Kratom, or mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native primarily to Thailand and Malaysia.  For centuries the leaves of the Kratom tree have been carefully cultivated for a myriad of uses, because some kratom effects have been found to have supposed benefits in the practice of herbal medicine.  The leaves can be chewed, smoked, or made into a tea.  Capsules containing the extract of Kratom are easily bought online, sometimes erroneously or fraudulently sold under the misnomer kratom.

As a therapeutic herbal remedy in Thai ethno medicine, some of the reputed Kratom effects include use as a counter measure against diarrhea and nausea, albeit by sometimes causing constipation. Since the early 2000’s, Kratom has been mentioned as a rumored treatment for dependence on opioids such as heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, and codeine, because of the purported reduction of the most severe withdrawal symptoms.  There exists anecdotal evidence that Kratom may increase the duration of sexual intercourse, although instances are rare.  One of the positive Kratom effects that has garned significant attention from the mainstream medical community is the possible use as Kratom as a palliative treatment for diabetes mellitus, or, Type-2 diabetes.

One of the most commonly reported of all possible Kratom effects is the strongly suggested possibility of its use as an anti depressant.  This assertion has been partially confirmed, because a study of an isolated component of Kratom, mitragynine, showed that the isolated component did, in fact, possess significant anti depressive properties.

There are some controversial Kratom effects.  It has been suggested that the ability of Kratom to act as a remedy to opiate withdrawal because it, in itself, acts as an opiate substitute. Recreational use of Kratom is somewhat widespread.

Similar to the ingestion of coco leaves, Kratom has been used to relieve arduous physical labor. In lower doses, Kratom effects are stimulative in nature, granting alertness and energy, while causing a mild euphoric state. In an odd contradiction, Kratom effects are more tranquilizing in higher doses.  As a caution, excessive doses can cause severe nausea.  Kratom effects can typically be felt within 15 to 20 minutes, although higher doses can often hasten the onset. Kratom effects are typically felt for two to four hours.

On a positive note, there seems to be a general consensus that there is little to no health risks posed by long term use, or even dependence upon, Kratom.

It is important to note that while Kratom is not as yet regulated by the U.S. federal government, it is included on the “Drug and Chemical” list by the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Some individual U.S. states have also begun to take legislative action against Kratom. Indiana has added Kratom’s two active alkaloids to the state’s list of controlled substances.  Iowa lawmakers have mentioned Kratom as a synthetic cannabinoid.  In Louisiana, legislation was proposed to impose an age limit of 18 for anyone wishing to buy or consume Kratom.  The penalty for violation was up to six months’ jail time and a $500 fine.
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