Kratom capsules are fast becoming some of the most sought-after natural remedies. They’re lauded for their incredible, pain-alleviating, energy-boosting, and stress-relieving properties. They are potent, effective, and yet shrouded in mystery.
Despite approximately three million kratom users in the US alone, many are still unaware of what kratom capsules are, how they work, and what kind of effects they induce. Many daily users are uncertain about how to dose their capsules properly or even ensure safe consumption.
However, if you want to enjoy all the benefits of kratom, you need to understand what it is, which benefits it brings, and what you can use it for. So, let’s go over a few facts that no one’s told you about kratom capsules.
Kratom capsules can come from any strain!
Kratom, or Mitragyna Speciosa (to be more precise), is a tropical tree found on the Asian and African continents. Like any plant, it comes in a few unique varieties, aka strains, and each of them has its own set of effects and properties. You can buy kratom at reasonable price regardless of its strain, but you need to know that different kratom varieties can have varying effects.
The three main strains that have birthed dozens more include red, white, and green – distinguished by the color of the leaf veins.
Red vein kratom acts as an opiate. It’s sedating, especially at higher doses, offering pain relief and making you feel calm and relaxed. It’s a popular choice among new users as its effects are similar to those of common painkillers.
Some of the most common sub-strains of red vein include:
- Red Bali;
- Red Thai;
- Red Sumatra;
- Red Borneo;
- Red Malay.
White vein kratom is the strongest of the bunch, making it a popular choice among experienced users. It acts as a stimulant, making you feel euphoric, energized, and motivated.
White vein’s most common sub-strains include:
- White Borneo;
- White Indo;
- White Thai;
- White Elephant;
- White Horn.
Finally, the green vein offers the best of both worlds, boasting the sedating effects of red kratom and the stimulating effects of white kratom. It’s the most widely available strain, suitable for new and experienced users alike.
The most potent green sub-strains include:
- Green Malay;
- Green Maeng Da;
- Green Borneo;
- Green Sumatra;
- Green Hulu Kapuas.
Most kratom capsules you can get contain a mixture of varying quantities of white, red, and green kratom powders.
They have uniquely beneficial properties!
Regardless of the strain, kratom capsules have some uniquely beneficial properties. Kratom leaves have over 40 alkaloids, all of which work together to exert powerful effects.
Pain relief
The alkaloid known as mitragynine is responsible for kratom’s remarkable pain-relieving properties. It binds with the pain receptors in the central nervous system, preventing them from getting activated and thus reducing your pain sensation.
Kratom capsules can alleviate even neuropathic pain, which is difficult to treat.
Anxiolytic properties
Kratom has an affinity for dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, triggering the release of these “happy hormones” and helping you alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
Energy-boosting effects
As mentioned, white kratom capsules can be stimulating, giving you an energy boost and helping you feel focused and invigorated. Considering that it’s a plant from the coffee family, it’s no surprise that it can help keep you alert in similar ways to your favorite caffeinated beverage.
However, suppose you have an anxiety disorder. In that case, it’s in your best interest to steer clear of the energizing kratom strains, which could potentially worsen your anxiety symptoms, and go for the more relaxing red and green varieties.
Studies also suggest that kratom can help better manage blood glucose levels, enhance your cognition, and even treat opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, more research is needed to prove its full effects definitively.
Their effects are primarily dose-dependent
As we’ve discussed, kratom capsules can exert varying effects – you can use them to get an energy boost or use them to calm down. You can use them to alleviate anxiety or become hyper-vigilant. Although these opposing effects initially seem controversial, they’re anything but! After all, the effects of kratom capsules are largely dose-dependent.
At lower doses, kratom capsules will usually act as stimulants. They’ll make you feel jittery, talkative, euphoric. However, the sedating and pain-relieving effects will start to kick in at higher doses, and you could become tired, relaxed, and calm.
Still, you’ll need to remember that kratom affects everyone differently. How much kratom you need to use will depend on your age, weight, metabolism, underlying conditions, genetics, and more.
It’s in your best interest to start with a low dose of about one to five grams a day, then slowly work your way up until you start experiencing the effects you’re looking to get.
Most standard kratom capsules will have about 0.5 grams of kratom per capsule, but you’ll want to double-check the exact dose with the manufacturer.
Kratom capsules have many applications!
If we consider its array of therapeutic effects, kratom has many different applications. Most commonly, users will rely on kratom capsules to help manage and treat:
- Depression;
- Anxiety;
- Cough;
- Diarrhea;
- Hypertension;
- Type 2 diabetes;
- Opiate withdrawal symptoms;
- Insomnia;
- Muscle aches.
However, you’ll need to keep in mind that the body of research on kratom leaves much to be desired, so there’s still a lot we don’t know about it. Before you start using kratom capsules, you’ll need to consult your doctors and check whether it’s the right choice for you.
Kratom capsules are still in a legal gray area!
Kratom capsules are becoming ever more popular among users in the US, but the natural remedy still remains in a legal gray area.
Kratom isn’t regulated on a federal level, making it technically legal. However, individual states are free to choose how they regulate kratom use, possession, and distribution, so while it’s federally legal, kratom might not be legal in your area.
Make sure to check and obey your local laws before you purchase your kratom capsules.
Final thoughts
Kratom capsules could have tremendous therapeutic potential, helping manage various physical and mental health conditions. Still, you’ll always want to check with your doctor before you start using them and ensure that you dose your capsules carefully.
