Let’s face it. Kratom is a miracle herb. Yet, most kratom doesn’t taste well. While you may get some getter quality kratom that may not taste as bad and be rather easy to get down, often it’s bitter and has an unpleasant aftertaste.

What Does Kratom Taste Like?

There is one thing that kratom users agree on – kratom doesn’t taste great. Mitragyna speciosa powder has a grassy, earthy, and bitter flavor. It’s similar to green tea, yet much more intense. Due to this many find it hard to tolerate it.

Why Does Kratom Taste Bitter?

Kratom has a myriad of different benefits that are due to its alkaloids. A bitter taste a common trait of alkaloids. While scientists aren’t quite sure of the purpose of alkaloids, one of the theories is that they repel animals or insects that may feed on the plant.

So, how do you mask kratom taste and make your kratom experience more pleasurable?

Below are our top tips.

How to Mask Kratom Taste and Make It Taste Better?

1. Use Lemon and a Sweetener

If you make kratom tea, squeeze in some lemon juice and add a sweetener to it. While there is a large choice of kratom sweeteners available, not all of them are beneficial for your health.

Therefore, it is essential; to review your kratom sweetener options and choose the best you’re your needs and health. For instance, regular white sugar or sweetened syrups may add a sweet taste and extra flavor, but it has no nutritional value and its high consumption can lead to health issues like diabetes.

On the other hand, honey can be extremely beneficial if it is raw and organic. That’s because it contains pollen, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. By contrast, most store-bought honey usually gets stripped off of all beneficial nutrients during the production process.

2. Mix Kratom with Juice

Orange and grapefruit juice can be great choices to mix kratom with and mask its taste as well as to potentiate kratom effects. They can also be extremely healthy if you take freshly squeezed juices. Keep in mind that store-bought juices may have sugar and other additives, so it may be best to avoid those.

Another alternative to mask kratom powder taste and make your kratom taste better is pineapple juice. It also has beneficial nutrients such as bromelain which may reduce inflammation among other benefits.

3. Make Kratom Smoothies

A great way to make kratom taste better and get some extra nutrients is to mix kratom with smoothies. By using fresh organic fruit you can not only mask kratom taste but also easily up your fruit and vegetable intake and even boost your immune system.

Kratom smoothies are easy to make and can also be great to take your kratom on the go. If you worry about the stigma and judgment about using kratom, mixing it in smoothies can be a wonderful way to take kratom without others knowing about it.

4. Mix Kratom with Milk

Some kratom users prefer mixing kratom with milk due to its sweet and soothing flavor. If you don’t mind warm milk, consider adding a bit of raw honey for an additional boost of flavor. Some prefer chocolate milk. So, if you are a chocolate lover, that could be a great option for you.

If, however, you are lactose-intolerant or are not a fan of milk, almond milk or oat milk can be great alternatives.

5. Use Flavored Tea

While brewing kratom tea, why not add some flavored tea to improve its taste. There are various options that you can try:

• Chamomile tea
• Rooibos tea
• Chai tea
• Raspberry tea
• Lemon tea

Or any other kind of tea that you prefer.

6. Try a Different Vendor

Not all kratom is of the same quality. Since alkaloids give kratom its bitter taste, a larger concentration of them may lead to a more bitter taste. This can happen if you are using lower quality kratom with weaker alkaloids. As a result, you will need more kratom and your dose will be more bitter.

Therefore, it’s always a good idea to buy kratom that is higher quality, fresh, and potent. This will ensure that you will need to take a smaller dose of the powder to achieve your desired results, and may taste less bitter.

Depending on the vendor and where they source their kratom from, the quality and taste will differ. So, we urge you to try a few and see which you like better.

7. Try Kratom Capsules

Quite a few users opt for kratom capsules as a means of getting their kratom to taste better. Capsules prevent you from tasting the powder as you only expose yourself to its coating.

Keep in mind that quite a few of those who have taken capsules have noted that the effects are weaker and slower. You won’t know, however, until you try it yourself.

Mitragyna speciosa capsules tend to be much pricier than powder. Nonetheless, you can also try making your own kratom capsules at home and save in the process.

Do you like how kratom tastes or do you prefer to mask kratom taste? Which is your favorite way to make kratom taste better?

There are several types of arthritis that affect the American population. Gout is one of them. So, if you have heard of the beneficial effects of kratom, you may be wondering if you can also take kratom for gout pain.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis. It results from the buildup of uric acid in the joints that causes sudden and intense joint pain.

Gout usually affects a single joint at a time, the big toe being one of the most commonly affected areas. But it can affect other joints such as the other toe joints, knees, ankles, fingers, and wrists.

Over the past few decades, the instances of gout in the United States have increased and more than doubled since the 1960s.

According to data, men have been historically more likely to be affected by it. Nonetheless, recent data shows that that may be evening out and more women are suffering from gout than before.

Symptoms of Gout

The onset of gout symptoms is usually sudden and severe and commonly happens at night. At times symptoms become worse.  That is a period known as a flare-up. However, there will also be periods of remission when there are no symptoms at all.

The most common gout symptoms include:

• Severe joint pain for four to twelve hours, which usually becomes less intense later on but till persists
• Inflammation, redness, tenderness, and swelling in the joints
• Limited range of motion in the joints as gout progresses
• Discomfort for days or weeks after the pain has subsided

Common Causes of Gout

A condition called hyperuricemia causes gout. It occurs when there is excess uric acid in the body. Our bodies produce uric acid when breaking down purines, chemical compounds found naturally in the body as well as the foods that we consume.

Purines are commonly found in foods such as organ meat, red meat, seafood, alcohol, especially beer, sugary beverages, and foods. Normally, the body breaks down uric acid, passes it through kidneys, and excretes through urine.

However, it may happen that your body produces excess uric acid or your kidneys only excrete a small amount. This can lead to uric acid buildup in the body in joints or joint area. Uric acid then forms into urate crystals, which are sharp and needle-like and cause pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Various factors can increase the risk of developing gout. These are:

• Family history of gout. People with close relatives who suffer from gout are more likely to develop it too.
• Excess weight. Overweight bodies tend to produce more uric acid and kidneys have a harder time excreting it all.
• Consuming red meat, sugary beverages and foods, alcohol, especially beer, and other foods that are high in uric acid also increase the risk.
• Certain medical conditions. Heart and kidney diseases, diabetes, untreated high blood pressure, and other medical conditions can increase the risk of gout.
• Certain medications. Diuretics, low-dose aspirin, and anti-rejection medication for those who have had an organ transplant surgery can also increase the levels of uric acid.

Common Gout Treatment Methods

To manage gout, doctors advise a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Common medications used are:

• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen sodium and prescription drugs indomethacin or celecoxib in more severe cases. These medications can have unpleasant side effects like stomach pain, ulcers, or bleeding.
• Doctors may also suggest it for gout pain management. However, this mediation has unpleasant side effects, especially if taken in large quantities. These include vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.
• Doctors may recommend this drug to manage pain and inflammation if a gout patient cannot take NSAIDs and colchicine.
• Medications that block the production of uric acid. To prevent complications, doctors can recommend xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs) which limit how much uric acid the body produces. Nonetheless, side effects include low blood count, rash, nausea, impaired liver function, higher heart-related death risk.
• Medications that improve the removal of uric acid. Taken together with XOIs, uricosurics, such as probenecid and lesinurad improve the ability of kidneys to eliminate uric acid from the body. Their side effects include stomach pain, rash, and kidney stones.

In addition to medication, medical professionals also recommend:

• Losing weight
• Exercising
• Reducing the amount of uric acid-rich foods in the diet
• Reducing the consumption of sugary beverages and foods
• Avoiding alcohol, especially beer
• Some evidence also shows that intake of Vitamin C and cherries, as well as moderate intake of coffee, could be helpful for gout pain and inflammation

Sadly, the medication commonly recommended and prescribed for gout has unpleasant and even dangerous side effects. In some cases, gout can be treatment-resistant, requiring the person to deal with excruciating pain with little or no support. Due to that, many see alternative treatment methods.

Can You Take Kratom for Gout Pain Relief?

While there is no easy fix, combined with weight and diet management, kratom can provide natural pain relief for gout and other benefits without dangerous side effects that over-the-counter or prescription gout medication can have.

Here are a few ways in which kratom for gout can be beneficial:

1. Effective Pain Relief

Kratom is best known for its powerful pain relief with minimal side effects. It can be effective for various chronic conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and even provide support with conditions such as cancer and pain that is resistant to pain medication. Kratom is also not as addictive as pain medications are.

2. Improved Sleep

Since gout tends to affect one during the night, kratom can provide both pain relief and the ability to fall and stay asleep.

3. More Energy

Pain and discomfort due to gout can reduce one’s ability to lead an active day-to-day life. Kratom can provide pain relief as well as increase physical energy and serve as a replacement for coffee.

4. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Certain conditions such as diabetes can become easier to manage if one effectively manages stress and anxiety. Kratom can ease stress and anxiety, improving the symptoms of diabetes and other conditions, naturally supporting the body’s ability to naturally manage uric acid.

5. Weight Management Support

Kratom users tend to take better care of their health and diet. Moreover, they also report feeling less hungry during meals. While kratom will not make you lose weight, its regular use can support your body and mind on the weightloss journey.

Kratom has a wide range of alkaloids, many of which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While more research is needed, these lesser-known alkaloids could possibly help the body manage inflammation.

Best Types of Kratom for Gout?

While individual needs may vary, red vein and green vein can be the most effective types of kratom for gout pain management. Red vein strains are best for the nighttime while during the day, green vein kratom can provide more effective support for gout.

Can Kratom Cause Gout?

On several occasions, kratom users have pointed out that they have experienced gout symptoms after kratom use. Yet, it most commonly stems from their diet and lack of hydration. Keep in mind that kratom can dehydrate you can cause constipation. So, if you do not support your body with proper diet and nutrition, such dehydration may lead to higher uric acid levels.

With proper nutrition and water intake, however, kratom can be extremely effective for gout pain relief.

Have you tried kratom for gout pain relief? How did it make you feel? What other lifestyle changes or supplements did you try? Were they effective or not?

Most kratom users are either young or middle-aged. However, due to the numerous beneficial effects of this herb, there is interest among seniors as well as younger people who would like to introduce kratom to their elderly relatives.

Kratom Benefits for Elderly

There are multiple ways in which kratom can help the elderly population.

1. Pain Management

The elderly often suffer from different health conditions which require them to rely on a wide variety of medications. Kratom can provide effective pain relief in a natural way without requiring to purchase a wide range of medications.

Kratom can alleviate pain from conditions and diseases such as arthritis, cancer, restless leg syndrome, and more. Many users report experiencing reduced pain and better overall wellbeing.

In addition to that, kratom tends to have fewer side effects and doesn’t create addiction in the same way that opioid pain medication does.

2. Increased Energy and Better Mood

Kratom can provide a moderate boost of energy and euphoria, allowing the elderly to be more active, energetic, and optimistic. As a result, they can spend active time with their family such as grandchildren despite health issues and pain.

3. Better Sleep

Sleep quality tends to decline with age. Seniors tend to have a harder time falling and staying asleep. They also get less REM sleep, which is the stage that provides the most rest and recovery.

Pain and aches can reduce the quality of sleep even further. As a result, the elderly tend to feel less rested and more tired.

Kratom has sedating properties in addition to being an effective pain reliever. Due to that, it can help the elderly to feel more relaxed before bedtime, fall asleep easier, and remain asleep, getting better rest.

4. Improved Cognition

Moderate kratom strains can improve the ability to focus and concentrate. As cognition has the tendency to decline with age, kratom can help maintain the ability to focus and think clearly.

Tips and Precautions when Using Kratom for Elderly

While kratom for elderly can be extremely beneficial, it is important to keep in mind that their immune system is weaker and their bodies become more fragile as susceptible to infections, fractures, and other health issues.

Due to that it is essential to take a few precautions when introducing kratom for the elderly.

1. Start Taking Kratom Using Threshold Doses

Since it is possible to experience kratom side effects such as nausea and vomiting, they can be especially unpleasant for elders. Therefore, when introducing kratom for elderly, we advise starting with a threshold dose such as 1-2 grams and gradually building up to the doses that the senior requires.

This will allow to determine the exact dose that each elderly person needs, avoiding unpleasant side effects, and ensuring that their kratom tolerance does not get exceeded.

If the elderly person is taking different vein types and strains of kratom, they should determine the dose required for each strain individually, following the same process.

2. Measure Doses Properly and Maintain a Kratom Log

Kratom tolerance can affect any kratom user regardless of their age. Therefore, it is essential to prevent that from developing. To accomplish that, it is important to measure each kratom dose using a sensitive digital scale.

Additionally, it could be beneficial to keep a log of kratom intake by recording the date, dose, time, and strain taken as well as any side effects if those occur. This can help determine any issues and pinpoint when a kratom break may be needed.

3. Review Possible Kratom Drug Interactions

While kratom may replace some medication, the senior may require to take others. However, just like with any natural substance, there may be interactions with these medications such as with certain liver medications.

Therefore, it is essential to review kratom drug interactions and ensure none of them can be potentially dangerous in combination with the herb. Consulting a doctor who I open to alternative healing methods can be beneficial as well.

4. Drink Plenty of Water and Include Probiotics and Fiber in Diet

The elderly may have a hard time digesting kratom. Therefore, it is crucial to provide support for their digestive system to avoid side effects like kratom constipation.

First of all, the elderly taking kratom should drink plenty of water. In addition to that, eating foods such as yogurt, kefir, fruit, chia seeds, and taking a magnesium supplement could help the digestive system properly digest kratom and eliminate waste.

4. Buy Pure Lab-Tested Kratom

Due to a weakened immune system and various health conditions, it is important not to expose an elderly person to any additional diseases or pathogens.

Kratom can potentially contain mold, heavy metals, E.coli, and salmonella. It can also be laced with other dangerous substances.

So, when buying kratom for the elderly, selecting a quality vendor is important. Make sure to verify that the product is being properly lab-tested in a third-party independent laboratory and that the vendor follows regulations and safety practices.

Moreover, avoid cheap kratom, as it tends to fluctuate in quality and has a higher risk of being improperly tested or handled.

5. Avoid Large Kratom Capsules

If you opt for kratom capsules, smaller-sized capsules can be easier to swallow than larger ones.

The elderly population can experience swallowing difficulties due to age-related wear-and-tear, weaker muscle tone, poor tooth health, or various health conditions. More severe cases could experience dysphagia, a swallowing disorder.

Due to that, smaller capsules, kratom tea, or kratom mixed with foods like orange juice, yogurt, or smoothies could be a more suitable option.

6. Be Prepared to Answer Kratom-Related Questions

If you’d like to introduce kratom for an elderly person in your life, it is crucial to be ready to address doubts and queries related to kratom. The elderly could have questions or reservations against kratom, especially if they are against drugs and have been exposed to negative news articles on kratom.

Because of that, being able to explain that kratom is not a dangerous drug or opioid, but a widely misunderstood herb that has been known in Southeast Asia for centuries could help establish a better first impression and encourage the elderly person to try kratom.

Are you a senior taking kratom or know someone who is? What conditions is kratom helping with and what has the experience with it been? Have you experienced any issues with herb? We’d highly appreciate your input as that could help other elderly people make up their minds about kratom.

Despite having a ton of beneficial effects, improperly taking kratom can also lead to experiencing side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Yet, not all of these side effects are unpleasant.

Regular kratom users tend to be surprised with some unexpectedly pleasant side effects, such as fewer colds and increased libido. (Check out some more of the lesser-known benefits of kratom that you are not aware of.)

One of such “side effects” is the effectiveness of kratom for allergies and its ability to reduce allergy symptoms.

Let’s look deeper into it!

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are the response of our immune system to allergens, substances that typically aren’t harmful. Common allergens are certain foods, pollen, as well as pet dander, tiny skin particles that pets shed.

The job of the immune system is to protect us when it believes that we are in danger. So, it attacks and fights anything that it believes puts us in danger. As a result, your body may respond with reactions such as inflammation, stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, or more.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of allergies will depend on the allergen that the immune system responds to.

Seasonal allergies, commonly known as hay fever, normally produce symptoms that are similar to those of a common cold. These include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, swollen and red eyes, and headache.

Pet dander allergies have very similar symptoms to those of seasonal allergies. You may also experience pressure on the face, dry mouth, and cough.

Food allergies can have a plethora of different symptoms too. Some of these include nausea, fatigue, hives, and swelling.

While in many cases, allergies are unpleasant rather than life-threatening, some allergies can be severe. If you or anyone close to you experience confusion, breathing difficulties, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical attention.

There are also skin allergies. If your skin is allergic to something, you are likely to get rashes, hives, dry and flaky skin, watery and puffy eyes, itching, or burning.

Common Causes of Allergies

Researchers have not yet been able to pinpoint what exactly causes the human immune system to respond to seemingly harmless foreign objects and substances.

Yet, there is a genetic predisposition to allergies. If someone in a family suffers from allergies, it is possible for a child to inherit a predisposition to allergies. This, however, does not always mean that the allergen the body will respond to will be the same.

Common Allergy Treatment Methods

The most common form of treatment for allergies is medication. A doctor determines the severity of allergies and suggests medication accordingly. It can either be an over-the-counter or prescription medication.

Common drugs to manage allergy symptoms include:

• antihistamines
• corticosteroids
• loratadine such as Claritin
• cromolyn sodium such as Gastrocrom
• cetirizine such as Zyrtec
• decongestants like Afrin and Sudafed
• leukotriene modifiers such as Zyflo and Singulair

Singulair is used exclusively when no other treatment is effective. That is because one of its side effects include severe mood and behavioral changes like increased suicidal thoughts.

For long-term effects, a great number of people choose immunotherapy. This is in the form of injections that can prevent allergy symptoms from bothering one for several years.

If an allergic reaction threatens one’s life and immediate action is needed, a doctor may administer an epinephrine shot.

In addition to medication, many people seek alternative and natural remedies for managing their allergy symptoms. These include but are not strictly limited to essential oils, saline nasal irrigations, acupuncture, HEPA filters, honey, spirulina, probiotics, and more.

Why Can Kratom for Allergies Be Effective?

If you take kratom and suffer from allergies, you may be pleasantly surprised that your symptoms are milder and more manageable with a kratom dose.

That is because kratom has a minimum of 25 different alkaloids with a wealth of beneficial properties. Anti-inflammatory effects are one of them; for instance, one of them called epicatechin, has anti-inflammatory capabilities.

In addition to those, kratom has other beneficial agents such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Moreover, apart from mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, kratom alkaloids have not been extensively studied. Therefore, we do not yet know the full scope and potential they have. Kratom may also contain alkaloids and chemical compounds that we are not yet aware of.

It’s not just speculation. Kratom users have reported experiencing reduced allergy symptoms after taking kratom.

What Allergy Symptoms Can You Alleviate with Kratom?

While the exact mechanism of how it works is not yet fully clear, users report experiencing the following effect of kratom on allergies:

• relieved headache,
• reduced congestion and runny none as well as easier breathing,
• less frequent sneezing,
• fewer issues with digestion such as IBS, and
• more energy.

This is not necessarily a guarantee that it will work for you in the exact way. So it’s best to try and see how your body responds to kratom and if it’s effective for your specific allergies.

Which Type of Kratom for Allergies Is Best?

Those who have experienced the beneficial effects of kratom for allergies recommend low doses as well as slow and moderate strains. Yet, some prefer faster strains, especially if they are looking to feel less fatigued and sluggish and boost their energy.

Additionally, since kratom tends to have a different effect on different individuals, it comes down to preference. Therefore, it is best that you determine the strains that best meet your needs and that your body responds to best.

We recommend rotating various strains and logging your experience with each of them to determine which strains of kratom and at what doses are most effective for your allergies.

If you are new to kratom, look into popular kratom strains for beginners such as Red Bali if you are looking for a slow and more relaxing strain or Green Maeng Da and Green Malay if you are looking for more energizing effects. These strains typically work well with less experienced users and may help you relieve your allergy symptoms in addition to other positive effects.

Lastly, always consult your doctor before experimenting with any natural remedies, especially if you already take something. While there are many people who report feeling fine taking antihistamines and kratom together and only experience some constipation (so, make sure to drink plenty of water!), each person is different and there also may be interactions with other drugs.

Has kratom relieved your allergies? How effective was it? Did you experience any side effects? Would you recommend kratom for allergies? Why or why not?