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Debunking 16 Kratom Myths

kratom leaf

Disclaimer: All claims are 100% anecdotal. They stem from personal experiences, not factual evidence

Kratom, or Mitragyna Speciosa, is a well-known plant that has been used as a source of energy, relaxation, and concentration since at least the 19th century.  First discovered by Pieter Korthals, a Dutch Botanist, the kratom tree is native to Southeast Asia and belongs to the coffee family.

What is Kratom?

The tree is evergreen and can grow up to 80 feet tall. The real potency of the tree lies in its leaves. They are rich in alkaloids of which mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine are predominant. The alkaloids elicit opioid-like effects, giving the plant stimulative and relaxant properties.  Local anecdotal evidence shows that natives have been using kratom leaves as herbal medicine. Some chewed the leaves and others crushed them and brew them as tea. Kratom entered the West markets in the 1980s but only recently captured the attention, sparking long-standing debates about whether the supplement is safe.

16 Kratom Myths Debunked

Kratom fans highlight the remarkable benefits this plant can provide, whereas the opponents mark it as a drug and want it banned. But the truth lies in between and here we’re debunking the most common kratom myths. Having the right information about kratom is crucial to making an informed decision about using it.

Myth 1: Kratom is a Synthetic Drug

Kratom is manufactured from the leaves of the kratom tree which grows in Southeast Asia, mostly in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Farmers harvest the leaves, dry them, and ground them into powder. So, no, kratom isn’t a synthetic drug — it’s made from all-natural ingredients without additional chemicals.

Myth 2: Kratom is Highly Addictive

Kratom is a mind-altering substance. Although it’s not an opioid, the alkaloids bind to the opioid receptors of the brain, mimicking the opioid effects. This means kratom can lead to forming a habit but cases of kratom addiction are rare. Kratom dependence is more similar to that of coffee or cigarettes; therefore it’s easier to quit compared to traditional opioids. Withdrawal symptoms are also more subtle. They might appear within 12-16 days of the last kratom intake and last for about 3-4 days. Symptoms might include agitation, constipation, nausea, and mood swings. The extent to which the symptoms will impact you and last depends on the kratom dosage and for how long.

Myth 3: Kratom Can Lead to Death

Although the FDA has said over 44 deaths are associated with kratom use, not one of these deaths can be linked to the use of natural kratom only. The said kratom deaths are caused by underlying medical conditions, usage of multiple drugs, or usage of contaminated kratom products. National Institutes on Drug Abuse issued a new update where it states that usage of pure kratom doesn’t cause deaths. Make sure to inform yourself about how kratom interacts with other drugs to avoid inconveniences and possible fatality.

Myth 4: Different Strains Come From Different Kratom Trees

Kratom tree produces red, white, and green strains. They all come from the same plant and there isn’t any selective breeding to produce the kratom types. Kratom strains are manufactured from the leaves of different maturity levels. Young leaves have white veins, more mature have green veins, and fully mature leaves have red veins. Depending on the phase in which the leaves are harvested, different strains are produced. The maturity of the leaves will influence the alkaloid profile which attributes different effects to the strains.

Myth 5: Kratom Regional Varieties Have Same Effects

The effects of kratom are mainly determined by the maturity of the kratom leaves. However, the region in which the plant is cultivated also plays a role and affects the alkaloid balance. Thus, regional varieties will produce different effects. For example, Red Maeng Da is known for its sedation and stress relief, Green Malay promotes energy and stamina, whereas Red Bali elicits energetic feelings and balanced pain relief.

Myth 6: Kratom Is Most Often Used to Get High

Actually, kratom offers a full spectrum of benefits. Although there aren’t enough studies that can confirm kratom’s medical benefits, much anecdotal evidence points to the plant’s beneficial effects on , stress reduction, mood elevation, and other symptoms. Additionally, some consumers link the use of kratom with achieving healthy weight loss. Furthermore, kratom is said to be very beneficial for helping to promote sleep and improve cognitive functions.

Myth 7: Kratom Will Show Up on a Drug Test

Kratom has distinctive composition than traditional drugs so it won’t show in a traditional drug test. It won’t even show a false positive. However, kratom will appear when doing a blog test after 2-3 days of consumption. Additionally, a urine test can also detect kratom presence even after 7-9 days of consumption.

Myth 8: Kratom Is Illegal in the US

Kratom is banned in several states and counties across the US but it’s still legal on the federal level. Wisconsin, Indiana, Vermont, Arkansas, Alabama, and Rhode Island are the states where kratom is considered illegal. San Diego, Sarasota County, and Tenessee have also banned kratom usage and sale. Kratom is classified as a drug of concern but isn’t prohibited under the Federal Controlled Substance Act.

Myth 9: Smoking Kratom is Safe

Smoking or even snorting kratom isn’t safe. Quite the contrary, it can cause numerous side effects like persistent coughing, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, and sudden weight loss. Additionally, it can weaken the entire immune system and lead to poor physical activity performance. Liver damage and kidney damage are also possible adverse effects of kratom smoking or snorting.

Myth 10: Mixing Kratom and Coffee is Dangerous

This is one of the greatest myths associated with kratom. Mixing kratom with coffee is not dangerous; it’s beneficial. Both belong to the same tree family and go together exceptionally well. Coffee has a strong but pleasant flavor that will successfully mask the specific kratom taste. Additionally, coffee will potentiate the energetic properties of kratom, creating a wonderful, tasty, and exceptionally potent beverage that will give you stamina and keep you energetic throughout the day.

Myth 11: Mixing Kratom and Alcohol Is Safe

Alcohol is a depressant that affects the normal function of the central nervous system, blocking messages from nerve receptors to reach the brain. Mixing it with a stimulant or sedative supplement like kratom can be dangerous, causing greater risks of overdose. Combining kratom and alcohol might result in dizziness, anxiety, tremors, high blood pressure, and lack of coordination.

Myth 12: Kratom Effects Kick In Immediately

You can feel its effects after 5-10 minutes and its effects can last up to five hours. Kratom effects depend on the quantity you take. As with pain medications and other recreational drugs, a kratom overdose it’s possible when taken without precaution. The secret lies in the right kratom dosage.

Myth 13: You Can’t Grow Kratom at Home

While a fairly complicated process, it’s totally possible to grow kratom at home. Growing the plant for aesthetic purposes is allowed even in the countries and states where kratom is banned for use and sale. To successfully grow a kratom plant, you need to find fresh seed from a vendor or directly from its native regions in Southeast Asia. Then, you need to obtain hummus-rich soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Additionally, you need to produce controlled conditions including light, temperature, and humidity.

Myth 14: Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms Are Severe

Kratom withdrawal might appear after heavy kratom use. However, the symptoms are mild to moderate compared to other drugs. In fact, kratom is often used to ease the symptoms of drug withdrawal, curbing the drug cravings and relieving the pain. Symptoms might last for about 3-4 days during which you should drink plenty of fluids, earth-easy meals, and try to relax.

Myth 15: Kratom Powder and Kratom Extract are One and Same

While often mistaken with each other, kratom powder isn’t the same as kratom extract. These are two different products. Kratom extract is a highly concentrated form of kratom. The extract is prepared by extracting the alkaloids from kratom leaves or kratom powder using water or alcohol. The solution is then strained, simmered down, and let to evaporate until a thick paste is formed. Kratom extract has a high concentration of alkaloids that can be used as-is or added in food or drinks.

Myth 16: Kratom Isn’t for Topical Use

Kratom has been used topically in science since the 19th century. Back then, people mostly used kratom leaves to dress wounds. The reason behind this practice is that kratom promotes skin healing. It has antibacterial properties which enable it to successfully neutralize the bacteria and cleanse the skin, preventing breakouts. Additionally, the plant has antioxidant properties too which makes it a great addition in treating irritated skin. It also provides protection against free radicals, promotes skin rejuvenation, and promotes wound healing. It’s even possible to prepare kratom beauty products at home.

Final Words

There are many misconceptions about kratom on the web, Separating the facts from the myths is crucial to making an informed decision whether kratom is the right supplement for you or not. Make sure to read as many resources as you can so you can rest assured you have all the information before buying kratom.

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