Kratom leaves have been used in traditional medicines for centuries across Southeast Asia. The U.S. and other Western countries are beginning to appreciate the benefits of kratom, including its potential as an organic treatment for chronic pain as well as mental health conditions.
In particular, many people use kratom to self-treat symptoms of anxiety and depression. Does it work? Is there any evidence supporting it?
Below, we take a look at the evidence available so far on the relationship between kratom and anxiety relief. If you’re interested in using kratom to help with your anxiety or any other mental health condition, it’s important to do your research and consult with your trusted healthcare professionals.
Kratom’s Legal Status in the U.S.
Kratom is legal in the majority of the United States. A handful of states have laws banning kratom or restricting how it can be sold, so make sure to read up on kratom’s status in your area.
Although it’s legal to buy kratom in most places, the federal Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved kratom for medicinal use. Scientists are currently studying kratom’s effectiveness and risks as a treatment for anxiety, depression, and other conditions.
As the Western scientific community learns more about the benefits and effects of kratom, and as Western perceptions of Eastern and traditional medicine become more welcoming, we hope to see kratom prescribed on an official basis. For now, we’ll keep watching the science, and we’ll continue to provide fresh, safe, premium-quality kratom products to our customers.
How Does Kratom Affect Anxiety Symptoms?
Kratom is generally regarded as a stimulant. At lower doses, kratom has an energizing effect. Kratom was traditionally used by farmers and other manual laborers to boost productivity and focus; many people take it now for the same benefits. At higher doses, depending upon the strain and the characteristics of the individual, kratom is said to have a more sedative-like effect.
Kratom is not technically an opioid, although it can have similar effects to opioids like morphine. Based on the research, kratom’s active ingredient binds with the opioid receptors in the brain, contributing to pain relief and other effects. Researchers, in fact, are looking into whether kratom is a safe and effective alternative for opioid addiction relief.
Many people say that kratom acts as a mood elevator. Kratom fans feel more sociable, more talkative, and have a more positive general outlook. For many, kratom’s positive vibes can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety or depression. According to medical experts, kratom users in “observational studies and surveys” have “consistently” found kratom helpful for “pain relief, mood improvement, [and] energy.”
What’s the Science on Kratom and Anxiety Relief?
As we’ve mentioned, scientists are in the process of studying kratom and its effect on mental health. Many of the studies conducted so far have been more anecdotal, surveying kratom users and collating data like ER reports. There is not as much direct data from controlled studies of kratom and its effect on humans.
We do have more data from animal studies on the potential effects of kratom. Much of our understanding about how kratom interacts with the brain comes from animal studies, including the means by which kratom acts as an analgesic (pain reliever), an anti-inflammatory, and a safer alternative to traditional opioids.
Hopefully, scientific testing will continue, and human trials will more definitively establish kratom’s benefits for the community. Based on the data so far, kratom presents very low risks and many potential benefits. According to an expert from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, agencies like the FDA are being unfairly cautious with regard to kratom, “overstating the negatives and not taking into account any of the substantial body of reports of benefits from users and the relatively benign risk profile compared to other substances like traditional opioids or alcohol.”
Tips for Using Kratom
If you’re using kratom for any purpose, it’s important to do your research and listen to your body. Different strains of kratom can have differing effects–some strains emphasize kratom’s energizing effects, while others are more calming. Different people can have different reactions to kratom as well, based on their physiology, their past experience with kratom, and other factors.
We always suggest that people start with low doses before moving up. Experiment with different strains to see how kratom affects you individually. Stay in touch with what your body is telling you.
Most importantly, make sure you get your kratom from a trusted source. The American Kratom Association established Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure consumers get the best kratom with no safe additives or other contaminants. At the Mitra Bros, all of our kratom products are lab-tested and meet the GMP standards.
Find the Right Kratom Products For You
Whether you are considering kratom as a treatment for anxiety and depression or you are interested in boosting your energy and productivity, Mitra Bros is here to help. We provide only the best-in-quality kratom products certified through third-party lab testing. Check out our online shop to find the kratom that fits your needs.
We’re more than happy to answer any questions you have about our products or about kratom in general. For folks just beginning their kratom journey, our Kratom FAQ is a great place to start.
