Kratom, also known by its scientific name Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs in the coffee family and is native to Southeast Asia.  The tree has been used in traditional medicines for close to 200 years now. Check out the Kratom Library for more details.

Kratom has also caught on over the past few years, thanks to a growing body of research findings suggesting that it could help treat and manage various medical conditions. 
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What Are The Health Benefits Of Kratom?

Kratom is increasingly becoming available. Unlike before, you can now run a search phrase like top kratom vendors and you'll locate a reputable vendor within your locale. But before you do, it's prudent that you understand how you'll benefit from kratom in the first place.

Now, you can use kratom to manage pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, and throat irritation. The herb is also a common remedy against opioid withdrawal.

But if you’re a new or aspiring kratom user, there are a few more things to know before you can fully integrate the miracle herb into your health and wellness routine.

The following are four excellent tips for kratom beginners.

The Law Isn’t Very Favorable To Kratom Use

It’s wise to understand what the law says about the possession, distribution, and use of kratom in your state or country before using extracts from the herb.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has since banned the importation and manufacturing of kratom as a dietary supplement, which means that you could access kratom in other forms other than dietary products. Even so, always endeavor to familiarize yourself with what kratom laws are in your respective jurisdiction.

Note that so far, only sixteen countries have declared kratom a controlled substance. As such, the herb remains largely unregulated. And without robust regulations to safeguard consumer interest, the kratom industry isn’t short of unscrupulous dealers masquerading as legitimate suppliers.

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Understand Different Strains and Their Effects

There are three major kratom strains out there, namely White Vein Kratom, Red Vein Kratom, and Green Vein Kratom.

White Vein Kratom is known for its energizing properties, whereas Red Vein Kratom delivers relaxing and sedating effects. Green Vein Kratom is a middle ground between the White Vein and Red Vein, which means that it packs a bit of energizing and calming properties.

While shopping for kratom, you may also come across other strains that seem to bear the names of specific places. For instance, Bali Strains come from Bali, Indonesia. Indo Strains also trace their roots to Indonesia, while Maeng Da Strains come from Thailand. ‘Maeng da’ in Thai dialects loosely translates to ‘pimp strength,’ which speaks volumes about the effects of Maeng Da strains.

In addition to coming from specific places, these strains also have their distinct effects. For instance, Bali strains are pain-relieving and energy-boosting, whereas Maeng Da strains are pain-relieving and stimulating.

Onset Time Varies

Generally, kratom takes between five and ten minutes to kick in, and the effects can last for between two and five hours.

But as you shall find, there are several factors that determine the onset time and the duration of effects. One of those factors is the method of administration.

Most kratom products are available as powder and capsules, which means that you’ll need to ingest them. When consumed as edibles, the effects of kratom take considerably longer to kick in. That’s because the edibles have to pass through your digestive system before they can get assimilated into your system.

The good news, however, is that the effects of edibles last longer, which can be useful if you’re trying to stagger your doses.

Besides kratom powder and capsules, you can also smoke dried kratom extracts or vape kratom-infused e-juices. These two methods come with a faster onset time as the herb enters your system straightaway.

On the flipside, the effects of vaping or smoking kratom products tend to wear off much faster.

Other factors that determine the onset time of kratom include;
  • The strength of kratom in a product
  • The size of your dose
  • Your metabolic rate
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There’s No Ideal Dose

Another thing worth noting before incorporating kratom into your health and wellness routine is that there’s no ideal dose. Just like onset time, the amount of kratom that you consume depends on the method of administration, the strength of kratom in the product, and your metabolic rate.

The fact that kratom enjoys limited regulation makes it even harder to work your way around the correct doses. Therefore, the conventional wisdom is to begin small and work your way up until you can achieve a dose that works for you.

If you’re struggling to grasp how kratom dosing works, insist on pre-dosed kratom products like capsules and pills. These products come with predetermined doses, taking away the hassles of having to measure your own doses.

You could also check kratom-dedicated websites like American Kratom Association (AKA), as well as online community forums like Redit and Quora for more insights on kratom dosing. 

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Kratom is slowly making its way into mainstream medicine. Thanks to its powerful medicinal properties, the herb is currently used by millions worldwide. But if you’re new to kratom, you’ll find the above-mentioned tips invaluable even as you join the ever-growing community of kratom users.