Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree native to Southeastern Asia in the same family as coffee. Thanks to the properties of its leaves, kratom has become very popular all over the world. Nowadays, people use kratom as a natural treatment for different conditions and ailments. But there’s still some confusion about the correct use of kratom. In this post, you’ll learn kratom do’s and don’ts.
Effects and properties of kratom
The active compounds in the leaves of kratom (especially alkaloids mitragynine, but also 7-hydroxymitragynine) act on the mu and delta receptors in your brain. These receptors belong to the opioid system in your body. The opioid system gets this name because it has neurons that produce endogenous opioids. That is natural opioids of your own body, such as endorphin. At the same time, opiates and other substances (such as caffeine) also act on these opioid receptors and mimic the effects of endogenous opioids.
When kratom’s alkaloids bind to the opioid receptors, your body can feel a different range of effects, such as analgesia, stimulation, or relaxation. These effects will mostly depend on the kratom type you are using and on the dosage. As a result, you can use kratom for many issues and conditions, such as:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Fatigue or low energy
But kratom is also an effective ally in treating the symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Furthermore, kratom can also enhance your concentration, focus, and memory.
Kratom Side Effects and Legal Issues
An inappropriate use of kratom can cause side effects. While these side effects are not dangerous, they can be very unpleasant. Common side effects of kratom include:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dehydration
- Eye wobbles
- Nausea
- Low libido
These side effects do not affect all kratom consumers, but if you want to avoid them, you’ll need to be cautious with the dose and the frequency you consume kratom.
On the other hand, kratom is often subject to restrictions and legislation that limit its use. Sadly, there is a lot of misinformation about kratom and many people think it is a dangerous substance. Furthermore, kratom is not legal in some places. That’s why you need to be very careful before buying or consuming kratom.
Kratom Do’s and Don’ts
This guide will provide you with kratom do’s and don’ts that will help you use kratom wisely. Knowing the best ways to consume kratom can help you avoid side effects and kratom tolerance. On the other hand, it is important to follow the rules about kratom and its restrictions, regardless of how unfair they are, to avoid dangerous risks.
Kratom Do’s
This list contains kratom’s best practices that will allow you to get the best of your kratom use, avoid kratom side effects and tolerance, and learn the best ways to take kratom, among other advantages.
Be Cautious with the Dose
Being cautious with your kratom doses is arguably the best way to avoid kratom side effects and kratom tolerance. Avoiding high doses and trying to keep a moderate approach is necessary for a wise use of kratom. If you want to know more about this topic, you can learn our post about kratom dosages.
Measure Your Kratom
Many kratom users measure their kratom doses by teaspoons or tablespoons. But this is not an accurate method. If you want to know exactly how much kratom you are taking (and you want to know it), you should measure it properly. You’ll need a kitchen scale to weight your kratom before taking it. That’s the only way to know the exact amount of kratom you’re using. Needless to say, the process is incredibly easy, and you can find kitchen scales for less than $5. So, there are no excuses for not measuring kratom.
Drink plenty of water and keep a healthy diet
Constipation is one of the most common side effects. If you’re a regular kratom user, chances are that you will experience some episodes of kratom constipation. In order to avoid this side effect, drink plenty of water and keep a healthy diet. Eating foods that are rich in fiber will also help you fight and prevent constipation.
Take Kratom Breaks
When you use kratom for long periods (especially at high doses), you’ll need to increase the doses to notice its effects. This is due to kratom tolerance. If you want to avoid kratom tolerance, taking a kratom break from time to time is very advisable. Thus, your body will “reset”, and you will be able to use kratom normally afterward.
Store Your Kratom Properly
If you want to keep your kratom fresh as long as possible, you need to store it in the best conditions. Keep your kratom away from light, humidity, and heat (if possible, in a sealed plastic bag). If you need more information, you can read our post about how to store kratom.
Add Sweeteners to Your Kratom Tea
Kratom doesn’t taste good. In fact, many kratom users just hate its taste. If you consume kratom in tea, you can add sweeteners to cover its taste. Applesauce, honey or maple syrup will help you make your kratom tea nicer.
Add Kratom to Your Favorite Recipes
Additionally, you can add kratom to a great variety of recipes, such as smoothies, applesauce or cookies. This is a great way to avoid kratom taste.
Do Research on Kratom
If you’re new to kratom, doing some research on kratom will allow you to find information on the best kratom strains for you, how to consume kratom, kratom legal status… Even if you’re an experienced kratom user, doing some research can keep you updated on all that’s going on with kratom.
Try Different Kratom Strains
Using different kratom strains will allow you to avoid kratom tolerance. On the other hand, thus you’ll also be able to find out which kratom strain is best for you. Some vendors offer variety packs with different strains, which are a great choice if you want to try several kratom types.
Be Careful with Kratom Potentiators
Many users combine kratom with potentiators to get more potent effects. However, potentiators can also worsen kratom side effects and could even have serious side effects of their own. So, be very careful if you decide to use kratom potentiators.
Toss and Wash Kratom Carefully
The toss and wash method is a favorite for many users thanks to its quick onset. However, many people find it very uncomfortable because it causes gagging and coughing when not done properly. Fortunately, there are ways to make your toss and wash easier. We explain it all in this post about kratom toss and wash.
Buy Kratom from Reliable Vendors
Due to the lack of regulation on kratom, it is not difficult to find low-quality kratom (or even fake kratom) out there. The best way to avoid this and to get the best for your money is to buy kratom from reliable vendors. Do some research before buying kratom from sources you don’t know to make sure they are legit. Also, if you are new to kratom, read reviews online of vendors to find the best kratom sellers and avoid scams.
Follow the Laws About Kratom
We know the legislation about kratom is not always fair. But that doesn’t mean we mustn’t follow it. Breaking the laws about kratom can have serious consequences, even prison penalties. Therefore, you shouldn’t possess or buy kratom in places where it is not legal.
Become a Kratom Advocate
There are many kratom support groups and advocates. If you want to protect kratom, we recommend you follow kratom advocates and support groups. They always provide the best information about how to protect kratom and will keep you updated on anything related to kratom. You can follow the American Kratom Association or follow the hashtags #keepkratomlegal or #kratomsaveslives on Twitter to learn how to defend kratom.
Kratom Don’ts
There are certain practices that are not recommendable when using kratom. Avoiding them will help you prevent kratom side effects and have a better kratom experience.
Don’t Use Too High Doses
Yes, we insist on this matter. But avoiding high doses is the best way to prevent kratom side effects.
Don’t Mix Kratom and Alcohol
Mixing kratom and alcohol can have serious, even dangerous effects. This combination is not safe and not recommendable at all.
Don’t Mix Kratom with Medications
Kratom works on the nervous system, so it could interact with certain medications that have a similar action. This also applies to other herbal or natural products. So, be very careful when combining kratom with other products.
Don’t Take Kratom During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
There are no studies on the effects of kratom in pregnant women and their babies. However, given its properties and effects, the use of kratom during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommendable. Just like it happens with other substances with similar effects (such as medications), consuming kratom if you’re pregnant might even be unsafe.
Don’t Take Kratom Every Day
If you want to avoid kratom tolerance, taking kratom daily is not a good idea (let alone if you use kratom more than once a day). We know taking kratom every day is crucial for many people, but we recommend you avoid it as long as you can.
Don’t Snort or Smoke Kratom
Snorting and smoking kratom is not effective. When using these methods, kratom alkaloids will not be properly absorbed in your bloodstream. Furthermore, if you smoke kratom you could end up inhaling burning powder, which could be dangerous.
Don’t Mix Kratom and Dextromethorphan
While dextromethorphan could potentiate the effects of kratom, its improper use could have dangerous side effects, especially if combined with other substances like kratom. So, no, you should not mix kratom and dextromethorphan.
More Kratom Do’s and Don’ts?
Very often, kratom do’s and don’ts depend on the user’s personal experience. There can be many more, and each of them can be different for each user. What are your main kratom do’s and don’ts? Tell us in the comments below!
