There are a number of ways to use kratom. It can be smoked or chewed on the leaves, brewed as tea, or put into capsules. It can also be mixed with other substances to enhance the effects.
Depending on how it’s used, kratom can produce stimulant or sedative effects. It’s important to talk to a health care professional before using it.
How to take kratom
Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia that, at low doses, has stimulant effects and at higher doses acts like an opioid. It is available as a pill, a powder to mix in beverages and loose leaves to brew into tea. People take kratom to boost energy, treat pain and even sedate themselves. The plant contains chemicals called mitragynine and other alkaloids that bind to opioid receptors in the brain and have sedative effects. It is legal and can be purchased at many health food stores, but it also has been linked to addiction, withdrawal symptoms and overdoses.
There are many ways to take kratom, but the most common method is taking capsules. These can be found at most drugstores and are usually made from a combination of kratom leaf extract and gelatin. They can be taken on an empty or full stomach and the results will vary depending on how much you consume.
The best way to find the right dosage for you is by testing it out. Some people need more than others and the effect is influenced by your body chemistry and how long you’ve been using it for. A good place to start is with a 2 grams dose. If you take it on an empty stomach you will feel the effects within 30 to 60 minutes, but if you consume it with food it will take longer for the kratom to be fully absorbed into your system.
Dosage
The dosage of kratom depends on your reason for taking it and the desired effects. Some people will take it for pain relief, while others will use it for energy and focus. It is also used recreationally in small doses to create a state of euphoria. It is also useful for weaning people off opiate drugs, as it works in the same way as opiates do.
The ideal way to measure your kratom dose is by weight using a scale, which can be purchased for $20 or less at many head shops. However, many kratom products are sold by volume instead, which can lead to inconsistencies in dosing. For example, some powders have a coarser grind than others, which may make it harder to measure an accurate dose. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to measure your dose, but this is not as precise and should only be done if you know how much kratom you need for a particular effect.
If you are new to kratom, it is recommended that you start with a very low dose and gradually increase your dosage. If you are consuming kratom in its powder form, this means starting with about half of a teaspoon. Using a scale is the best way to ensure that you do not take too much, as it is easier to overdose than it is to underdose.
Side effects
While kratom is often touted as a natural remedy, the drug can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting and seizures. It can also increase your risk of addiction and overdose. Using the kratom plant in high doses can lead to liver and kidney damage. It can also increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. You should always consult your doctor before taking kratom. It’s best to take it only when needed, and avoid mixing it with other drugs or herbal supplements.
Kratom is a plant that contains alkaloids called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which bind to the kappa, delta and mu opioid receptors to suppress pain sensitivity. The herb is used in some countries as a nonprescription treatment for depression, anxiety and pain. But these uses have not been approved by the FDA. Moreover, the DEA is threatening to make it a Schedule 1 substance, which would limit its availability and increase the risks of abuse.
The most common side effect of kratom is constipation. Long-term use of the drug can cause a loss of appetite and anorexia, which can be life-threatening. It can also cause a decrease in blood pressure and agitation, according to Healthline. In addition, kratom can be contaminated with fentanyl, which has been linked to several overdoses. That’s why it’s important to choose a trustworthy source and carry test strips and naloxone in case of an overdose.
Legality
Depending on who you talk to, kratom is either an addictive drug with severe side effects and no medical utility or a safe, accessible pathway out of undertreated chronic pain and opioid withdrawal. But how can the DEA, medical professionals, and millions of kratom users all have such different views of the same plant?
The answer lies in the way kratom is regulated. State laws on kratom vary, but most prohibit the use of kratom that is not labeled as organic or made from whole leaf. That’s because it can contain contaminants, including lead, which can be toxic if ingested in large doses. In addition, kratom contains psychoactive compounds that can bind to opioid receptors in the brain and produce opioidlike effects.
It’s also important to note that a lot of unregulated kratom on the market is contaminated with other substances. For example, salmonella contamination was linked to one outbreak of kratom use and traces of heavy metals were found in another. This is why it’s so important to only buy kratom from reputable and verified vendors.
Ultimately, the decision to keep kratom legal is an excellent litmus test for the Biden administration’s commitment to harm reduction. If the DEA chooses to ban kratom, it would place it in Schedule I, the category reserved for drugs with no medical value or potential for abuse. This would make research on the herb nearly impossible and give drug companies a powerful incentive to push for prohibition. How to use kratom