The kratom It is a plant of Asian origin still little known in the West, but much loved for its stimulating and relaxing effects. These two words are not oxymoronic: depending on the doses, kratom can be an excellent energizing, perfect for concentrating and working more productively, or an excellent sedative able to promote continuous sleep and without waking up in the middle of the night. In this article we will discover what kratom is and what its most common effects are, all to try.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family, the same as coffee. Its leaves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia for their stimulating, analgesic and sedative properties, depending on the dose.

Traditionally, in Asia, the leaves were chewed or prepared as a tea to combat fatigue, relieve pain, or improve general well-being – a use that continues today, particularly in Thailand. In the modern world, kratom is taken for treat anxiety and depression, to promote relaxation and reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms.

There are several Kratom varieties: red, white and green (depending on the color of the veins of the leaves). White kratom is considered the most energizing variety, perfect for replacing coffee for example, while the red variety, the most common, is the one that has the most relaxing effects.

What are the effects of kratom?

What are the main ones? effects of kratom? Let's discover them together in their wide variety and we will understand why this plant is so loved all over the world!

· Improves mood

A common trait among all kratom strains is their mood-enhancing properties. Kratom can make you feel more optimistic and cheerful, giving you a sense of deep well-being. White and green kratom are thought to produce a greater sense of happiness, while red kratom is great for relaxation.

· Promotes concentration

In small doses, kratom is used as a coffee substitute. We are talking about the green and white varieties, which are commonly used in Thailand to improve the performance of workers. Small amounts of kratom can help concentration and memory and remove “brain fog”.

· Alleviates opioid withdrawal symptoms

While kratom itself can be addictive, there are some promising scientific studies that show it may play a role in opiate withdrawal. The research is still in its infancy.

· Promotes sleep

In medium to high doses, kratom, especially the red variety, is an excellent sleep aid. Many people who have tried it report that the plant helps them sleep uninterrupted and wake up in the morning more rested; they also say that it helps them have more realistic and vivid dreams.We always remember to approach plants that can promote sleep with caution, because there is a risk of developing a dependency.

· Offers stimulating sensations

Green kratom and white kratom are known to provide a boost in mental energy, promoting clarity and eliminating drowsiness when taken in small doses. This mental clarity effect is highly appreciated by those who work in jobs that require high concentration for long hours.

· Relax

The red variety taken in high doses has calming properties: it helps banish negative thoughts and reach a pleasant state of relaxation. In addition to relaxing the mind, kratom is also useful for relaxing muscles, giving a 360-degree feeling of well-being.

· Promotes social interactions

Thanks to its energizing power, in small doses kratom can promote social relationships, for example eliminating the fear of dealing with strangers. In this sense, kratom can be compared to anxiolytics, although you have to be very careful not to slip into addiction if you use the plant to overcome your fears.

· Promotes intimacy

Being both energizing and relaxing, many consider kratom to be a true aphrodisiac plant, which can increase libido and improve sensory perceptions during intimate relationships. Generally, a small dose of kratom is enough to obtain this pleasant effect.

Contraindications of Kratom

Kratom can also have some side effects, some of which are very annoying. The most common contraindications concern the digestive system, with nausea, dry mouth sensation, loss of appetite and constipation. But kratom can also cause sedation, dizziness, confusion and intense sweating. The side effects can be more marked the more massive and prolonged the use is. Among the rare side effects we find addiction, withdrawal, hypothyroidism, liver damage. We always recommend take kratom responsibly and never exceed the dosage.