What's your game plan for managing chronic pain?
If you don't want to take prescription opioids, there are some non-opioid options you can try. These include mind-body techniques, therapeutic massage, pain-relieving devices, and so on. You might also want to look into over-the-counter medications, acupuncture, and herbal pain relievers such as kratom.
Now, if you're most curious about kratom and how it might help relieve your pain, read on. Here, we'll talk about the facts you need to know about taking kratom.
First Things First: What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a herbal supplement that comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native in Southeast Asia. Its leaves are traditionally used as a tonic for boosting energy and easing aches and pains.
It is also chewed or drank as a tea for recreational purposes. That's because it contains alkaloids that can help elevate mood, similar to how some psychoactive drugs cause euphoriant effects.
How Does Kratom Work?
One thing that's fascinating about kratom is how it binds to the opiate receptor. It's interesting because kratom isn't an opiate, but it exhibits almost the same effects.
Even the side effects are quite similar including nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, etc. But whereas most opiates have a sedative effect, kratom works as a stimulant in low doses.
As for how to ingest kratom, it will depend on how it is prepared. It's available in pill form, liquid extract, and powder. You can check the Kratom Connection website for more information on different kratom products.
Taking Kratom: Are There Safety Concerns?
Some people think that supplements, especially those marketed as all-natural or organic are 100% safe. The truth is the FDA doesn't regulate these products, so it's up to the consumer to do their research when buying herbal preparations.
This also applies to kratom. While it may not be an opiate, it can cause dependence, and you might experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it. There are also side effects (as already mentioned) to consider, not to mention it can interact with certain drugs such as omeprazole, clozapine, tramadol, and many more.
Also, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a mental disorder, it's best to consult a doctor before taking kratom.
A Word on Kratom Dosage
If you're convinced that the benefits of kratom outweigh the risks, there are still some things you need to keep in mind, especially when it comes to dosage.
Since dosing will depend on your age, health, and underlying medical conditions, it's important you start with the lowest dose. Don't take too much at once to avoid side effects, and if you can, speak to a healthcare professional before using kratom.
Do You Need Tips and Advice for Managing Chronic Pain?
If you're considering taking kratom, but also want to know more about your other options for managing chronic pain, don't hesitate to check out our other posts.
We have articles on CBD, natural remedies for pain, chiropractic care, and so on. You can also check out our other sections, where we talk about tech topics, entertainment news, and lifestyle tips. Feel free to browse around to find more interesting content.
