Sakae Naa (Combretum quadrangulare) is a tree that grows naturally in the wetlands of Southeast Asia, especially in those countries where kratom is not legal. Although not as popular as other natural kratom alternatives, this plant is gaining the favor of many users thanks to its energizing properties. Keep reading to learn more about this natural remedy!
Geography and History
Sakae Naa is the name commonly given to Combretum quadrangulare, a tree that grows along the banks of rivers in Southeastern Asia. It is native to countries like Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, or Myanmar. It is a species in the Combretum genus, which is part of the Combretaceae family. There are almost 400 plants in the Combretum genus and they grow in tropical areas from Asia, America, and Africa.
The native people from Southeast Asia chew or smoke the fresh leaves of this tree to enjoy its stimulating properties. This is something especially common in Thailand, where the indigenous population uses Combretum quadrangulare as an alternative to kratom (in Thailand, kratom has been banned since 1943). However, as we will explain later in this post, Sakae Naa does not have the same effects as kratom.
Sakae Naa Effects
Sakae Naa is known for its stimulating and energizing effects. This plant can give you the energy boost you need to face the day. It will increase your feeling of alertness, wakefulness, and even productivity.
Moreover, Sakae Naa can also increase motivation. Hence, you can use this plant to improve your performance at work or to carry out tasks that require extra effort. But also, if you need to do physical exercise, but you are tired, Sakae Naa can give you the kick you need.
There are also studies focused on the hepatoprotective activity of active elements of this tree, such as its alkaloids and flavonoids. That is, C. quadrangulare can protect your liver.
Other than that, Sakae Naa is also a mild analgesic, which can be of help in cases of low to moderate pain. However, if you are suffering from severe pain, this herb may be too mild for you.
While Sakae Naa also has mild sedative effects, it is not the best choice if you are looking for relaxation. In fact, its stimulating effects can counteract its sedative properties.
Side Effects of Sakae Naa
The side effects of Combretum quadrangulare are usually linked to high doses or prolonged use and include:
- Dizziness
- Numbness
- Confusion
- Brain fog
- Nausea
- Headache
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Darkening of the skin
Because it can cause confusion and a foggy brain, Sakae Naa can make you become less aware and lose concentration. Due to that, if you have consumed Sakae Naa do not drive and avoid making serious decisions until its effects have completely vanished.
How to Take Sakae Naa
Native people from Thailand use to chew the fresh leaves of Sakae Naa. But unless you have your own Combretum quadrangulare tree or travel to Southeast Asia, this is something you will not be able to do. It is not possible to find fresh Combretum quadrangulare outside its native regions. You can only find Sakae Naa in powder, which is made of the dried leaves of the tree.
You can prepare Combretum quadrangulare by brewing it into a tea and steeping it for 15 – 20 minutes. If you do not like its taste, you can also make your own Sakae Naa pills. However, if you consume Combretum quadrangulare in pills, it is very recommendable you ingest them with a hot drink. Thus, the heat will release the flavonoids and other elements of this plant more efficiently.
Other users opt for smoking it, but the hot water of the tea will allow you to get the most of Sakae Naa active compounds.
Due to its energizing properties, do not consume this plant in the evening to avoid insomnia.
Combretum Quadrangulare Dosage
The recommended dose of Combretum quadrangulare is 7 – 10 grams. Doses lower than 5 grams will hardly bring about any effect, while doses of 15 grams or higher are not recommendable unless you are an expert user.
If you want to avoid side effects, it is recommended that you avoid high doses and stick to the 7 to 10 grams dose.
Where to Buy
Although Combretum quadrangulare is a legal substance, it is not that easy to find. Maybe, one of the reasons for this is that this herb is not so popular. But another reason is that Combretum quadrangulare trees are harvested for personal use. People grow Sakae Naa for using its leaves themselves, and it is somewhat hard to find providers.
Some kratom vendors are also selling Combretum quadrangulare. If you are already a kratom user, you can buy Sakae Naa from your usual vendor. Make sure you are buying from a reliable vendor, though. Thus, you will avoid low-quality or even fake products.
Is Sakae Naa a Good Kratom Alternative?
The answer is not a simple “yes” or “no”. It depends on what you are using kratom for or what effects you want to achieve. If you use kratom to get an energy kick, Sakae Naa is a great substitute. So, if you are fond of the white or green strains of kratom, you will also enjoy Combretum quadrangulare.
However, if you are using kratom to achieve other effects –such as to relieve pain, fight anxiety or depression, or cope with opiate withdrawal–, other options will work better for you.
So who can you buy it from? Damn, I need motivation, that train pulled out of the station a long time ago.