Kratom’s Health Benefits: From Pain Relief to Addiction Recovery

Kratom is a tropical plant, native to Southeast Asia, that is used for a variety of medicinal purposes. The scientific name of the plant is Mitragyna speciosa, and it is truly a diamond in the rough.

Most of Kratom’s medicinal benefits are derived from nutrients and chemical compounds that are found inside the leaves of the plant, which contain powerful alkaloids. So, let’s take a closer look at the “super leaf” with the Top 10 Medicinal Uses for Kratom:

Pain Relief

Using Kratom for pain relief is the most common and well-known health benefit. The leaves were first consumed by indigenous cultures, and their primary use was to relieve pain, because of the analgesic properties of the nutrients and alkaloids. The leaves quickly relieve pain by impacting the hormonal system. Pain can be alleviated just by chewing on Kratom leaves, as the alkaloids will dull the pain receptors throughout the entire body.

Anxiety and Mood Swings

Inherently, a substance that is able to relieve pain will also have an impact on the mental and emotional stability of an individual. Even just to improve mood alone, when no pain relief is needed, the leaves of the Kratom plant have been used as anxiolytic substances for people who are suffering from depression, chronic stress, mood swings, or anxiety. Because it regulates the hormones in the body and creates a calming and euphoric effect, people can feel freed from their chemical imbalances without relying on pharmaceuticals.

Heart Health

Studies have found that the use of Kratom leaves can create a distinct drop in blood pressure. Because of the chemical components of the leaves and how they impact the hormones in the body, Kratom can have an anti-inflammatory effect benefitting the arteries and blood vessels. Because they relieve the tension in the cardiovascular system, Kratom leaves are able to prevent some serious heart conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis.

Diabetes

Its effect on blood sugar levels is one of the lesser known medicinal values of Kratom. Research has shown that the alkaloids found in the Kratom plant’s leaves can help the body regulate the amount of glucose and insulin in the blood, which can prevent the dangerous peaks that all diabetics face. Not only does it help manage this disorder, but it can be helpful in preventing it from developing.

Addiction Recovery

Because it is an herb that has sedative effects, Kratom has been used as a method of treating opiate addiction for many years now. Opiate addiction is a major issue in many cultures, and the common methods of dealing with it that we witness here in the U.S. (backed by the healthcare institution) is only the tip of the iceberg of treatment options. Just by regularly chewing on Kratom leaves, the user will get a similar sensation to a mild opiate, but without the negative side effects. So, people who are trying to recover from an addiction often turn to Kratom leaves as a solution, especially to help manage withdrawal symptoms during the journey of recovery from harmful drug addictions.

Sexual Stimulant

In the cases of fertility and sexual libido, people looking for better sexual health are using Kratom as a fertility booster and aphrodisiac. The enhanced blood flow caused by the leaf can increase fertility, re-energize a tired libido, and even improve conception rates. While most people use Kratom for its calming and euphoric effects, most users note an increase in libido as an unexpected (but welcome) side effect. 

Immune System Booster

Independent studies that were conducted on the various alkaloids found in Kratom leaves have shown them to have major positive effects on the resilience and strength of the immune system. Many Kratom users write in forums that they have yet to have even a common cold since they began taking it. This research is anecdotal, not comprehensive, but traditional beliefs about Kratom include its ability to help with the symptoms of some illnesses and prevent certain other illnesses altogether.

Energy Booster

One of the reasons why Kratom (which comes from the same plant family as coffee) is so popular is because of its metabolic effects. With the right dose, Kratom increases your energy levels by optimizing metabolic processes and hormone levels. It also results in increased circulation, and an increase in oxygenated blood in areas where the body needs it most provide a significant boost of energy. 

It is a common practice to take a smaller dose of Kratom for a more energizing experience and a larger dose for a more sedate experience.

Better Sleep

The right strain of Kratom can certainly help you get a good night’s rest. The alkaloids that are found in Kratom leaves are a powerful means for communicating with our minds and bodies. They bond with adrenoceptors in our cells and then send signals to the sympathetic nervous system. These alkaloids are able to influence breathing and heart rate and bring the tempo of the whole body into a calming rhythm. All of the worries and stresses from the day are released from the body, which is the perfect condition for rest.

Enhanced Concentration

One of the numerous effects of Kratom is that it can boost focus. The energizing green and white strains of Kratom are especially effective for counteracting “brain fog” and enabling you to focus all your mental energy on something in the present moment. Many students say that it helps them feel more attentive in class. There are also reviews from users who said that Kratom helped them counter their ADD/ADHD symptoms.

It is extremely important to use Kratom in the right dosages if you want to experience the full benefits of this great plant, and doses may vary depending on what you are trying to treat.