You probably have heard of kratom’s pain-relieving properties and how it effectively helps people overcoming an addiction. But there is much more to kratom than these uses. This Asian plant has many more properties, which is why many people wonder “Can kratom improve my mood?” Keep reading to learn more about kratom uplifting properties!
What Is Kratom and Where does It Come From?
Before addressing the question “Can kratom improve my mood?” and exploring the uplifting properties of kratom, let us talk about the origins of kratom. When you think of kratom, you probably think of the greenish powder that you get when you buy kratom. However, kratom is actually a tree. Or rather, the common name given to both a tree and the powder that results from grinding its leaves. The botanical name of the kratom tree is Mitragyna speciosa and the word “Mitragyna” refers to kratom’s most abundant alkaloid: mitragynine. But we will talk about mitragynine and kratom’s alkaloids later in this post.
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is an evergreen tree that grows in the humid jungles and rainforest of Southeastern Asia. It is a common tree in Indonesia, Thailand or Malaysia. In these places, kratom was a common remedy to fight fatigue and to cope with opioid withdrawal. However, today consuming kratom in Southeast Asian countries can have serious legal consequences as its consumption is illegal or restricted in most of this area.
Most of the kratom powder that you can buy comes from Indonesia. This country is the main kratom producer and exporter and you can find areas where kratom is a common crop. Although be more precise (or accurate), kratom is not a “crop”. Instead, kratom trees grow wild near the riverbanks and local farmers pick, dry, and grind their leaves. Thus, kratom is helping the local economy while protecting the environment.
Properties and Effects of Kratom
How does kratom work? Why has it become so popular? Kratom’s leaves contain over 20 alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids bind to the mu, kappa, and delta receptors in your brain. The response of your body when kratom alkaloids act on these receptors implies a series of effects that ranges from analgesia to an energy boost, from relaxation to euphoria.
The effects of kratom include:
- Pain relief
- Relaxation
- Energy
- Euphoria
Hence, people consume kratom to fight many conditions or issues, such as:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Lack of motivation
And what happens with your mood? Can kratom improve my mood? you may be wondering. The answer is yes.
Can Kratom Improve My Mood? Uplifting properties of Kratom
If you’re wondering whether kratom can improve your mood, for kratom users the answer is that it can. According to anecdotal evidence, kratom’s uplifting properties can definitely enhance your mood. Moreover, kratom’s euphoric effects may also make you happier.
But there are other effects of kratom that will also promote a better mood:
- Relaxation: Kratom promotes calm and relaxation, which can improve your mood.
- Energy booster: If you do not feel tired, chances are that your mood will also be better.
- Motivation: When you feel more motivated to do things, your mood will also improve.
- Pain relief: If you are coping with pain, your mood will enhance if you can ease that pain.
How to Choose the Best Kratom Type to Improve Your Mood
We have already answered the question: “Can kratom improve my mood?” but how can you use kratom safely? What is the best way to enjoy kratom’s uplifting properties?
Let’s begin by clarifying how to get the effects that you desire from kratom. As you will notice, kratom has many different effects. Some of them may even seem contradictory. So how can you obtain certain specific effects?
Kratom is more energizing at low doses and more sedating at high doses. Therefore, if you want to use kratom to improve your mood, it is recommendable you stick to low doses. And what is a low dosage of kratom? Between 2 and 4 grams. Doses between 4 and 5 grams are usually considered moderate whereas more than 5 grams is generally a high dosage that you should avoid unless you are a kratom expert. You can read this article if you want to learn more about kratom doses.
Also, the effects of kratom may vary depending on the kratom type and strain that you use. There are three main types of kratom: white kratom, green kratom, and red kratom. Each of these kratom types has a lot of different strains (or sub-varieties) with different sets of alkaloids and properties. For example, you can find white Sumatra kratom, red Bali kratom or white Maeng Da kratom.
White kratom is more energizing and euphoric, while red kratom is more relaxing. Green kratom is in a sort of middle ground, as it can be both energizing and relaxing, though its effects are not as potent as those of the white and red types. Nonetheless, if you want to use kratom for its uplifting properties and your main question is “can kratom improve my mood?” green kratom strains (such as green Malay) may be arguably the best choice.
How to Use Kratom Safely
You have learned that kratom has uplifting properties and that it can improve your mood, but how can you use kratom safely?
Even though kratom is a safe substance when you use it properly, it has unpleasant side effects. The common side effects of kratom include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea and stomach upset
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Eye wobbles
And what’s the best way to avoid these side effects? Mainly by being cautious with your dosage and avoiding high doses. But there are other steps that you may take to avoid some of these side effects:
- Drink a lot of water to fight dehydration and constipation.
- Eat fiber-rich foods that will help you prevent kratom constipation.
- If you have digestive issues or are prone to stomach upsets, do not take kratom on an empty stomach. Also, take your kratom in tea rather than using kratom capsules.
- Avoid kratom extracts unless you are a kratom expert.
Furthermore, using low doses of kratom will also help you avoid kratom tolerance.
We hope we have answered the question “Can kratom improve my mood?” Keep reading our blog if you want to learn more about kratom!
