Kratom, a psychoactive herb native to Southeast Asia, is making waves in the Western world for its dual-natured effects. At low doses, it acts as a stimulant, enhancing energy, creativity, and optimism. At higher doses, it takes on sedative properties, offering pain relief and even inducing euphoria. The herb contains two major psychoactive compounds: mitragynine, which has pain-relieving attributes, and 7-hydroxymytragynine, an opioid receptor agonist/antagonist.
Kratom comes in three major strains:
- Red Kratom: Known for its pain-relieving properties and sedative effects.
- Green Kratom: Offers stimulant effects and mental clarity, considered a middle-ground option.
- White Kratom: The most stimulating strain, often used as a coffee replacement.
Despite its traditional medicinal use in Southeast Asia, kratom is subject to legal restrictions in some Western countries, including the UK. It has been anecdotally used to help with opioid withdrawal symptoms, but it also carries risks of addiction and other health concerns.
For more details, read the full article on Leafie.