Kratom is a large tree that grows naturally in Thailand and Malaysia. It is 12 to 30 feet tall and produces large, dark, oval-shaped green leaves. The tree thrives in wet, humid areas, and requires fertile soil, lots of sun, and protection from strong winds. Shed and re-grow their leaves throughout the year, although they are more abundant during the rainy season in the region. The tree provides a group of bright yellow flowers, each consisting of hundreds of buds.
Kratom has been used for medicinal purposes in Indochina and Southeast Asia since the Dutch colonial era, and perhaps for thousands of years before that. It was traditionally used to treat diarrhea and also for opium addiction. Kratom is in the same family as Uncaria – an herb called cat’s claw – and shares some of their biological properties.
Kratom has recently come to the attention of Western users in both Europe and the United States. This is used for addiction pills for pain, of course, but also for chronic pain, anxiety and depression. kratom extract comes from the dried leaves of the tree. In Thailand, the leaves are traditionally chewed fresh or dried and crushed and then converted into a paste that is easily swallowed or made into tea. In the West, it is very popular to buy kratom and then mix it with black or herbal tea and sweeten it with a little honey or sugar. Usually sold in the United States as a very fine powder.
For now people can find kratom for sale at hundreds of outlets on the Internet. For Like many herbal remedies, kratom has been ignored by large pharmaceutical companies, because there are very few opportunities to profit from it. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the use of kratom, but as its popularity increases and its use and properties become better understood, the FDA may choose to study.
There are no medicinal substances – herbal or pharmaceutical – that is, without risks and possible side effects. If you are in doubt, listen to the long list of lightening to the end of all prescription drug advertisements shown on television every night. Whether you take FDA-approved drugs prescribed by your doctor or try traditional medical traditions, the secret is education. Learn everything you can about any product before you are put into your body and be aware of side reactions and side effects.
While at high doses, kratom can act as a stimulant, at lower doses it can make users feel calm, less stressed, and, of course, can reduce the craving for opiate-based drugs. Its effects can start within 5 to ten minutes of ingestion and can last for several hours.
The problem of prescription drug abuse is a complex problem. Because of its broad and devastating consequences, it must be fought at the national, state and even personal level. Whatever tool works best for free people to support this tragic problem must be used. If kratom can reduce the anxiety experienced by people when they have to stop taking medication, it can only be one of the best tools available.
