Kratom is a tree that’s native to Southeast Asia with leaves that contain active alkaloids. Those work with the brain to either help stimulate or sedate the body, depending on the dosage and user. This has made it a popular choice for managing conditions from anxiety to chronic pain.

Kratom is available for consumption in a plethora of forms, including powder, capsules, teas, extracts, gummies, and more. As a product that’s just becoming more widespread, the natural herb kratom has short-term and long-term effects that are still being studied.

The legality of kratom varies depending on your country, state, or locality. Here’s a little guidance if you live in the United States.

Kratom is banned in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. There are also local bans in certain cities and counties, and kratom is regulated in states like Utah, Arizona, and Georgia.

Still unsure whether you can consume kratom legally? A little research will make you feel better in no time.

Kratom is regularly marketed in about four different color varieties: red, green, white, and trainwreck. The color of the strain correlates with the color of the leaf’s veins when harvested.

White kratom comes from leaves that are usually harvested earlier in the tree’s lifecycle. Green vein kratom leaves are picked at a moderate stage of maturity when the veins are distinctly green. That brilliant red kratom is made from leaves that are picked at the height of maturity when the veins appear a rusty red color.

Oh, and trainwreck kratom is a mixture of the three other strains—it’s like a fun cocktail.

The color of kratom strains really comes from the timing of when the leaves were harvested rather than any sort of inherent properties of the tree. Some users will attribute differing sensations to each strain, but that’s not proven by research.

Kratom has some potential side effects, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, and increased blood pressure. And when taken in extremely high doses, it can cause extreme sedation and, in rare cases, respiratory depression and seizures. Not everyone who takes kratom experiences these side effects.

The addictive properties of kratom have not been studied. Some people claim that kratom is addictive since it interacts with the same parts of the brain as opioids. Others, including members of our team, have used kratom in various capacities and stopped without experiencing any withdrawal symptoms.

To use kratom safely, start with low doses and limit the frequency of use. Be sure to purchase your kratom from a trustworthy source and consult your doctor for guidance.

Raw kratom leaves are harvested straight from the tree and dried. They can be consumed whole or processed into powder, capsules, or other products. Since the alkaloids are not concentrated, raw leaf kratom is typically considered moderately potent. It may be a good option for beginners since it offers a slightly milder experience.

Kratom extract is a concentrated form available in tinctures, powders, or resins. To make it, kratom leaves are boiled or soaked in a solvent, which pulls out the alkaloids from the leaves. The liquid is then reduced to create an extra concentrated and potent product.

Mitragyna speciosa is the scientific name of the tree from which kratom comes. You can thank it for your morning kratom gummies or kratom capsules.

It’s a tropical evergreen tree that can grow from 50 to 80 feet tall with a broad canopy. Its leaves—that’s the part you’re in it for—are glossy and oval-shaped with distinct veins on their undersides.

Mitragynine is the primary active alkaloid found in the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. It and its kratom alkaloid partner, 7-hydroxymitragynine, contribute significantly to kratom’s effects. Mitragynine is by far the most abundant alkaloid in kratom and interacts with the opioid receptors in a user’s brain.

Kratom is known for its versatile effects, which can depend on the dosage you take and your tolerance. Here’s how other users say it benefits them:

• Energy: Low doses can increase your focus, alertness, and motivation.
• Mood: Kratom can improve your well-being and reduce mild anxiety.
• Pain: It can help manage chronic pain and relieve aches.
• Sleep: Higher doses promote relaxation and can improve sleep quality.

The optimal kratom dosage depends on factors like your body weight, tolerance, strain, and desired effects. As a beginner, it’s always a good idea to start slow—think just 1 to 2 grams to assess your tolerance. If it’s going well, you might consider increasing the dosage by 0.5 grams.

But before you decide on your personal dosage, consider factors such as the form you’re taking and your body weight. After all, heavier individuals may require slightly higher doses. Plus, some forms—like extracts and tinctures—are more potent than others. Adjust your dosage accordingly!

To reduce the possibility of adverse side effects, it’s never recommended to take more than 8 grams of kratom at once. You can always ask your doctor for their professional opinion.

Most typical drug tests, like the ones you’d have to get for a job, don’t screen for kratom or its active compounds—you can breathe a sign of relief. But kratom can be detected if the test specifically screens for its alkaloids. It’s uncommon but possible in certain cases.

In case you’re worried about it, you should know that kratom alkaloids can stay in your system for up to a week, depending on factors like the dosage you took, your frequency of use, metabolism, and overall health.

Kratom can relieve pain because of its interaction with the body’s nervous system. Since its active alkaloids bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, the body’s perception of pain can be altered.

Kratom may alleviate persistent pain conditions such as back pain and other long-term disorders. Kratom for menstrual cramps could even reduce the perception of pain and provide mild muscle relaxation.

Its reported anti-inflammatory properties are said to reduce swelling and stiffness in the joints, making it a hero for people with conditions like arthritis. Kratom’s sedative effects can ease discomfort and relax the muscles, helping with overexertion or tension caused by stress or physical activity.

While research on kratom’s effects is still unclear, many users report stimulating effects, especially at lower doses. This is likely because kratom interacts with the body’s central nervous system, lending it the potential to enhance focus, motivation, and even physical endurance.

In fact, in Southeast Asia, kratom has been used for centuries not only as a source of pain relief but also for sustained energy during labor-intensive tasks. A natural Kratom energy booster could give you that extra spring in your step every day.

The effects of kratom vary based on the individual and the strain, so always use kratom responsibly and avoid high doses.