It’s been a minute since kratom arrived on the scene. After first breaking into the western market in the 1990s, kratom’s reputation has seen a consistent, positive, upward trend until the mid-2010s when its popularity experienced an unprecedented boom. Today, kratom is a prolific herbal wellness product that sits alongside other prominent natural wellness juggernauts like cannabis and ashwagandha. 

As with any herbal product, the general population tends to approach kratom with some apprehension. But as studies surrounding this botanical commodity continue to grow, more and more people are learning about its potential benefits, and how it can fit into almost anyone’s daily routine. 

What are the Benefits of Kratom? 

To be clear, the body of knowledge that proves kratom’s benefits are still in its early stages, despite kratom being a well-documented herb. While some resistance exists, those who have tried kratom stand by its benefits. The anecdotal evidence that supports its potential effects is as sturdy as it can be, with thousands of threads on forums, reviews on websites, and posts online explaining how kratom has helped people from all walks of life. 

Pain Relief

Perhaps one of the most common reasons why people turn to kratom in the first place is its potential benefit in the management of pain. Studies have found that the alkaloids kratom directly interact with opioid receptors in the central nervous system. This means that at certain doses, kratom may be able to trigger opioid-like responses like pain relief and sedation, but to a lower degree than traditional opiates. 

According to users, kratom may be able to provide more substantial pain relief benefits at doses that approach the higher end of the limit.

Energy Boost

At lower doses, kratom may provide a more stimulating, uplifting effect. This is due to the fact that aside from interacting with opioid receptors, kratom’s active organic compounds may also work with adrenergic receptors. This results in stimulant-like effects that users may interpret as energizing, invigorating, and awakening. 

These effects tend to feel most prominent closer to the lower end of the dosage range.

Sleep Support

Kratom has a mixed stimulant-sedative effect depending on how much you take. At the highest safe doses, certain kratom strains may push the limit of relaxation and pain relief, leading to overall drowsiness. Some users have expressed using kratom for sleep support, claiming that at higher doses, red vein strains tend to produce a relaxed effect that helps users fall asleep faster, stay asleep throughout the night, and wake up feeling more refreshed and rested. 

Tips for Taking Kratom

While kratom’s staunch supporters will stand by the herb’s effects and benefits, it’s still important to practice control and caution when dealing with a wellness product whether it’s natural or not. If you’re thinking of adding kratom to your wellness routine, make sure to consider these tips:

• Choose the right strain and color vein

Although it’s not always consistent across the board, kratom strains tend to present predictable effects across batches. Some strains are naturally ‘slower’ or more relaxing, and others are ‘faster’ or more stimulating. In the same way, a kratom product’s effects may change depending on its color vein or maturity at harvest. Consider what you want to use kratom for to find out which strain and color vein will fit your wellness routine the best. 

• Consider different formats

The most popular kratom format is still raw kratom powder. This is essentially dried kratom leaves that are milled to a fine, flour-like consistency. It’s typically taken as is, and washed down with water. But users who struggle with the earthy taste and dry texture might find that capsules work better for a discriminating palate. 

• Follow dosage guidance

There are existing guidelines for how much kratom you can safely take per dose. For powders, the limit starts at 2.4g and goes up to 6g for a maximum dose. For capsules, it’s generally 4 capsules up to 9, but that may change depending on how much kratom each capsule contains. Again, taking smaller doses may provide a more stimulating experience while higher doses tend to produce relaxation and sedation.

• Rotate your strains

Some users and researchers allege that it is possible to develop a tolerance for kratom especially if you use it everyday. To prevent this, it may be ideal to rotate different strains and color veins instead of sticking to just one variety and using it every single time. On top of that, patrons of the herb also recommend taking routine breaks from kratom use. Staving off of any doses for 1-2 weeks after consistently taking kratom daily may help reduce the risk of developing a tolerance. 

Does Your Wellness Routine Need a Kratom Upgrade? 

Whether you’re trying to sleep better, looking for ways to get over the midday slump, or dealing with a stubborn ache that just won’t go away, kratom might be the answer. Keep in mind: there’s still a lot we stand to learn about kratom and how it works, so it helps to stay informed and read up before you decide what’s right for you. 

But if you’re dead set and ready to add kratom to your daily wellness routine, why not buy kratom in bulk? Not only does it help you spend less on every gram you get, it also guarantees that you’ll have some in stock the next time you find yourself needing a little pick-me-up to get you through the day.