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Kratom (or Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree belonging to the coffee family which is starting to see popularity as evidenced by the increasing Kratom Amazon availability. It is native to many countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
Due to their morphine-like effects, leaves from kratom trees have been used for many medicinal purposes, most particularly as a treatment for pain. The leaves can be chewed raw but are typically crushed into powder and often transformed into kratom tea.
Due to its bitter taste, people often mix kratom powder with herbal teas or take it with alcoholic beverages. They also mix it with food like homemade cookies or yogurt to make it more palatable.
Kratom also comes in the form of kratom capsules and kratom pills. For more in-depth information and where to best buy kratom check out EpicKratom.com.
Kratom sometimes goes by other names, too, such as:
- Thom
- Ithang
- Kakuam
- Ketum
- Biak
Presently, there are not enough clinical trials and studies to better understand the effects of kratom to the human body. While the FDA and DEA are more inclined to ban kratom products, proponents of the herb continue to campaign against its illegalization.
Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain compounds that can have psychotropic (mind-altering) effects.
Health Benefits of Kratom
Keep in mind that different strains of kratom provide different benefits, such as red vein kratom strains being better for pain relief or white vein kratom strains being more energizing.
Kratom contains more than 25 alkaloids and over 40 compounds, so it should come as no surprise that this amazing plant offers numerous health benefits. Here are some of them:
There have been no in-depth studies that strongly support the health benefits and harmful effects of kratom. The FDA has not approved any kratom products and does not monitor the purity and safety of the herb.
The Controversy
There have been no in-depth studies that strongly support the health benefits and harmful effects of kratom. As such, it has not been officially approved as a medical treatment.
Kratom contains high alkaloid levels which can have strong physical effects on humans. Its alkaloid content is almost as substantial as that found in hallucinogenic mushrooms and opium.
A study has verified the addictive properties of mitragynine, the primary psycho-active alkaloid of the kratom plant. Addiction can lead to side effects like tremors, insomnia, sweating, nausea, and hallucinations.
The FDA has not approved any kratom products and does not monitor the purity and safety of the herb. Also, kratom production has not been regulated and no safety production standards have been established for this drug.
Side Effects of Kratom
Long-term kratom use can cause some side-effects including:
Regular users also tend to experience psychotic symptoms like delusion, hallucination, and confusion. Regular kratom use has been associated with cravings, drug dependency, and incidence of withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms of kratom are similar to those of prescription painkillers and opiates such as heroin. Physical symptoms include:
Commonly reported psychological withdrawal symptoms include:
Where to Buy Kratom
Kratom is intended to be banned by the DEA due to its potential harmful effects on the body and the likelihood of people abusing to it. As a consequence, Amazon prohibited the advertising and selling of kratom products on their site.
While you can’t find kratom for sale on Amazon, there are other online places you can buy it from. Top kratom vendors include Happy Hippo Herbals, Coastline Kratom, and GAIA Ethnobotanical.
As with any herbal and medicinal products, it is important that you buy only from a trusted kratom vendor. This ensures that you’re getting the pure, unadulterated plant that is chemical-free and of the highest quality.
