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!
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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?
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