There are many different types of kratom, as well as unique strains, colors, and supplements. It’s often difficult for consumers to make choices for their health without understanding more about this unique product, where to purchase it, and which type to choose. In this article, you will learn the following facts:
- How kratom is thought to work
- The benefits of kratom
- Different types and strains of kratom
What Is Kratom?
Kratom has become a mysterious yet ubiquitous buzzword in the past few years. It’s not a prescription drug, and it’s not, as some may assume, another type of cannabis. Kratom is an herbal supplement derived from a tree that’s native to Asia. Some people use it as a coffee-like drink, while others take the extract in pill or tablet form. In its natural form, Kratom contains both a stimulant (mitragynine) and a narcotic compound (7-hydroxymitragynine).
There’s a lot of unknown when it comes to kratom products, but some people swear by its effects. Read through the following pointers to learn more about kratom and to determine whether the supplement is right for you.
What Are the Positives of Kratom?
Traditionally, the leaves of the kratom plant were chewed or made into a tea for their mood-enhancing benefits. Since the ancient times in which these plants were discovered and harnessed for their medicinal properties, kratom has taken off as an alternative health supplement. Kratom, when used to augment health naturally, is used for the following purported benefits:
As an Alternative to Opioids
Kratom’s narcotic-like compound 7-hydroxymitragynine is strong enough to be compared to opioids and other chemicals often used as prescription drugs such as morphine, codeine, and more. Some researchers are convinced that kratom can hold just as much potential for abuse — but others think that kratom may be the key to helping these people safely detoxify from their opioid of choice and transition back to a sober lifestyle. More research is needed to determine how exactly kratom can help people who struggle with addiction to opioids.
For Body Discomfort
Could kratom become a way to handle body discomfort? Kratom as a plant substance has many doctors and researchers looking into it as an alternative method for helping people who deal with body discomforts.
For a caffeine-like Boost
If you’ve ever heard someone talking about kratom coffee, the person speaking may be referring to mixing kratom into their coffee to give it a boost, or they may mean kratom that you drink as a coffee-like substance. Kratom can certainly be consumed as a drink, and it has been since ancient times. Using it in coffee, especially, may temper the stimulant effects and give you both an energizing boost and a calming feeling at the same time.
Types of Kratom and Different Kratom Strains
It may surprise you to know that there is more than one type of kratom. There are, in fact, several strains, colors, and ways to consume this plant that may produce unique effects. Below are some of our most popular products.
White Kratom
White kratom is usually consumed as a stimulant and for its mood-boosting effects. Like caffeine, most white types of kratom consumers tend to use it earlier in the day, so it does not interfere with sleep at nighttime.
If you’re looking for the strain usually touted for body discomfort relief, scroll down to green kratom to see if it sounds more appropriate for your case. Everyone is unique, and finding your perfect kratom product may take some time. White kratom, overall, has a reputation for making the user feel more positive, cheerful, and optimistic. As the name implies, the leaves have white veins.
Green Kratom
Green kratom leaves are thought to be in the middle ground between the white and red varieties. They are not as stimulating as white or as calm-inducing as red, but they are a good mix of both qualities. Some people take green kratom for social nervousness as they feel it helps them socialize and focus on other people rather than their own thoughts.
As always, it’s best to try the product for yourself and consult your doctor instead of taking someone else’s word for it because everyone’s reaction can be different.
Red Kratom
Red kratom leaves have red veins and often red stems as well, making this type easy to distinguish if you see it in its raw form. Like white kratom, it’s known for making its consumer feel positive and optimistic — but it’s not as energizing.
Other Notable Strains
You may see references to Maeng Da kratom, or Bentuangie kratom as well. Other strains you may come across are yellow kratom, which is similar to white vein kratom but often dried and preserved differently, which changes its color. It’s often said to possess similar uplifting mood results.
Things To Consider When Purchasing Kratom
If you are considering purchasing kratom for a health condition, be sure to talk to your doctor or another member of your health team (a nurse practitioner or a surgeon, for example) to determine whether kratom will be helpful to you. Those who struggle with an active addiction will want to take special care when using kratom for the first time, and those with mood disorders or other severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia should carefully review the research with their mental health team before trying it.
Similarly, there isn’t much information when it comes to pregnancy and the use of many drugs — whether they are natural or man-made substances. To be on the safe side, pregnant and breastfeeding women should take care to avoid kratom altogether during this time of vulnerability for both the woman and her growing baby. Plan to try kratom after you are finished breastfeeding and during a time when you are not planning an additional upcoming pregnancy.
Get In Touch With SOL Botanicals
If you have more questions about kratom, the different strains you may encounter, or how this unique substance may help you reach your health goals, please get in touch with SOL Botanicals. Contact us through this form or call the numbers provided today. We look forward to sharing our knowledge of kratom with you!