Kratom is a tropical tree with a height ranging from 4 to 16 meters. It is indigenous to the Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Borneo.
Take the time it belongs to the family consisting of coffee trees (Rubiaceae).
The leaves of this tree possess unique properties which make them beneficial for a variety of conditions. Effects of kratom are, in fact, a great plant with medicinal properties.
Effects of kratom have a tendency to treat opiate addiction, chronic body pains, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and restless leg syndrome.
People also use different varieties of Kratom to achieve mood elevation.
It has a high impact on the mind and can even replace the morning coffee. What is amazing about this herb is that it provides different effects at different doses.
How does Kratom work?
Kratom has a property to affect the brain, and this is the primary mechanism that accounts for its working.
Irrespective of the type of strains, Kratom consists of a variety of active compounds in its leaves which are known as alkaloids. These alkaloids are what make Kratom efficient. Some of these alkaloids include:
- Mitragynine
- 7-Hydroxymitragynine
- Corynoxine A and B
- Isorhynchophylline
- 9-Hydroxycorynantheidine
- Corynantheidine
- Mitrafoline
- Mitraphylline
- Speciociliatine
About 40 different types of alkaloids are present in a Kratom which are structurally similar to each other.
The main alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. Mitragynine resembles an opioids agonist.
That means that it holds an ability to bind with the opioids receptors present in a human brain.
The opioids receptors primarily regulate the mood of a person in addition to controlling the anxiety levels.
Mitragynine found in Kratom leaves attaches to the opioids receptors to improve the mood of a person and induce a state known as euphoria.
In short, Kratom works just like opiates, such as opium or heroin.
However, there is a slight difference between the functioning of opiates and Kratom. Mitragynine prefers to bind to the delta-type receptors while the opiates themselves prefer binding to mu-type receptors.
Mitragynine can also bind to mu-type receptors when it consumed in a massive dose. That is why Kratom has dual effects i.e. stimulation of brain at lower doses while sedation at higher doses.
How long does it take Kratom to work?
The average time for effects of Kratom dose to work is about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes of taking a dose, a user will start noticing a difference in his body.
The full effects will start showing up in about 30 minutes. In some cases, the effects can start showing up a little late where nothing felt for hours after consuming a sufficient dose of Kratom.
Professionals advise keeping in mind certain tips to avoid an unnecessary delay of effects. Drink a lot of water before taking a Kratom dose to speed up the initiation of the effects.
Similarly, an empty stomach will let the results pop up more quickly as compared to a full stomach.
Mode of consumption also determines the onset of effects for example; consuming Kratom in the form of capsules may take a time to work. That is because the stomach needs time to absorb the tablets.
How long do the Kratom effects last?
The longevity of the consequences of Kratom depends upon many factors. Dose serves as the primary factor in this regard.
Consuming a lower dose will shorten the time interval for the appearance of Kratom effects while a larger dose will extend it.
In general terms, effects of Kratom in a small dose tends to last for 2 hours while that of more generous dose lasts up to 8 hours.
The effects of Kratom reach their peak levels at 1.5 to 2.5 hours after consumption provided nothing consumed after using Kratom.
Like all other drugs, taking Kratom on a regular basis will make its effects last for at least three to four hours.
Some other factors also determine the longevity of the Kratom implications in a person.
These factors include age, weight, sex and general tolerance towards the Kratom. Remember that Kratom works in a different way for every individual.
How to take Kratom for better effects?
There are a variety of ways to consume Kratom. Native people prefer using Kratom by chomping the fresh leaves and drying it.
Dried leaves are then ground or crushed and used in different ways. Using dry powders or crushed leaves tend to provide the most instant and powerful effect.
Because dose is an important aspect of achieving the best results, start off the use of Kratom with the smallest possible dose to check the response of body towards the herb.
Gradually work to increase the dose and find out a perfect dose which provides best replies in the body.
Kratom stacks
Stacking Kratom with other substances is an excellent way to enhance its effects. These elements are known as potentiators, and they work by slowing down the metabolism in the body.
They can decrease the functioning of cytochrome P450, an enzyme that breaks down and expels the Kratom alkaloids from the human body.
In this way, they tend to keep Kratom within the system for a longer period and improve the effects.
Some of these potentiators include Caffeine, Cat’s Claw and Valerian. Some natural foods such as grapefruit, watercress, cayenne pepper, and turmeric are also the potentiators of Kratom.
It is important to utilize these Kratom stacks in the right way to gain maximum benefit from them.
Taking them along with Kratom or right after ingesting it will not make these stacks any useful.
It is best to take the potentiators about 45 minutes before consuming Kratom, and it will prolong the effects of Kratom in the body.
Dosage management of Kratom
Kratom has a broad range of effects which are dependent upon the dosage scheme. A dose as little as 1.5 grams is just right for those who are new to Kratom. The following table summarizes a final plan to consume Kratom safely:
| Threshold dose | 1.5 to 2 grams |
| Standard dose | 2 to 5 grams |
| Expert dose | 5 to 8 grams |
Exceeding 8 grams of Kratom in a single dose is not safe for the majority of the users, and this is only for those who have been using it for years.
For others, it is better to stay below 5 grams and enjoy the effects of Kratom without any hazard to health.
Side effects of Kratom
The smart use of Kratom does not produce any complications in the body. The only reason for facing side effects due to Kratom is when an overdose occurs.
In a regular person, Kratom causes mild or no side effects. However, an excess of Kratom is not good for the body and can result in the following side effects:
- Sedation
- Increased urination
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Itching
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Confusion
Always keep a check on the dose management of Kratom to avoid these adverse effects.
Precautions to observe while taking Kratom
Following tips need to be followed by a Kratom user to make full use of Kratom as well as avoid preventable complications:
- Using Kratom can produce dehydration in a body; therefore, consume a lot of water to maintain the moisture content.
- Try to consume Kratom on an empty stomach. That is because a substantial meal can hinder the onset of actions in a human body.
- Remember that every strain of Kratom is different and will require a different amount of dose to produce the same level of effects.
- Keep a record of the personal experience with every twist, including the treatment used and the effects caused by it.
Concluding thoughts
Kratom is a miraculous herb which can provide amazing effects of diverse nature and strength.
It can stay in the body for 2 to 8 hours depending on the dose to help the body get rid of different diseases.
It is important to regulate the effects of Kratom dose to take maximum advantage and to prevent the unwanted side effects.
This promising botanical agent is guaranteed to make the brain sharper, and maintain the body functions if taken in right doses.