Kratom is making a buzz around the herbal community online. It is becoming popular with many alternative medicine enthusiasts as it is known to provide many health benefits. One health issue that kratom is known to help is depression.
But what is kratom exactly? Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. It comes from the same family as coffee. Its leaves consist of the substance mitragynine, which provides effects that are similar to opioids, particularly morphine.
That said, you might be thinking, how will this herbal medicine be beneficial for patients with depression? Keep reading to better understand how this alternative drug has become popular in aiding depression nowadays.
Kratom's active component, mitragynine, interacts with opioid receptors in the brain to block pain signals. It is also why it is used as a pain killer. This action is said to be the reason behind the antidepressant reaction of kratom that was reported by its users.
In that said study, the researchers also emphasized that kratom has a sedative effect. Research on whether the side effects of kratom, like sedation, can interfere with this herbal medicine's benefits is continuous.
There is a study that confirmed that kratom boosts mood and helps alleviate anxiety among users. As time goes on, more and more research and studies have been conducted about how kratom affects the mental health of users, especially depression.
If you are experiencing depression and have tried various medicines or techniques to help you reduce its symptoms but with no luck, you should talk to your doctor about kratom. However, it is best that you conduct your own in-depth research first and gather as much information as you can to present to your physician.
After that, you can order kratom online or buy kratom capsules online or visit a local herbal shop. But remember, when buying kratom, you have to ensure that you are only purchasing from trusted sellers. You don't want to end up buying contaminated kratom, which is what most illegitimate kratom sellers sell.
As per the current information about kratom and its dosage for various benefits, it is required for a user to take a higher dose of kratom to feel its antidepressant benefits.
In a study conducted in 2017, they surveyed 8,049 kratom users, and the majority reported that a 5-gram dose of kratom powder taken three times a day wasn't enough to experience the effects such as sedative, energy booster, or anything in between.
Similar to any other medications, the dose that is perfect for you will depend on your age, weight, sex, and general health. For first-timers, it is best to start at a low dose and slowly increase the dosage until you start to feel the specific effects you want to achieve.
As a rule of thumb, you must refer to these dosages below:
Given this information, plus how you take your kratom and what type, it will determine how much or little the effects it will provide you. For instance, if you use kratom extract, you will be able to feel more effects than if you use kratom powder.
As was said, the type of kratom you choose to use will have a huge impact on the effect you can get from it. There are known strains of kratom that are said to be best used for depression.
Therefore, we have compiled the best kratom for depression below to help you pick which variety is suitable for you.
When you do your research, you will notice that the variety Maeng Da kratom is mentioned everywhere. It is because this type of kratom is one of the most popular kratom strains today. The reason behind its popularity is its high potency, which makes its effects long-lasting.
The plant of Maeng Da kratom is said to provide a comprehensive range of sedating and stimulating effects that are suitable for individuals with anxiety and depression.
Why is this type so distinctive? It was genetically modified over a period of years by agriculturalists using a technique called grafting. Grafting is a technique used by Thai farmers to combine various strains to produce a more potent variety.
Green Malay is one of the most favored green vein kratom strains worldwide. It originated in Malaysia, thus the name suggests. This kratom strain has been used for years as a traditional medicine throughout Malaysia.
The Green Malay strain also provides long-lasting effects that could last all day long. Because of this, Green Malay is the most sought-after strain by people who are trying to manage chronic pain or any anxiety-related discomfort.
Red Bali, despite its name, doesn't come from Bali, Indonesia. It grows in Borneo and Sumatra. The climate of these areas and the high alkaloid of the soil where it grows produces a higher alkaloid content in the Red Bali strain.
The Red Bali strain is quite popular because it is easy to grow and is widely accessible. It is also one of the most affordable kratom strains on the market today.
In comparison to Maeng Da variants, Red Bali often has gentler and more enduring effects. Red Bali's calming and analgesic properties make it one of the best kratoms for anxiety & depression. It may also give you more energy, depending on the dose you take.
Before starting to take kratom, it is best that you talk with your physician first. Don't use it without the provision of healthcare professionals and kratom experts. In addition, you should also learn about the risks associated with kratom use.
Proceed in using kratom for your depression with caution. It is also advised that you tell a friend or a family member about your journey in treating your depression with kratom and ask them to watch over you.