If you visit vitamin shops or read health magazines, you might have heard of kratom, an herbal supplement sold as a pain killer, energy booster, mood enhancer and anti-opioid alternative for heroin withdrawal.
But the truth about kratom has more to do with the dangers associated with its use than with its claims to benefit you. The leaves of the kratom plant, which are sold as atoms, are used in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia as a natural remedy for a wide range of ailments including anxiety, depression, muscle tension and insomnia. Its popularity in the West has translated into an interest in learning what kratom really is, and why it is so useful to so many people.
Kratoms have a bitter taste but are relatively mild in effects. In fact, many users describe them as tasting like anise, although it is not always anise that they are taken with, but more of a spice of flavor. When ingested, kratoms are absorbed through the skin and enter the blood stream. A large amount of the supplement is then metabolized by the liver, which transforms it into a chemical called mitragynine.
The effects of mitragynine on the human body are varied and not well understood. It is thought to block the pain-relieving effects of opiate drugs such as morphine, make the user feel euphoric and enhance relaxation and sleep. But it may also have some side effects that are not well known.
Mitragynine has been linked to a type of cancer, pancreatic cancer.
Researchers have not proven that this is the cause of this condition, but they believe it may be. It has also been found to be in breast milk, so mothers who breastfeed should be careful not to take it while breastfeeding.
In addition to the problems associated with taking too much of the herb, there are also adverse reactions to some forms of kratom. This includes liver failure, seizures, constipation, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. So, before taking kratom as medicine, check with your doctor to make sure you don’t have any pre-existing medical conditions that could interact with it.
Kratom supplements are available in many forms, including tablets, liquids and gum. In some countries, kratoms are taken orally. In others, they are taken in a pill form. For some people, chewing the leaves makes the best choice, but this is not recommended if you have weak stomachs or gums that are easily damaged.
There is some debate about whether or not the effects of using kratom are good or not. Some doctors say that it can be helpful for relieving the symptoms of depression, and some say that its reputation has made people think it is safer than prescription drugs.
Kratom supplements do carry certain risks. So, if you are concerned about the potential for side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your options.
Remember that all herbs do have some risk, but if you follow the directions for the dosage you take, they should not prove to be harmful.
If you take kratom as medicine, then there are a number of health risks. You should always make sure that you are taking the correct dose. Also, if you are pregnant, nursing or trying to become pregnant, you should not use kratom. If you are allergic to any of the herbs, talk to your pharmacist or doctor to avoid an adverse reaction.
As mentioned above, kratom should not be used during pregnancy. Also, it should never be taken by women who are breast feeding because of the possibility of interactions with breast milk. or breastfeeding.
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your pharmacist or doctor right away. They will advise you on your next course of action. There are other products that may be more beneficial than kratom. such as acupuncture, ginseng, or ginkgo biloba.