Kratom is originally from Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. However, kratom use is drastically rising; according to statistical analysis, 0.8 percent of the adult US population are now using kratom.
This result translates to about 2,031,803 adults in the past year. Most of these people use kratom for health conditions, especially self-treatment of pain, anxiety, depression, and opioid withdrawal.
Focus is dramatically shifting to kratom as a potential analgesic, antipsychotic, antidepressant, and stimulant. It is an indigenous product that proves to have various health benefits and might be the greatest revolution in the medical world.
Kratom exists in different strains depending on the area of growth and stage of harvesting. Some strains like the green vein Malay are more potent than others, but every strain suits a specific condition. Here are some of the ways kratom makes the treatment of chronic conditions simpler.
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Treats Chronic Pain in Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia
As age advances, many chronic diseases like osteoarthritis, diabetes, and hypertension ensue. It is crucial to managing these conditions with natural remedies like kratom. Kratom’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects can help manage arthritic pain and inflammation.
Studies show that kratom interacts with opioid receptors to alter the pathways that convey pain signals to processing centers in the brain. Kratom alkaloids, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine have an affinity for mu, kappa, and gamma pain receptors. This alkaloid-receptor interaction reduces muscle, back and neck pain experienced in fibromyalgia.
Kratom alkaloids also suppress inflammatory processes by acting as antioxidants. This property is particularly vital in preventing the development and growth of cancer that may cause neuropathic pain.
Manages Opioid and Other Drug Addictions
The use of legal substances like opioids and alcohol precede the progressive use of illicit substances like cocaine and heroin. Those living with chronic pain often use opioids; opioid use triggers the brain reward systems to promote daily use of these drugs.
This stage is the onset of drug addiction, and continual use of opioids provokes the dependence centers of the brain. So, every time one fails to get the abused drug, or an alternative, withdrawal symptoms occur.
Specific research indicates that kratom alkaloids have sedative effects that treat restlessness and aches that come with withdrawal. Also, kratom can be an alternative pain reliever to opioids. Therefore, kratom can help prevent and manage opioid and other drug addictions.
Cures Anxiety and Depression Disorders
The mainstay treatment of depression is medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two. The drugs used include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antidepressants, anxiolytics, and antipsychotics. These drugs may cause GI problems, blurred vision, and agitation; therefore, kratom may offer a risk-free option for managing anxiety disorders.
As studies suggest, mitragynine has similar actions to SSRIs, as it delays the reuptake of serotonin and therefore lengthens its duration of action. Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood; hence high blood serotonin promotes a happy mood.
In addition, kratom reduces cortisol; a stress hormone elevated in the depressed. Cortisol activates the sympathetic responses in the body to cause agitation, mood swings, and irritation. All these symptoms can worsen anxiety. Therefore, if kratom can regulate blood cortisol levels, then the herb has the potential to replace typical antidepressants.
Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Kratom acts as a potent stimulant to provide physical and mental energy at low to moderate doses. Kratom elevates the breakdown of glucose to release ATP energy. As a result, vital body organs like the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys receive adequate power for optimum performance.
Kratom also supplies energy to body muscles to help one do daily duties effectively; this helps in improving work capacity and productivity.
Cognitive Enhancement
Stimulative properties of kratom enhance alertness, learning, memory, and reward. Kratom also shows vasoconstrictor effects that improve blood flow to the brain and other critical organs. It is an effective nootropic that aids in concentration, creativity, and learning.
Libido Enhancement
Mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine may increase blood flow in the body to help get an erection. Also, these alkaloids supply adequate sexual power and reduce organ sensitivity. All these mechanisms help in improving sexual performance and sex life in general.
Cure For Insomnia
Kratom can induce sleep and increase the duration and quality of sleep. Its sedative properties provoke these sleep-inducing effects. Further, the analgesic aspects of kratom promote muscle relaxation and relieve discomforts that hinder rest. So, with it, one can get enough quality respite and regain the standard sleep patterns.
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Conclusion
Most conventional therapies are effective but may end up causing more harm than good. For this reason, it is gaining the spotlight as a potential alternative for the treatment of lifestyle conditions. It exists in different forms, including oils, pills, tinctures, edibles, and powder. These forms are easy to use and suit a variety of preferences.
it is a controversial herb, but different credible vendors are now stocking it. Also, several researchers are currently working to potentiate the effectiveness and safety of this product, but user reviews show a positive trend.
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