous to countries in Southeast Asia. [R]
This plant, which is often known for its mood enhancing and euphoric effects, is used recreationally across the world for a number of reasons.
Proponents of kratom claim the following benefits:
- Powerful Mood Enhancing Effects
- Great For Relieving Physical Discomfort
- Helps Improve ADHD & Concentration
- Great For Euphoria & Relaxation
None of these claims have been evaluated by the FDA, but this hasn’t stopped individuals from using it across the United States (and world).
How Does Kratom Work?
The kratom leaf contains a number of different alkaloid compounds, but one in particular, called mitragynine gives it the effects its known for.
This alkaloid is relatively abundant in kratom, with a concentration of 1.5% in dried leaves, and is known for causing opiate like effects in users.
Shortly after ingestion, mitragyna speciosa begins being absorbed by the body, and begins binding to μ-opioid receptors in the brain. [R]
It also stimulates the α2-adrenergic receptors in the brain, which lowers the release of norepinephrine—this explains its mood enhancing effects.
Kratom Benefits
While kratom has still not been approved by the FDA for any purpose, this hasn’t stopped proponents of the speciosa leaf to proclaim its benefits.
In fact, an intense legal battle is currently being waged in the United States, over the legality of kratom—it’s still legal to buy and sell, however. [R]
Here are some common benefits of kratom:
- Powerful Relief of Discomfort
- Improve Concentration
- Strong Feeling of Euphoria
- Enhanced Mood & Mindset
While many individuals use mitragyna speciosa leaves for fun and recreation, it’s important to note that many with chronic pain issues proclaim that kratom has helped them regain their livelihood.
Kratom Dosage & Strains
The dosage of kratom that you take will vary wildly, depending on the strain you’re taking, your tolerance, and the symptoms being treated. If you’re a beginner, we recommend you try one of the best kratom strains that we reviewed, because most users get great results from those strains.
Some veteran users have reported taking over 50 grams of kratom per day, although this is far above the recommended dosage, even for veterans.
Most users agree that as a beginner, it’s best to start off with 2-3 grams of high quality kratom, which is roughly 1/2 a teaspoon’s worth.
Wait approximately 30-45 minutes, and you should be feeling some of the effects of kratom by now. If not, consider taking another 1-2 grams.
How to Take Kratom
Kratom is typically ingested orally, although there are a number of different ways to dose and take it. We recommend you read our full guide on how to take kratom, but here are the basics for anyone just skimming.
If you got kratom pills, this is perhaps the easiest to take, although for a better deal, and to buy in bulk, many people buy kratom powder, instead.
Kratom powder can be taken several ways:
- Plug N’ Chug
- Kratom Tea
- Add to Yogurt
- Whey Protein Mix
The easiest way to to take kratom is to start with half a teaspoon (roughly 2.5 grams) of your strain of choice, mix it with some water, and chug.
Where to Buy Kratom
If you’re looking to buy kratom to enhance your mood, feel more relaxed, and increase your sense of well being, our #1 recommendation is The Kratom Worx, which we’ve been a fan of for many years now.
The Kratom Worx has some of the highest quality kratom for sale available online right now, with very good prices considering the purity. In our article on where to buy kratom online, we ranked the top 5 kratom vendors on the planet, and The Kratom Worx came out number one due to their quality, good prices, and great customer support.
Their products are highly competitive, especially considering their potency compared to other kratom companies. Everything they sell is 100% legit.
In fact, out of all the kratom companies in the world, we chose to only recommend this one as our #1 favorite vendor, and for good reason. The Kratom Worx is one of the highest quality vendors we’ve come across, and they consistently deliver good products for a good price with fast shipping & great customer support.
Kratom Side Effects
While many users don’t experience any side effects while taking kratom, it’s still important to be aware of the common negative effects you may have.
Most users recommend drinking ample water and taking “on and off” days with your kratom dosages to avoid these side effects, and to be safe.
Here are some common kratom side effects:
- Dry Mouth
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Loss of Appetite
Most users will only experience mild versions of these side effects so long as they get kratom from a high quality source, and start off with a low dose.
That being said, too much kratom can lead to serious side effects, and mixing kratom with other drugs such as alcohol or meth can be fatal.
Addiction Potential
While safe and effective use of kratom can be a phenomenal way to treat many chronic disorders, there is still concerns over addiction potential.
Due to its opioid-like effects, many users report becoming easily addicted to the euphoric feelings that kratom gives them, and increasing their dose.
This being said, the vast majority of users who choose to consume kratom do not become addicted, and for those who do, there are ample resources to help them overcome their addiction. [R]
Conclusion
In summary, kratom is a potent leaf native to Southeast Asia, and has been used in traditional medicine for millenia to treat a wide variety of things.
Many people in the West are just discovering its potent pain-relieving, euphoria-inducing, and medical effects, and are using it en masse.
If you do decide to buy kratom, be sure to get it from a good vendor, like The Kratom Worx, which is our #1 favorite source for kratom.
And of course, if you have any questions about mitragyna speciosa, be sure to send us an email and we’ll do our best to get back to you ASAP.
❓ What is Kratom?
Kratom, also known as mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical plant that is typically ingested to create a calm, euphoric, and soothing feeling in users. Studies show kratom can help with depression, low energy, chronic pain, and more.
❓ How Long Does Kratom Last?
The effects of kratom can typically be felt within 30-45 minutes of ingestion, and will usually peak around the 2-hour mark. Most of the effects of kratom will last around 4-6 hours, which is why some users choose to dose multiple times per day.
❓ Is Kratom Safe?
Although the FDA has not approved it for medical treatments, kratom has been used for thousands of years throughout various regions in Southeast Asia, to treat chronic pain, depression, and much more. Many users find that kratom is safe and helpful.
