The leaf of this tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family has been used as a stimulant and a sedative for centuries. It is effectively self-administered by many for treating chronic pain and for symptoms of withdrawal from traditional opioids.

For centuries the leaves have been chewed to administer their benefits, however the most common means of administering Kratom for medical benefit is as in pill form due to the high quantity needed for medical relief.

The growing popularity of Kratom is largely due to its natural stimulant effect. This make is a preferable choice for many, over traditional opioids such as Oxycontin, that have a drowsy side effect, impacting other aspects of the patient’s life.

The 3 main strains of Kratom are indigenous to Bali and Indonesia. The red leaves from Bali are well-documented to have strong analgesic properties, whilst the green and white veined leaves from Indonesia are often used for the treatment of anxiety and depression. The red venin variety of Kratom is the most widely used and grows more abundantly than the white or green veined varieties and because of this it’s considered the best kratom for pain.

The red-veined Kratom leaf is purported to have milder stimulatory effects, creating a feeling of calm and wellbeing that makes it a great sleep aid or treatment for anxiety.

Here is a list of the various strains of Kratom

Maeng da

Widely recognised and used, it includes the red, green and white-veined leaves mentioned above. It is grown in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Indo

This is an Indonesian grown Kratom and is considered to be less stimulating than other strains. It also grows in the 3 coloured leaf varieties.

Bali/red vein

This is said to have the most opioid type effects, making it a popular choice for pain relief over traditional medication.

Green Malay

This Malaysian leaf is said to help with energy and focus, perhaps making it a popular replacement for Amphetamine medication used for disorders such as ADHD.

Thai

The 3 strains (red, green and white) of this Thailand grown Kratom are said to have different properties to one another; the white and green offer stimulation, whereas the red offers calming and pain relief.

Borneo

Popular for treating anxiety and depression, this red, white or green strain from Borneo has more sedative qualities than stimulating.

Malaysian

A reportedly well-balanced variety of Kratom – again in 3 strains – offering all the benefits of the leaf in equal measure.

Whilst the exact reasons behind Kratom’s health benefits are not 100% clear, it is known that the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine can have the same benefit as anti-inflammatory and pain relief medicines

Chronic pain can be caused by varying conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, osteoporosis, or by accidents causing long-term damage. Chronic pain is defined in medical terms, as persistent and lasting over 3 months. Currently in the US, over 50 million adults are being treated for chronic pain, costing the nation up to $635 billion per year.

If Kratom can be used to treat some of these patients without making them drowsy and unable to function on a day-to-day basis, it can provide the key to not only effective pain relief, but also to opening up an active and full life for those taking it.

There is evidence to show that Kratom effectively relieves migraines due to its muscle relaxing properties. In addition to this valuable usage, it can aid sufferers of Multiple sclerosis and broken bones and torn muscles. 

Being an entirely natural product means that Kratom will work differently for every person. Which strain of the leaf you use will depend on your personal needs. As a leaf that is harvested and processed, no two batches will be exactly the same. Likewise, the changes in your mood, health and life will affect how your body and mind respond to Kratom.

Popular advice states that the red leaf is a good choice for anyone who is trying Kratom for the first time. Whether taken in pill or tea form, the red leaf will provide pain relief without too much of a mood enhancing effect.

Kratom’s bitter taste should not come as a surprise – most wild leaves taste equally unappetising, particularly when crushed down into a powder. Because the product is completely natural and does not contain dissolvents, it will remain quite gritty and clumpy when stirred into a glass of water. 

The “Tosh n Wash” is a well-known method of avoiding the unpleasant experience of retaining powder in your mouth. It involves taking a sip of fruit juice or water and holding this in your mouth whilst following it quickly with a spoonful of the powder. As soon as you swallow take another sip of the juice or water to flush down the powder without it sticking to the inside of your mouth.

Kratom tea is a popular way to ingest the powder as boiling water will dissolve it completely and natural sweeteners like honey and lemon can be added. However drinking the powder - whether hot or cold – is not the safest way to feel the benefits and therefore not the most usual method for pain relief purposes; without a regulated dosage, there is a risk of taking too much Kratom for your personal needs.

Recommended dosages can be purchased in pill or capsule form, making them a reliable source of pre-measured dosages. For pain relief, a dose of between 5 and 15 grams is recommended, although factors such as weight, height, gender and other health and mental indicators need to be considered.

It generally takes 5 to 10 minutes to feel the effects of Kratom and at recommended doses Kratom’s benefits last around two hours.