10 Lesser Known Health Benefits Of Kratom And Side Effects

Wellness

oi-Amritha K

By Amritha K

on June 4, 2019

Scientifically termed as Mitragyna speciosa, kratom is a tropical tree. The leaves of kratom are widely used for medicinal purposes due to its morphine-like effects for centuries. The plethora of health benefits and medicinal properties possessed by the plant, especially its leaves vary from immunity boosting to inducing healthy sleep. The leaves contain compounds that can have psychotropic (mind-altering) effects, which is the central reason behind the FDA pushing to make kratom illegal ^[1] .

[Source: Kratomystique]

Kratom leaves are available in the form of pill, capsule, or extract and can be used to brew tea. The fresh leaves can be directly chewed or smoked and added to food. The plethora of benefits possessed by the leaves is due to the presence of unique chemical compounds and nutrients, including a wide range of alkaloids and other organic substances. The primary active alkaloid in kratom, mitragynine is responsible for the opioid-like effects ^[2] .

Banned in various countries such as Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar due kratom's increased abuse as a recreational drug, the tropical tree has seen a sudden hike in its usage in European and American countries ^[3] . From being an effective pain reliever to immune booster, kratom leaves are super beneficial for your health, when consumed in the right quantity and manner.

Health Benefits Of Kratom

1. Relieves pain

Possessing analgesic properties, the leaves of the tropical tree can help reduce the pain by affecting your hormonal system. The alkaloids in kratom impact the opiate receptors present in the central nervous system and thereby release enkephalins and endorphins which will help your body reduce the pain ^[4] .

2. Boosts energy

By optimising certain metabolic processes and impacting your hormone levels, kratom can help increase your energy levels. As it improves the metabolism, your blood circulation will also be increased. Because the combination of an increase in oxygenated blood and increased metabolic activities boosts your energy levels ^[5] .

[Source: portlandmercury]

3. Improves immunity

Possessing strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, kratom can be considered a natural immunity booster. The leaves help improve the resilience of your immune system, thereby providing protection against external toxins, chemicals and diseases ^[6] .

4. Manages anxiety

Commonly used for soothing your nerves and elevating the mood, kratom leaves are also beneficial in reducing anxiety, stress and help deal with depression ^[7] . The psychoactive substances in kratom release serotonin and endorphins that can help improve your overall mood as well. Kratom help regulate the hormones in your body and balances the chemical imbalances.

5. Promotes addiction recovery

Although not an opiate, kratom activates the opiate receptors in the brain which bonds with your receptions and help ease the addiction urges. Due to this effect, kratom leaves have been used for curing addiction for hundreds of years ^[8] . Though kratom leaves have been asserted to be addictive, regularly chewing on kratom leaves provides the person with the ability to 'get clean'.

6. Improves sex life

Used as an aphrodisiac and a fertility booster, kratom leaves' ability to boost energy and promote improved blood circulation accords to this benefit. It helps increase fertility, improves your fertility and boosts the conception rate ^[9] .

7. Manages diabetes

The alkaloids found in kratom leaves can aid in regulating the amount of insulin and glucose in the blood. This in turn help prevent the sudden hikes in blood sugar levels and also help prevent the onset of diabetes ^[10] .

8. Promotes heart health

The chemicals present in kratom leaves are asserted to have a positive impact on the functioning of your arteries and blood vessels. It helps reduce your blood pressure and prevent various heart diseases by easing stress. Therefore, kratom leaves provide protection against heart attacks, strokes and atherosclerosis ^[11] .

9. Better sleep cycle

Known for its therapeutic and mild psychotropic effects, kratom leaves or kratom supplements can help induce sleep. It helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle and can be beneficial for individuals suffering from insomnia, night terrors or parasomnia ^[12] .

10. Combats diarrhoea

By regulating your parasympathetic nervous system and slowing down peristalsis (wave-like muscle contractions), kratom can be considered an effective cure for diarrhoea ^[13] . It also helps treat and manage inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Some of the other health benefits of kratom are that they help lose weight, reduces inflammation, and fights fatigue ^[11] .

Kratom Tea Recipes

1. Normal tea

Ingredients ^[12]

• Dried kratom (as desired)
• 2 cups of water

Directions

• Add water to the pot
• Add desired kratom dose
• Simmer for 15 - 45 minutes

2. Kratom lemon honey tea

Ingredients

• The usual dose of kratom powder that you normally take
• 2 cups of water
• Half a lemon
• Honey to taste

Directions

• Fill the pot with water and bring it to boil.
• Lower the heat and add the kratom powder.
• Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
• Add lemon juice and honey and simmer for a few more minutes.
• Remove from heat and strain it.

Side Effects Of Kratom

Some of the adverse reactions the tropical tree leaves have had are as follows ^[13] :

• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Sweating
• Itching
• Constipation
• Increased urination
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Hallucinations

Rarely, kratom can cause addiction and dependence due to opioid-like effects. That is, when an individual stops taking kratom, they will have physical withdrawal symptoms such as ^[14] :

• Hostility
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Emotional changes
• Jerky movements
• Aggression
• Runny nose
• Muscle aches