Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you’ve already heard of kratom. While not FDA approved, this powerful medicinal plant has been used in traditional healing and ceremonies for centuries. And, it’s widely known for its beneficial properties throughout Southeast Asia, where it’s natively grown.
In this article, we’ll walk you through five of its biggest benefits to help you understand how and why it’s used by these cultures. Sound interesting? Stay tuned for all the information!
1. Pain Relief
When it comes to the traditional uses of kratom, pain is the most commonly treated ailment.
Our bodies experience two types of pain – nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Simply put, nociceptive pains result from physical injury to body tissue. Neuropathic pain, on the other hand, comes from the body’s central nervous system and is often associated with chronic conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, cancer, diabetes, and stroke.
Kratom leaves may block the brain and body’s pain receptors, easing neuropathic pain.
2. Improve Focus
When digested, kratom leaves induce the body’s release of acetylcholine.
This is a powerful neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in enhancing focus by increasing the ability of the body’s cortical circuits to respond to sensory stimulation. Simply put, it may make the user more awake and alert.
Using kratom may also help the body release serotonin and dopamine, two compounds associated with increased focus and attention span.
3. Relieve Anxiety and Boost Mood
Speaking of serotonin and dopamine, traditional healers believed that kratom could be used to reduce worry and elevate mood. And, some research indicates that these two compounds are, in fact, altered by the use of kratom.
When consumed, its leaves may release a chemical known as mitragynine, which binds to opioid receptors in the brain. This, in turn, can regulate or potentially stabilize mood.
As a result, users may feel less anxious and more upbeat.
4. Fight Addiction
Consuming kratom may pack opioid-like effects. That’s why traditional healers valued it so highly. But, unlike opioid drugs, kratom is only a partial opioid agonist.
Simply put, it provides a similar sensation to opioid drugs without the risk of long-term dependency. And, it doesn’t pack the same damaging “come down” feeling.
Though not entirely proven, it is also believed that kratom use may ease opioid withdrawal and reduce symptoms like nausea and vomiting, sleeplessness, anxiety, and mood swings.
5. Manage Diabetes
This is one of the least known and researched potential benefits of kratom.
The alkaloids in kratom leaves might help to modulate the levels of blood insulin and glucose. This helps the body regulate sugar levels, reducing the dangerous peaks and drops associated with diabetes. And, it might also act as an appetite suppressant, tackling obesity – commonly associated with elevated blood sugar levels.
Want to know more about how kratom might work within your body or try it for yourself? View more information here.
Giving Kratom a Try
Now that you know a bit more about kratom and its traditional healing benefits, you’re probably excited to give it a try. Just remember, the FDA has not approved this product for consumption.
Always follow your kratom’s package instructions. And, store it safely out of the reach of children, pets, and anyone else who might accidentally ingest it!
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