Kratom Benefits and Uses

Kratom Benefits & Uses

Here is a list and quick reference guide showcasing the benefits and uses for Kratom. While still widely unknown, this blog attempts to shed more light on Kratom and other natural supplements.

At KY Kratom we use strict guidelines that ensure our information is accurate and gathered from credible sources. We routinely use medical journals and research data when writing this blog. As an herbal supplement brand, part of our responsibility is providing reliable, up-to-date information for current and potential clients.

Kratom has an impressive range of characteristics that can help people combat multiple issues. Kratom is best known as a natural remedy for pain, but it has many other uses.

1. Analgesia/Pain Relief
   • Kratom is best known for its ability to relieve pain. Kratom has a number of alkaloids that affect the brain's opioid receptors, and the main alkaloid is called mitragynine ¹. The poppy, the plant that acts as the primary ingredient of virtually every narcotic pain medication available, also affects these receptors. The Kratom alkaloids stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine in the brain which alleviates the pain. This interaction is also responsible for the euphoria experienced by the user.
     
     Similar to opiates, Kratom is often used to quell moderate to severe pain. Kratom can either be used to combat occasional headaches and muscle pain or it is used to treat diseases or illnesses that cause chronic pain.
     
     While all Kratom strains work well for pain management, a few examples of highly potent strains include Red Vietnam, Red Bali, and Green Malaysian.

2. Stimulant/Energy Boost
   • Kratom is popular among laborers in Southeast Asia as it increases energy in small doses. Sufferers of chronic fatigue usually find Kratom to be an excellent remedy. White, green, and yellow strains have more prounounced stimulant effects than red strains.
     
     White Thai, Green Maeng Da, and Yellow Vietnam are a few favorites among users looking for an energy boost. A dose of one to five grams has been demonstrated to be the ideal dose for those using Kratom as a stimulant².

3. Diet Aid & Appetite Suppressant
   • Because certain strains of Kratom act as stimulants, Kratom is commonly used as a diet aid and appetite suppressant. Kratom is very popular among the bodybuilding and fitness community. It also appeals to health enthusiasts as a useful supplement for diet and nutrition regiments.
     
     White, yellow, and green strains are typically used as a diet aid. Some examples include White Maeng Da, Yellow Borneo, and Green Bali.

4. Anxiety Relief
   • Kratom is also commonly used by individuals who face depression, stress, and anxiety. Red strains like Red Borneo and Red Dragon work well for stress relief.
     
     Here is a quick side note. There is another relatively unknown plant used as a natural remedy for anxiety. Kava Kava is a plant native to the western pacific. Studies have shown Kava Kava to be an effective treatment for short-term anxiety.

5. Immune System Support
   • There have been multiple studies on the various Kratom alkaloids, and results have concluded that Kratom can strengthen the immune system when used as a nutritional supplement.

6. Improved Sexual Health
   • Kratom is classified as an aphrodisiac and not only increases sexual drive, but also prolongs duration. The sexual health benefits of Kratom are now even garnering comparisons to Yohimbe, the sexual health supplement giant.

7. Diabetes Treatment Support
   • A far lesser known Kratom benefit is leading to improvements for people suffering from blood sugar disorders like diabetes. Recent studies are revealing that Kratom can help regulate the body's insulin and glucose levels. These alkaloids can help prevent the serious and sometimes fatal complications in diabetes patients.

8. Opiate Addiction Recovery
   • In Thailand, Kratom has been documented as a treatment for opiate addiction since the mid-1800s ³. Since Kratom acts directly with the brains opiate receptors, Kratom can significantly curb opiate withdrawal symptoms which ensures a higher success rate for patients and addicts.
     
     By lessening the varied and sometimes extreme symptoms that accompany opiate withdrawal, the likelihood of a successful transition off opiate medications and substances is improved.

Side Effects

Like every other substance, Kratom is not without side effects. These can include nausea, fatigue, and constipation. Long-term Kratom users can experience mild withdrawal symptoms. Like any health supplement, please consult a physician prior to using Kratom.

Thank you for reading the KY Kratom blog. We encourage readers to comment and add their opinions about our posts.

¹ Hassan, Zurina, Mustapha Muzaimi, and Farah Suhaimi. “From Kratom to Mitragynine and Its Derivatives: Physiological and Behavioural Effects Related to Use, Abuse, and Addiction.” Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 37 (November 22, 2012): 138–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2012.11.012.

²MacLaren, PhD, Erik. “The Effects of Kratom Use.” DrugAbuse.com, December 18, 2015. https://drugabuse.com/library/the-effects-of-kratom-use/.

³ Hassan, U., Muzaimi, M., & Navaratnam, V. (2013). From Kratom to mitragynine and its derivatives: Physiological and behavioral effects related to use, abuse, and addiction. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 138-151. https://bit.ly/kratomcitation. Accessed June 19, 2017.