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Since Kratom effects on humans are not clearly
known, it should first be made absolutely clear that any consumption of this
natural herbal product should be done with caution and care. We are not venders
of this plant and can take more liberties with what we are able to say in
relation to kratom and its effects, but remember that it's not a "legal high" as
is so popular of a phrase these days; it is a natural herbal supplement that
needs to be treated with respect, especially because of the pleasant effects it
has been known to induce.
Kratom's effects are still being discovered, so there is no clinical studies
that make any indication that Kratom is safe to introduce into the human body in
any form, although it has been used safely in Thailand when made into resinous
balls and eaten for as long as they have recorded history..
The effects of kratom are generally considered one of two kinds, depending on
how much is consumed. Historically, small doses of the plant (either chewed in
leaf form, or made into tea) is known to have a stimulating effect, both easing
the mind and energizing the body. It has been used for thousands of years in
Thailand as the "worker's plant" because it would help them get through their
long days in the factories or fields. People who are "Kratom Eaters" have
far more respect there than marijuana smokers, and we are not saying anything
negative about marijuana, we are simply putting kratom and its effects into
context for further education on the topic.
In larger dosages, Kratom's reported effects
are supposed to be more sedative or relaxing. People who consume greater amounts
of kratom report a meditative repose that can last from 4-6 hours, without much
of the "hangover" that results from other euphorants such as alcohol.
This "dual nature" of Kratom's effects are due to the fact that the active
alkaloids in the plant can have both stimulating and sedating effects, often
depending on differences between individual users, and depending on which neural
transmitters are most affected by each individual person.
Interestingly enough, Kratom has a long
history of use as a pain-killer, an anti-diarrheal remedy, and as treatment for
people addicted to various opiates, helping to cure
addiction (although it's not legal to state that an herbal supplement can be
a cure for ANY addiction whatsoever). This is an exciting prospect; this
exotic plant may have the ability to help drug addicts rehabilitate and become
active, responsible members of our society.
We hope that there are studies
done on the various unique and interesting effects of this plant, to help not
only move it into the mainstream, but to protect our individual rights to have
access to such an important plant. We also want to see more research on
the long term effects of this plant, because
at the moment, there is little information, other than anecdotal evidence from
thousands of years of traditional use, which have shown virtually no
side-effects.
One problem with pinning down exact effects of kratom is that there are several
reported ways to consume the plant, including a
kratom elixir, but with each leading to a different experience. As a
rule of thumb, those who have consumed kratom internally in Thailand, when it
was legal there of course, were advised to begin a milder dose to see how their body
reacts before increasing the amount of kratom consumed. Since the plant has been
around so long, and since it is legal everywhere outside of Thailand, there is
really no rush. This botanical is a truly wondrous plant deserving of our time
and consideration, along with our respect for its many powers.
Specific to Mitragyna speciosa
(Kratom):
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