Kratom or ‘Mitragyna speciosa’ is a Southeast Asian evergreen tree belonging to the coffee family. It is indigenous to Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Malaysia. It has been used in traditional medicine since the 19th century and has a stimulant effect and opioid properties. Whilst there is somewhat a lack of substantiated research on Kratom, here are 5 of its potential benefits in case you’re curious.
1. Help with Drug Withdrawal
By activating the opiate receptors in the brain, kratom may help with opiate withdrawal symptoms such as compulsive cravings.
2. Stress Reduction
Kratom is a psychoactive substance which means that it could improve mood by stimulating the release of endorphins and serotonin.
3. May Boost Concentration
As kratom acts on opiate receptors in the brain-periphery, (alkaloids, 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine) it might help those that use it to focus with greater vigour and intensity resulting in enhanced productivity due to a corresponding decrease in distraction.
4. Reduces Inflammation
The mitragynine compound in it is observed to have an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing pain and swelling. It is used in cases of osteoporosis and arthritis.
5. Motivation Enhancer
The opioid receptors activated by kratom appear to provide energy and motivation to get things done. By giving you an “adrenaline rush” of sorts, dopamine and serotonin are stimulated and its release further boosts motivation.