What are akuamma seeds similarities to kratom? Kratom is a popular herb among individuals who seek an alternative to synthetic opioids to alleviate pain and other conditions. But, although the plant remains legal at federal level, due to state and local regulations it is not available everywhere in the US. For this reason, people who have heard about the amazing properties of kratom look for kratom alternatives to ease their conditions. One of the ethnobotanicals with similar properties to kratom is akuamma. In this article, we’ll explore akuamma seeds similarities to kratom. So, keep reading below to find out if akuamma could be a good option for you.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is an evergreen tree from South East Asia. Its leaves contain a number of alkaloids and other compounds which give the plant its numerous properties. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are kratom’s main alkaloids.
The plant has been used for centuries in South East Asia. Typically, manual laborers would chew the leaves of the plant to get energy and stamina for their long working days. Additionally, the plant would help them calm and relax and give them a sense of euphoria in social gatherings.
In the US, kratom is found in the market in different forms, including powder form, tinctures, capsules, and extracts.
What is Akuamma?
Akuamma is a tree that grows in Western Africa, particularly in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Cameroon. The seeds of the plant have been used in folk medicine in these areas for centuries. Typically, natives of these regions used akuamma to prepare remedies to treat various ailments, including diarrhea and malaria. But the plant has other properties, including anti-inflamatory, antipyretic, and analgesic.
Like kratom, akuamma contain a number or alkaloids and other compounds that are responsible for its properties. The main akuamma alkaloids are akuammine and akuammidine. The first has a similar structure to mitragynine, kratom’s most abundant alkaloid. But what are akuamma seeds similarities to kratom? Let us learn more about kratom properties first.
Kratom Properties and Effects?
Kratom leaves have different properties and effects depending on the variety and the dosage taken. Typically, the plant is used for one (or more) of the following purposes:
- relieve pain
- ease anxiety and stress
- relieve insomnia
- as a natural stimulant and energizing
- get off opiates or relieve opiate withdrawal symptoms
Additionally, kratom has euphoric properties that can help relieve conditions such as social anxiety.
Akuamma Properties and Effects
Thanks to akuama seeds similarities to kratom, akuamma is one of the most popular alternatives to kratom. The main uses of akuamma include the following:
- analgesic and anti-inflammatory
- soothing and sedative
- antioxidant
- antibacterial
- hypotensive
Additonally, the plant has antiulcer, antimalarial, and antidiarrheal effects.
How to Take Kratom?
Although there are various kratom forms in the market, probably the most popular is kratom powder. This powder must be ingested for the alkaloids to be absorbed into the system. The most popular ingestion methods include:
- Brewing the powder into a tea
- Preparing kratom capsules
- Ingesting the powder directly (this is known as the toss n’ wash method)
- Mixing the powder with sweet foods, such as yogurt or apple sauce
Regarding the dosage, it will depend largely on the desired effect. Although different kratom varieties have different effects, kratom is more energizing and stimulating at lower doses, whilst more relaxing and even sedating at higher doses.
How to Take Akuamma?
Typically, you will find akuamma whole seeds, akuamma powder or akuamma capsules in the market. The most popular way to take them is by swallowing the seed, preparing capsules with the powder or using the toss n’ wash method. If you want to prepare a tea with the powder, you can use a sweetener to mask its bitter taste.
Regarding the dosage, it is recommended to start on a low dose of 2-4 grams, since using higher dosages can have unpleasant or even dangerous side effects, including nausea, drowsiness, stomach problems and dizziness.
Akuamma Seeds Similarities to Kratom
Although akuamma and kratom have differences, they also have similarities that make akuamma a good choice for those looking for alternatives to kratom, especially for those looking to alleviate the following conditions:
- pain and chronic pain
- anxiety
- stress
- insomnia
However, consider that akuamma’s effects are milder to those of kratom. On the other hand, akuamma wouldn’t be the best choice for those seeking to alleviate opiate withdrawal or to get energy and stimulation.
Finally, if you think that akuamma can be a good fit for you, you can easily find it online and in ethnobotanical shops. But take into consideration that, since there isn’t enough research on akuamma, it is recommendable to always start on a very low dose to see how your body reacts to it. And, if you don’t experience any undesired effects, you can increase the dose until you find the effect that you are looking for. However, remember that you shouldn’t exceed a 4 grams dosage to avoid any unpleasant side effects.
