In 2016 the DEA announced its intent to ban kratom, but thanks to the work of many kratom advocates to stop this situation, this move was unsuccessful. But, recently, the FDA is making new efforts to include the substance in the Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This new move has been also stopped by many kratom users, and by organizations like the American Kratom Association. Nevertheless, the FDA keeps spreading misinformation about kratom and the substance remains illegal in various states. Additionally, new states have started their own process to ban kratom.
That’s why many people, including kratom users, have started looking for alternatives to treat their conditions. One of the obvious kratom alternatives that you can find in the market is mitragyna hirsuta, which is a close relative to kratom. But both substances are not quite the same and have their own properties and effects. In this article, we’ll see a comparison of kratom vs. mitragyna hirsuta, so you can decide which can work better for you. Also, you’ll be able to decide if mitragyna hirsuta can be a good kratom alternative for your specific condition.
What is Kratom?
To understand the similarities or kratom vs. mitragyna hirsuta, first you should know what kratom is. Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Especially, it grows in the wild in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea. The tree is also native to Thailand, but due to the ban on that country, it can no longer be harvested there.
Kratom belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which is, in fact, the same family as the coffee tree. That’s why kratom and coffee share some common properties, such as their energizing and stimulating effects.
The plant is very popular in its area of origin, where has been traditionally used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, as well as for its energizing properties. In order to feel its effects, kratom leaves are crushed into a fine powder, which is then typically ingested by brewing it into a tea.
Kratom owes its properties to the great number of alkaloids and other components that are present in its leaves. The main kratom alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which act by binding to the opiate receptors of the brain. This way, we feel the stimulating, mood-elevating and analgesic effects of the substance.
What is Mitragyna Hirsuta?
As you may have guessed by its name, Mitragyna hirsuta is a close relative to kratom. It is also native to Southeast Asia, where it grows naturally. Especially, you can find trees in Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. And it also belongs to the Rubiaceae family of Southeast Asia, where is also known by the name of “kra thum khok”. Just like with kratom, the native people of the countries where Mitragyna hirusta comes from, have used the plant to treat various conditions. And just like kratom, users prepare a tea with the leaves and then drink it to feel its properties.
But, contrary to kratom, Mitragyna hirsuta does not have any concentration of mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine. In fact, its main component is mitraphylline, which is an alkaloid that is also present in kratom.
So, keep reading below to learn the similarities of kratom vs. mitragyna hirsuta.
Kratom Vs. Mitragyna Hirusta: Properties and Effects
Although kratom and mitragyna hirsuta are very close, they each have their own set of properties and effects. Let’s explore them below:
Kratom properties and effects include:
- Analgesic and pain-relieving
- Euphoric and mood-lifting
- Anxiolytic and relaxing
- It helps aid sleep and relieves insomnia
- Stimulating and energizing
- Soothing and sedating at larger doses
- It can help ease some symptoms of opiate withdrawal
On the other hand, mitragyna hirsuta’s effects are:
- It enhances mind and alertness
- Like kratom, it has euphoric and mood-lifting effects
- It poses pain relieving properties. In fact, it was traditionally used to ease musculoskeletal
- Antianxiety and stress relief
Kratom Vs. Mitragyna Hirsuta: Side Effects
Like any other substance, kratom and mitragyna hirsuta don’t come without side effects. Some of kratom’s most common side effects can include nausea, constipation, stomach upset.
On the other hand, mitragyna hirsuta’s side effects include laziness, drowsiness, and sleepiness.
Nevertheless, take into account that most side effects occur when taking high dosages, so decreasing the dosage will help to mitigate them.
Kratom Vs. Mitragyna Hirsuta: Dosage
Although they have similar properties and effects, mitragyna hirusta tends to be milder than kratom. That’s why people that use it as a substitute to kratom, will usually need a larger dose to feel similar effects.
Let’s understand the differences regarding dosage of kratom vs. mitragyna hirsuta. There is no general rule on how to consume these substances. So, if you are considering trying any of them, be aware that both tend to be more euphoric and stimulating at lower doses, whilst more relaxing at larger doses. In order to find the dose that works for you, it is recommended that you start with a low dose and start increasing from there until you feel the effects that you are seeking.
Although there is no rule on the dosage, you can consider the following dosage for kratom and mitragyna hirsuta:
Low dose:
- Kratom’s starting dose will be about 2-3 grams, and 4 grams is considered a low dose.
- Mitragyna hirusta’s low dose ranges from 15-20 grams.
Medium dose:
- A kratom medium dose is 4-5 grams.
- Mitragyna hirsuta’s medium dose range from 20 to 25 grams.
High dose:
- A high dose of kratom goes from 5 to 8 grams.
- Mitragyna hirsuta high dosage range from 25 to 30 grams.
Any dosage that exceeds from the above ranges is considered too high.
Finally, consider that both substances have addiction potential, so you must be very careful with the dosage and don’t consume more than it’s necessary.
We hope you have understood the similarities and differences of kratom vs. mitragyna hirsuta!
