What Is kratom?
Kratom is a natural herb that grows in the regions of Southeast Asia. The scientific name for this herb is Mitragyna Speciosa. The climatic conditions (mostly hot and humid) of countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Mayanmar, and Papua New Guinea provide ideal conditions for the natural growth of kratom.
The true power of this herb lies in the leaves that carry a rich alkaloids profile unique to this plant/herb only.
It’s supposed to render effects like energy, rejuvenation, and occasionally it might help, to a certain degree, with pain management. However, there is no solid documentation other than anecdotal mentions to support such claims.
What Exactly Does Kratom Do?
According to the research done by the FDA, kratom binds itself with mu- receptors in the brain much like an opioid, but unlike opioids, kratom doesn’t act like an addictive substance.
Since it interacts with the same part of the brain that controls pain perception that might explain why some people experience slight relief from chronic pains as mentioned in the reviews on WebMD.
The main active alkaloids present in kratom leaves are supposed to be 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine that offer this herb all kinds of therapeutic and non-therapeutic benefits.
Some of the commonest effects of kratom depending on the variety of kratom consumed are –
- A spike in energy levels
- Feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation
- Improvement in focus and mental clarity
- May aid in sleep disorders
- May reduce stress
How To Recognize Kratom
In terms of appearance, kratom plant has green leaves with a red stem extending into white veins. Let it be known that kratom is a variety plant. Its appearance can differ based on the type.
In terms of how to recognize kratom – it can be hard to establish the authenticity of a product and whether or not it’s true kratom. Again, kratom powder should look granular green in appearance.
But, there is no surefire way to confirm if something is for sure kratom. Your only bet is to buy kratom from a trusted source that has earned good reviews and reputation over the year, such as Golden Monk.
Capsules vs. Powder
First off, kratom capsules are more expensive. But, they do offer certain benefits over kratom powder such as –
- Kratom can taste pretty bitter and some people can find that hard to stomach. So you either have to get used to that taste while swallowing it or you have to work your way around it. To that end, some people mix it up with juices and drinks to mask that bitter taste. Capsules are designed to work out this minor inconvenience. They conceal the taste with an edible casing so you don’t even feel like swallowing an herb.
- Capsules look more discreet than kratom. That can make it easier to travel with capsules than powder.
- Swallowing a capsule is not as messy as is the case with powder.
- Capsules come dose-defined so there’s no way for anyone to accidentally end-up overdosing. You can measure the exact dose you intend to consume and rest assured you won’t ever overstep your bounds.
How To Store Kratom Capsules
When it comes to storage, capsules are an obvious winner over powder. It can be quite a task to properly store kratom powder.
Once you open the package, you have to ensure that the temperature is right and that it’s storage away from direct sunlight. In the absence of proper storage conditions, kratom powder can begin to lose its potency.
Capsules work their way around this problem. Storing them is pretty straightforward. For one thing, they come enclosed in a casing which acts as a protective layer. So, capsules can’t lose their potency even if you open the package in which they came.
With that said, you may need to keep it in a dark and cool place and also away from the reach of kids. Other than that, there are no major storage instructions to follow for capsules.
How Long It Takes For Kratom Effects to Kick In
You have to know that kratom is highly dose-dependent. Its effects also depend largely on the person consuming it.
Also, since it’s not regulated by the FDA, it’s extremely hard to zero it down to a specific time window in which the effects become apparent.
With that said, on an average, it has been noticed that kratom can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to start exhibiting its effects.
How Long Do Kratom Effects Last
The effects can last anywhere from half an hour to six hours depending on the type of kratom used, the dosage, as well as the tolerance levels of the individual.
Why Using Kratom Capsules Makes Sense
As mentioned earlier, capsules are dose-defined so you know exactly how much kratom you are consuming with each dose. Powder form doesn’t provide that convenience and guarantee.
Secondly, you don’t have to endure the often bitter taste of kratom that can be off-putting to some people. Therefore, if you are big on the taste, going with capsules makes sense.
Final Thoughts
Let’s wrap up this post by once again mentioning that the effects and potency of kratom capsules are largely controlled by the type and specific dosage. Even 1 gram of dose variation can lead to a completely different profile of effects.
You should also only buy them from a trusted source to avoid any unforeseen or surprising effects.
Lastly, exercise caution, educate yourself about kratom and practice safe consumption.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
