Kratom has become one of the most popular natural supplements in the US, with a growing number of people using it for its many purported health benefits. From pain relief to energy boosting, kratom has a wide range of potential uses, and its popularity has grown exponentially in recent years. But what’s behind its growing popularity? In this comprehensive post, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind kratom’s increasing popularity in the US and examine the evidence for its potential health benefits. We’ll also look at the potential risks and side effects associated with its use, so you can make an informed decision about whether kratom is right for you.
What is Kratom?
Before you start searching online for “kratom near me”, you need to learn more about this supplement, its positive and negative effects, and tips on how to take it. Let’s get started. Kratom is a tropical tree that grows naturally in Southeast Asia. Traditionally, people in this region have used the leaves from this tree to treat various health conditions, including pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disorders. Kratom has been used as a folk remedy in these countries for hundreds of years, and it’s grown in popularity in the United States in recent years.
Kratom is currently sold as an herbal supplement in the US, and it’s also used for recreational purposes. The main active ingredients in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, which are alkaloids.
Alkaloids are naturally occurring substances found in many plants, herbs, and spices. They have a long history of traditional medicinal use and are often used to treat pain, mood disorders, and other health conditions. Kratom has been used to manage chronic pain, increase energy, and relieve fatigue. It’s also used as a mood enhancer, an anxiolytic (an agent that reduces anxiety), and an antidepressant.
The Growing Popularity of Kratom in the US
The use of kratom has grown in popularity in the US in recent years, with many people using it to manage physical and mental health conditions. It can be purchased as a herbal supplement in many health food stores or online, and it’s also available in some head shops. A search for “kratom” in Google Trends shows a growing interest in the herb in recent years. Interest has increased steadily since 2015 and shows no signs of slowing down.
Potential Benefits of Kratom
Kratom is used to manage a range of health conditions, including pain, anxiety, and fatigue. It’s also often used to boost productivity and improve cognitive function. Here are some of the potential benefits of kratom:
- Pain management – it has been used as a natural pain reliever for centuries in Southeast Asia. It’s believed to work by stimulating opioid receptors in the brain, which block pain signals from being sent to the brain.
- Mood improvement – Kratom has been used as an antidepressant for centuries, and some modern studies suggest it could have mood-boosting effects.
- Improved cognitive function – A 2016 study found that kratom could improve cognitive function among workers with heavy mental workloads.
- Improved sleep – Kratom has been used as a natural sleep aid among Southeast Asians for centuries. Some modern studies suggest that kratom could be used as a safe and natural sleep aid.
- Fatigue relief – Studies suggest that this supplement could be used as an agent to relieve fatigue.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Kratom is generally considered safe in low doses, but it’s important to note that this herb is unregulated and has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Very little is known about the long-term effects of kratom use and its potential adverse effects, although there are some common side effects associated with its use. These include nausea, vomiting, itching, dry mouth, constipation, and blood abnormalities. While there have been some positive studies on kratom’s potential benefits, there are also many negative studies that suggest potential risks. These include the potential for abuse, addiction, and negative health effects, such as cognitive impairment and hypertension.
What to Consider When Taking Kratom
Before taking kratom, it’s important to consider your current health status and any potential allergies or health conditions. Kratom isn’t recommended for people with heart conditions, kidney or liver problems, or pregnant or breastfeeding women.
It’s also not recommended for children or teens, as there’s a lack of long-term studies on its effects on this age group. It’s also important to note that kratom is often taken in a blend with other herbal supplements. This could be potentially dangerous, as it could lead to adverse interactions between the different herbs.
It’s also important to note that kratom has the potential for addiction. It’s also recommended that people who take kratom do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or take part in other activities that require careful attention.
Where to Buy Kratom?
Kratom can be bought online or in many health food stores. You can also often find kratom in head shops, smoke shops, and gas stations. Before buying kratom, make sure you’re purchasing it from a reputable source. It’s important to note that kratom isn’t regulated, so there’s no guarantee that what you’re purchasing is pure or standardized. You want to make sure that you’re getting a product that has been properly tested and standardized to ensure that it has the right levels of alkaloids.
Conclusion
In conclusion, kratom has a plethora of benefits that can be gained from its use. It is a natural remedy with no serious side effects, which makes it preferable to many other prescription drugs. Additionally, kratom possesses properties that make it a potential alternative for treating a range of conditions, from depression and anxiety to chronic pain.
It is important to research the different types of kratom available and consult with your doctor to find the product that will work best for you. All in all, kratom has a plethora of positive effects and is worth considering as an alternative medicine. To conclude, kratom is a viable option for those looking for natural remedies and should be further explored by the medical community.
