Isn’t pain a common problem for all of us today? It restricts the way we live. We all know that being in pain for too long can reduce the quality of life as it disturbs both physical and mental health. A global opioid epidemic has started because of the prevalence of chronic pain conditions and healthcare facilities are expensive. We all are suffering from the opioid epidemic. Opioids like morphine and codeine are the active compounds found in painkillers. Long-term usage of drugs containing opioids may develop a tolerance in the body or cause addiction.
Due to the high cost of medication and potential side effects, people are turning to the use of herbal alternatives for pain relief. Coca tea, CBD, Kratom, and ephedra are some herbal supplements attracting the attention of everybody. People use these supplements as an alternative to pills for pain relief and anxiety reduction.
How does Kratom work for pain relief?
Kratom, a natural opioid, is derived from the leaves of an evergreen tropical tree, Mitragyna speciosa. The plant is a native plant of Southeast Asian countries. Indigenous people have been using it as a stimulant for centuries now. They chew the leaves or make herbal tea for pain relief, energy boost, and reducing stress. Local people also call it Ketum, Kakuam, Ithang, Biak, and Thom.
It is rich in alkaloids, especially 7-hydroxy mitragynine, and Mitragynine. Mitragynine makes Kratom an agonist, it binds to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain and activates them. These are the same receptors that get activated by opioid-containing painkillers. The activation of these receptors reduces pain and produces sedation and pleasure. Mitragynine also reduces pain via Noradrenergic and Serotonergic pathways.
It is known to reduce neck pain, back pain, joint pain, headaches (migraine), abdominal and chest pain. It also helps in the pain conditions of Arthritis, Sclerosis, and injuries.
How to use it?
Kratom is available in the form of extract, powder, and capsules.
It is most commonly consumed in the form of powder because of the shorter kick-in time and affordability. But powder tastes bitter and is difficult to measure properly.
It is easier and better to consume it in the form of capsules because this way you can count your dose easily. Keep an eye on your Kratom intake because overdose might cause side effects like Nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, insomnia, jitters, chills, anxiety, etc. Capsules are easy to carry along and you get saved by the tedious work of measuring the appropriate amounts for your recommended dose. The only shortcoming of Kratom capsules is that they take a little longer to kick in than powder & are expensive.
Kratom is marketed as Green, White and Red vein Kratom strains. This categorization is based on the color of veins of the leaves and the stem. The color of veins and stem is green for young plants, turns to white at middle stages, and red at the fully matured stage. You can try white maeng da kratom for pain relief. It’s very effective and gives good results. Be sure to choose a reputed brand to buy the kratom products so that you will get high-quality products.
Strains have different substrates depending on the region of their cultivation. To use Kratom for effective pain management you need to learn about the different Kratom strains and their effects.
Best Kratom Strains for Pain Relief
Red vein Kratom strains are the most potent because the alkaloid content is highest at fully matured stages.
The best Kratom Strains known for Effective Pain Management are;
Red Maeng da Kratom, Red Borneo Kratom and Red Bali Kratom
Red Maeng da Kratom
This strain has its origin in Thailand. It is a mix of Thai and Indo Kratom making it a more potent and resilient strain. The name ‘Maeng da’ in Thai means ‘pimp grade’ i.e. of premium quality. to increase the alkaloid content of the product the leaves are specially dried in sunlight or UV light.
Red Maeng da acts as an analgesic and treats even chronic pain conditions. It soothes your body and numbs the pain. The strain is very similar to Morphine but unlike Morphine it boosts energy in the body.
The effects kick in about 15-30 minutes after consumption and last for about 5-7 hours.
If you are a beginner do not choose this strain for yourself. Start with less potent strains.
Red Borneo Kratom
It is cultivated in Borneo island of Indonesia. Red Borneo when taken in higher doses can have sedating effects. It is a potent stimulant and pain reliever. It makes you feel energized because of its stimulant properties. Along with alleviating your pain, it helps you deal with the discomfort caused by pain. Red Borneo Kratom is strong enough to relieve chronic pain from long-term conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Its effect kicks in a very short time of 5 to 7 minutes and lasts for 7 hours.
Red Bali Kratom
Red Bali Kratom has its origin in Bali, Indonesia. It has the highest i.e. 25 different alkaloids in it. It helps to improve your sleep hygiene by treating your insomnia. It is very effective in treating chronic pain and discomfort caused by it. Compared to Maeng da the effects of Red Bali are milder but they last for about 6 to 8 hours.
