In recent years, the availability of wholesale kratom extract has significantly increased, owing to its unique energizing and therapeutic properties. It is cultivated mainly in Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and the Philippines, but now has reached other parts of the world in raw and other forms.
Besides stimulant effects, it has been used by the local communities traditionally as a home remedy for fatigue and muscle cramps for many years. It is readily available in health centres in many parts of the world, but lately it has garnered attention over its misuse and addiction concerns. Hence, it is crucial to explore all the health-related aspects and potential risks before starting to consume kratom in any form.
Why Is There A Rise In the Popularity Of Wholesale Kratom Extract?
Kratom is a herbal extract cultivated mainly in Southeast Asian countries, like Myanmar, Thailand, and the Philippines. Its leaves have been used as a dietary supplement that has been reported to act as an energy booster, mood lifter, and pain reliever. Though available in many forms, such as powder, capsules, pills, and liquid extract, the leaves have been historically chewed and brewed in their native form to alleviate pain and increase productivity.
In recent years, the usage of Kratom has surged in the West, particularly, the United States, as a medicinal supplement to treat chronic pain and anxiety. It is also widely used to reduce opioid cravings, also called opioid withdrawal, due to mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, primary alkaloids found in the leaves.
These alkaloids are believed to interfere with the opioid receptors in the brain, which start showing their effects in minutes. Its availability and ease of consumption in several forms, such as pills, capsules, powder, tea, etc, add to its popularity.
What Are The Potential Health Benefits Of Kratom Extract?
There are several testimonies of people who consume Kratom extract and claim to have found relief from various health issues. However, it is important to note that there is no strong research that backs the claims of Kratom being an effective alternative to medicines to treat certain issues. Hence, it is advised that it must be consumed in moderation and under supervision. Some of the possible benefits people have experienced after consuming Kratom are as follows-
1) Helps In Pain Management
Kratom has traditionally been used to alleviate chronic pain and muscle cramps, as an alternative to painkillers, by the natives where it was majorly cultivated. Owing to this property, it is marketed by the wellness industry as a pain suppressant. Several users also claim that the consumption of Kratom extract helps them manage the discomfort associated with body cramps, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
2) Works As A Mood Enhancer
Taken in low doses, Kratom extract has the ability to elevate mood, making people feel less anxious and calm. This is mainly due to the interaction of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine with opioid receptors in the brain, found in Kratom. This results in the release of endorphins that help to improve mood and lessen stress.
3) Acts As An Energy Booster And Increases Productivity Level
People have reported that after the consumption of a feel good kratom shot, they feel a boost of energy and increased focus and alertness. Within 30-45 minutes of its consumption, brewed Kratom leaves give a smoother upliftment in energy without jitters, comparable to caffeine. However, it must not be consumed on a daily basis to build the tolerance level.
4) Helps In Opioid Withdrawal
Kratom leaves are garnering attention largely due to their opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings by affecting the brain’s opioid receptors. It has also been reported to ease mood swings, provide relaxation, and have mild euphoric effects. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize it as a treatment for opioid addiction.
What Are The Possible Side Effects And Risks Involved In The Consumption Of Kratom?
Though Kratom is being marketed as safe because it is plant-based, consuming it in large doses can have potential side effects. Moreover, the United States Food and Drug Administration(FDA) does not recognize the herbal extract as an alternative to treating any medical issues.
It is readily available in health and wellness stores, cafes, and vape shops in the US, which increases the concern of it being consumed without a healthcare expert or any medical precautions. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, some of the side effects and risks faced by users are as follows-
- Dry mouth
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Tachycardia
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
Takeaways
Owing to its benefits and availability, Kratom is being used by people without any medical prescriptions or healthcare consultation. More so, because it is marketed as safe by the wellness industry, but it is essential to approach this ‘herbal extract’ rationally. It should neither be consumed in high doses nor daily, as it is a sedative substance affecting brain receptors.
We recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional before you decide to include Kratom in your diet or as an alternative to medicine.
Note: Though not included in the Controlled Substances Act, Kratom is banned in 15 countries, and the FDA does not recommend its usage as an alternative for medicines. It has also warned against over-usage of Kratom due to the possibility of serious adverse health risks.
Disclaimer: The content here is intended only for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended for medical purposes, and readers should consult their healthcare provider for specific health concerns and questions.
