First introduced into the American market as a nutraceutical solution back in the ‘80s, Kratom has now become the organic solution of choice for many people, mostly because it provides a safer alternative to many pharmaceuticals, especially for pain relief and pain management.
However, despite almost half-a-century of research pointing to Kratom’s benefits and safety, there is still a lot of misinformation and, in some cases, disinformation floating around the internet. As one of the most trusted Kratom vendors online, we at Dakind Botanicals want Kratom first-time users to have the real scoop on this powerful plant.
Different Strains for Different Purposes
You may have heard some experienced Kratom users talk about ‘strains’, and while all of this might be confusing to the Kratom first time user, but rest assured, it’s actually not that complicated! While all strains of Kratom will have some form of euphoric effect, different strains will have different, secondary effects that can either help you sleep, ease your social anxieties, or help you focus on your tasks. There are different names for these strains, but in general, they can be identified by their colors:
White Kratom Strains are the most popular because it provides users with a welcome boost of energy and a stark increase in positive feelings. For Kratom first-time users, white vein kratom strains like White Thai, Sumatra, and White Vein Indo Kratom strains are recommended for their subtle, yet powerful effects.
Meanwhile, Red Kratom Strains are popular with people who suffer from anxiety or insomnia as this particular strain of Kratom provides feelings of peace and sedation, not to mention help activate tryptophane and melatonin receptors in the brain, allowing users to feel sleepy and stay asleep for as long as they need.
For people who need focus, Green Kratom Strains are the strain of choice. Like the White Kratom strain, the Green Kratom strain provides users with a boost of energy, albeit more subtle. However, this low-level energy is dispersed in your body throughout the day, allowing your brain to focus on the job at hand.
It Works on Opioid Receptors, but it’s Not an Opiate
In general, opiates refer to a class of narcotics like opium and heroin. Opiates work on the opioid receptors in the brain to release the different natural analgesics and sedatives present in our body.
Kratom’s two main alkaloids, Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, also work on the opioid receptors in the brain, signaling neurons to release endorphins and enkephalin. This is one of the reasons why the initial response to Kratom was negative: medical researchers reported on Kratom acting on opioid receptors and the news media jumped to conclusions.
However, almost 40 years after it hit the American market, new research is showing that Kratom acts very differently from opiates, in that the active alkaloids of Kratom cross the blood-brain barrier in ways that are completely different from the way opiates work. What’s more, Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine also have less counterindications as opiates, and while the effects can look and feel like a narcotic, it works very differently from that as well. The exact whys and hows of this are still up for debate, but the bottom line is: Kratom is not an opiate, and it is much safer than most types of pharmaceuticals, especially ones concerned with providing analgesic and sedative effects on patients.
It’s Legal on the Federal Level, But…
The WHO recently rejected an international ban on Kratom, which is great news for Kratom lovers everywhere. That being said, there are still a lot of nay-sayers out there, and while the use of Kratom is legal on the Federal level, Kratom lovers still need to be careful: there are some city ordinances, county statutes, and other backwards laws that some people just can’t seem to let go.
However, if you’re looking for where to buy Kratom, it’s best to do so online, and it’s best to buy from legitimate Kratom vendors online.
Learn More About Kratom with Dakind Botanicals
There is a lot of noise surrounding Kratom, mostly because it’s a safe, organic, all-natural alternative to many pharmaceuticals. Cut through the BS with Dakind Botanicals. We are one of the most trusted Kratom vendors online because we approach the topic of Kratom from a scientific perspective.
We compiled a list of typical Kratom FAQ’s to help you get started on your Kratom journey, but the bottom line? Kratom is safe, Kratom is legal, and Kratom is good for you.
