What is Kratom?

Kratom is a natural, herbal product derived from a tropical evergreen tree native to Asia, called Mitragyna speciosa.  The tree is known for its large leaves, which are dried and turned into what we know as kratom.  Interestingly, kratom is closely related to coffee, as the two plants belong to the same family.

Kratom has been used as a natural therapeutic for at least hundreds of years in Southeast Asia, where the plant is native.  But, in the last couple of decades, its use has expanded to Western countries – primarily the United States and parts of Europe.  This largely comes from the growing trend of holistic, wellness-oriented methods for managing one’s wellbeing.  Many people are turning to natural products and herbal remedies, and kratom falls into this category.

What Can Kratom Do?

Most of us first heard about kratom in relation to its effects on pain.  Many have claimed that kratom has opioid-like effects, and studies suggest that the potential is there for kratom to relieve pain.  It seems that kratom has the potential to disrupt the communication process between the nervous system and pain receptors in the brain, thus minimizing the effects of pain effectively.

Further, many people have found kratom to offer sedative-like properties which calm the mind, much like anti-anxiety pharmaceuticals.  The study cited above also confirms this potential property.

Would Kratom Then Be Able to Boost My Energy?

So, how can something that is known for its sedative-like effects have the ability to boost one’s energy?  After all, don’t sedatives slow a person down, rather than give them a boost?  Well, interestingly, findings do show that kratom may offer increased energy levels as one of its many properties.  It depends though on what you take, and how you take it.

Let us now explain further.

Strain Type Matters

There are various strains of kratom, and each strain belongs to one of three veins.  The term “vein” comes from the color of the vein of the kratom leaf.  The vein can be red, green, or white, and indicates the specific cultivar of the tree.  Each cultivar has unique properties, which means that different veins can produce slightly different effects.

Generally, kratom that falls into the white vein category is known for being more energizing than sedating.  Therefore, those looking for a natural energy boost go with white vein options.

And, within each vein category is a variety of strains.  This means that the chemical composition of each strain is slightly different.  Some strains of white vein kratom have stronger energizing properties than others, and as you shop for kratom, you’ll find descriptions of each strain so that you can discover the ones that are more likely to give you the boost that you’re looking for.

So Does the Dosage

Furthermore, the amount of kratom that you take is known for making a difference.  Interestingly, it seems that lower doses of kratom in general produce more stimulating effects, while higher doses are more likely to be sedating.

How to Try Using Kratom for Energy

Now, let’s talk about the key tips to using kratom specifically for energy-boosting properties.

Tip #1: Consult Your Doctor

Before making any type of kratom selection, we recommend consulting with your doctor as they can advise you on what type could work best for you.

Tip #2: Choose White Vein Kratom

First, we suggest going with a white vein.  When shopping for kratom, you’ll find that the products are categorized by vein.  Sticking with a white vein will increase the likelihood that the product that you select is more geared toward boosting energy levels.

Tip #3: Select a More Energizing Strain

Once you’re in the white vein category, you can read through the descriptions of the various strains belonging to this category.  This means that you’ll be able to discover which particular strains have stronger energy-boosting properties than others.

Tip #4: Take a Small Dose

We said earlier that smaller doses seem to increase the stimulating properties of kratom, while higher doses may do the opposite, making you calm down thanks to sedating effects.  Therefore, even though you may be tempted to take a high dose, opt for a low one.  The kratom product that you choose should have a dosing guide that indicates the right amount for daily use.  This recommended dose will likely be low, and therefore more likely to be stimulating than calming.

Tip #5: Start Slow

If you’ve never taken kratom before, it’s important to start slow.  Start with one dose each day and monitor how you feel.  If you feel any negative side effects, stop taking it and consider seeking medical attention if the effects are concerning or severe.

Final Tip: Experiment as Needed

Once your body adjusts to kratom, feel free to experiment with different dosage levels, strains, and delivery methods until you get the results you’re looking for.

Final Thoughts

Many people associate kratom with pain relief, but this fascinating plant has a wide array of properties that may be useful in unique ways.  If you’re looking to use kratom for energy, then consider opting for a white vein strain.  Also, as we cannot stress this enough, make sure that you inform your doctor prior to taking kratom, regardless of the reason for taking it.