5 Things to Know About Kratom: A Complete Kratom Guide

bowl of herbs

Kratom is a tropical plant that is native to the jungles of Southeast Asia. Its scientific name is Mitragyna speciosa and it grows wild in Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Kratom has been used for centuries by the native people of these areas for a variety of reasons. 

Kratom has recently become increasingly popular in the west. However, due to its different legal statuses throughout the world, as well as somewhat misleading campaigns by the FDA, many people aren’t totally sure what kratom is or what its effects are. 

Luckily for you, our kratom guide is full of useful information that you should know about before you start deciding if kratom is right for you.

1. Kratom Dosages

The amount of kratom that you should ingest is going to depend on a variety of factors. However, if you’ve never done kratom before, then you’ll likely have a very low tolerance. 

One to two grams of kratom is all you need for a recommended starting dose. It’s always best to start with a low dose and work your way up. Remember, you can always add more but you can’t take away.

There are three main ways to take kratom powder. A popular way is in capsule form as this masks the taste. You can also put the powder in your mouth and then wash it down with a flavored drink.

Lastly, you can steep it in hot water with tea. 

After your first dose, you should wait half an hour and see how it affects you. If you feel that you should take more, then you should take one more gram. Wait another thirty minutes and then add one last gram if you’d like.

If this dose amount still isn’t enough, then take three grams on another day. Also, you should never take more than seven grams in one day.

Kratom powder is made by crushing dried up kratom leaves. 

2. Kratom’s Effects

If you take kratom on an empty stomach, the effects will be noticeable after about twenty minutes. It will build in intensity gradually and peak for two to four hours. A stronger dose could come on quicker. 

Lower doses tend to feel more stimulating. This can lead to increased sociability and motivation. You can also feel a boost in physical energy and get a sense of euphoria. 

Some users might find the stimulating effects to be a little too edgy for them. Other negative effects can include nausea, dysphoria, sweating, and dizziness.

Kratom can take on sedative effects when done at higher doses and has been compared to opiates. This leads to a reduced sense of emotional and physical pain and a feeling of general happiness. 

Other effects of kratom can involve mild visuals, increased empathy, increased sexual arousal, and a warming sensation. 

Low doses can lead to an increased libido but high doses can lead to erectile dysfunction and reduced libido. 

3. Precautions

Many users start to feel very thirsty once the kratom starts kicking in. Because of this, it’s a good idea to have water nearby. You should also take kratom on an empty stomach to get more full effects and to avoid too much nausea. 

Kratom has a bitter taste so be prepared if you drink it. You also shouldn’t drive or operate machinery when on kratom, even on a low dose. The effects of kratom can suddenly change from stimulating to sedative. 

When you buy kratom, make sure that it’s from a reputable source.

4. Kratom Storage

After you receive your kratom, you should use it within three months. After that, it will start to lose its potency.  

In order to store kratom properly, you can place the powder in a freezer bag or just a basic plastic bag. These bags make it easy for you to squeeze out any oxygen. You can also store the kratom in a plastic bin or mason jar.

It’s best to store your kratom in a dark container that’s resistant to UV light. But no matter what the container is, you always want to store your kratom in a cool, dark, and dry place. 

If the kratom is exposed to UV light, the alkaloids in the kratom are going to begin to break down. This is going to greatly reduce its potency. 

You can learn more about proper kratom storage from this resource

5. Kratom Strains

There are three main types of kratom strains that users should know about. Red vein kratom is called such because its veins and stem are red. This is the most popular strain of kratom. 

This strain is known to give off calming effects and can also act as a sleep aid. It can also relax the muscles and create a sense of euphoria. Because of this, it’s commonly used by kratom beginners. 

White vein kratom is a mood enhancer and a stimulant. Users like to take this instead of drinking coffee as a way to increase their focus and alertness. 

Lastly, there’s green vein kratom. This is essentially in the middle, between red and white vein kratom. It can mildly boost one’s energy but is also relaxing.  

Using This Kratom Guide 

Kratom is an exciting and useful plant that has helped people all over the world. And after reading this kratom guide, you hopefully have a better understanding of what it is and what it does. By learning more about kratom, you’ll be able to make more confident and informed decisions about your own health too.

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