Kratom: a quest to find a plant whose effects arouse not only curiosity but also some concern

This article is not intended to promote kratom or encourage consumption. Kratom is an addictive substance that carries a high risk of addiction and withdrawal symptoms. According to current legislation, it is not intended for consumption in the Czech Republic and is sold exclusively as a collector's item.

  

  

 

• What is kratom?
• What is kratom made of?
• Types of kratom
  • White kratom ⚪
  • Green kratom 🟢
  • Red kratom 🔴
• ⚠️ Why can you get addicted to kratom?
• General effects
• Negative effects: the dark side of kratom
• Miracle plant or hidden threat?
• FAQ Kratom: Lifeline in the jungle

What is kratom?

Kratom is a natural compound that is extracted from the tropical shrub Mitragyna speciosa. Its effects resemble the effectiveness of opioids. It can take the form of powders, capsules, teas, tinctures and extracts.

Traditionally, users chewed kratom leaves to gain energy during strenuous work, or made tea from them or added them to food for relaxation and pain relief. In Europe today, kratom is most commonly found in its powdered form.

In the past, kratom has been used to relieve pain, alleviate withdrawal symptoms from opioids and alcohol, treat diarrhea, and detoxify the body. Historically, it has also been valued for promoting vitality, increasing libido, and fighting fatigue. Currently, people use it for anxiety or opioid addiction.

⚠️ Kratom carries a high risk of side effects and possible addiction.

What is kratom made of?

What is kratom commonly available from? From the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa 🍃, which contain indole alkaloids, mainly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. After harvesting, the leaves are dried and then crushed or ground into a fine powder which is consumed in various forms.

The Mitragyna speciosa shrub is a tropical plant of the bryophyte family, a close relative of the coffee tree. It reaches up to 16 metres in height and occurs naturally in the rainforests of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia.

The plant has a slender stem and broad, dark green leaves with a pointed tip. It is the appearance of the leaves, or the veining, that is related to the age of the shrub ⬇️: 

• Young plant - lighter, white veins than the leaf itself
• Mature shrub - green veins match the colour of the leaf
• Adult bush - the main veins are reddish or brownish in color

 

Types of kratom

There are 3 basic types of kratom, which differ not only in their effects but also in the way they are processed. Whether you come across white, green or red kratom, they all come from the same shrub - Mitragyna speciosa.

In addition to the basic species, there are also yellow and brown kratom. There is also a division according to varieties such as Maeng Da or Indo kratom, which differ in origin and effects. The method of processing also plays an important role in the final effect.

The veining of the leaves reveals the age of the plant 🍃, but the final kratom colour and effects depend on how the leaves are processed. The quality of kratom depends on the conditions the jungle has provided - nutrient-rich soil, sunlight, amount of moisture and length of dry/rainy season ☀️🌧️.

White kratom ⚪

The production of white kratom is done by first drying the leaves indoors in the dark to retain maximum alkaloids, and then drying them in direct sunlight for more than a day.

White kratom is the most uplifting of all the varieties and its aroma is described as energising⚡. It gives people a boost that can be reminiscent of the effects of strong tea or coffee.

The most famous types of white kratom are ➡️: Super White, Borneo White and White Maeng Da.

 

Green kratom 🟢

All other types of kratom come from green kratom - their differences are only due to different fermentation.

Green kratom leaves are first dried in a cool, dry place, then left to dry outdoors until they reach the desired texture. They are then ground into a fine powder.

Green kratom is a golden mean between the stimulating energy of white kratom and the sedative effects of the red variant. Its balanced qualities have earned it the reputation as the most sought after kratom that can uplift the mind while calming the body 🧘. The aroma is earthy, subtle, reminiscent of green tea.

The most famous types of green kratom are ➡️: Super Green, Green Borneo and Green Maeng Da.

Red kratom 🔴

Red kratom is produced by fermenting the leaves, which gives them their typical reddish-brown colour. They are placed in leak proof bags in a humid environment for 5-7 days, then dried under ultraviolet light to eliminate microbial contamination.

Different varieties of red kratom have different processing methods, for example in Bali Red the leaves are first partially sun-dried before being fermented.

The red variant is the most intense of all varieties in terms of sedative effects 😴. The aroma is reminiscent of fermented black tea and is said to bring deep relaxation and a strong analgesic effect.

The most famous varieties of red kratom are ➡️: Bali Red, Maeng-da and Borneo Red.

 

⚠️ Why can kratom addiction occur?

Kratom leaves are rich in alkaloids, especially mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which affect receptors in the brain similar to opioids. While these substances are behind the analgesic, relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects, they are also addictive.

Animal research suggests that mitragynine can have strong addictive properties and kratom use can lead to dependence.

Why kratom is addictive ⬇️:

• It contains almost as many alkaloids as opium and hallucinogenic mushrooms.
• It affects brain receptors in a similar way to opioids, which can cause psychological and physical dependence.
• Long-term use increases tolerance - need for higher doses, kratom effectiveness decreases.

Although Kratom is used to treat chronic pain and for opioid addiction or fibromyalgia, its effects are not studied. Negative effects can occur with use, so more research is needed to determine at what doses it is safe.

 

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has stated that even a small dose (just a few grams) is stimulating. The effects are usually felt within 10 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 1.5 hours.

General effects

The effects of kratom are influenced not only by the dosage, but also by the type of variety, the method of processing and the origin of the leaves. Individual factors such as weight, age, health, tolerance and user experience also play an important role.

The same variety can work differently depending on the amount - lower doses are usually stimulating, while higher doses have a dampening effect.

Possible effects of kratom ⬇️:

• Increased alertness and energy ⚡
• Relaxed 🧘
• Sociability 💬
• Feeling euphoric 🔥
• Dizziness 😵
• Reduced motor coordination 🤸
• Sedative effects and sedation 😴

Also read ➡️: CBD vs. Kratom - for pain, sleep and energy.

Negative effects: the dark side of kratom

At higher doses and with prolonged use, kratom can cause opioid-like side effects. The body gets used to the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine quickly, which can lead not only to tolerance but also to unpleasant side effects.

Acute negative effects include ⬇️:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Increased aggressiveness
• Mood swings

Long-term use of kratom can cause ⬇️:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Attenuation
• The Itch
• Muscle tremor
• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Indigestion
• Significant weight loss
• Insomnia
• Change of colour in the face
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Potential liver toxicity

The effects of kratom also vary according to the method of use. When consumed as a beverage, kratom can slow the heart, affect the central nervous system and, with long-term use, put a strain on the liver and kidneys.

A miracle plant or a hidden threat?

Kratom remains one of the most discussed plants of today 🍃. Effects vary by dose, variety, and individual. It has stimulant, analgesic and sedative effects.

It can offer users energy, pain relief and psychological well-being. But it also carries the risk of addiction, withdrawal symptoms and possible negative effects such as toxic liver damage.

The legal status of kratom is changing everywhere in the world 🌍 as well as the experts' view on safety and effects. While some see kratom's medicinal potential and point out that kratom may have a relatively low potential for abuse, others point to the risks of long-term use and addiction.

Like the wild jungle, kratom can be unpredictable, and its future depends on scientific research, regulation and user experience. Whether you choose to explore kratom more closely or watch it from afar, one thing is certain, responsible use and awareness are key.

You won't find kratom in the jungles of Canntropa 🌴, but we bring you unique botanical artifacts from ginkgo biloba and ashwagandha to Marihuanilla (Leonurus sibiricus), Koningskaars (Verbascum thapsus), blue lotus and many more.

And if you want to stay on the trail of fascinating plants, continue to our blog ⬇️:

• Expedition to an ancient Egyptian treasure: What secrets does the sacred blue lotus hold?
• Kava kava: a treasure from the depths of the Pacific
• Kudzu vine: A botanical gem that will boost the psyche and detoxify the body

 

Author: Patricie Mikolášová

 

Photo: AI

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