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A growing number of people take kratom to improve their mental health and wellbeing. A highly versatile herb, kratom provides a range of benefits to those who have a problem concentrating, suffer from anxiety, stress, and even depression.

Due to that, you may be wondering if taking kratom for bipolar disorder is a good idea. Let’s find out what it is and how kratom could support you.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition formally known as manic depression or manic-depressive illness. It causes a person to experience unexpected extreme shifts in mood, levels of activity, concentration, as well as the ability to perform day-to-day tasks.

There are three distinct types of bipolar disorder.  Regardless of the type, a person with bipolar disorder goes through manic and depressive episodes. They feel irritable or extremely irritable during manic episodes, followed by periods of depression.

The episodes can be brief. Yet, they can also last several hours or even days.

The three types are:

• Bipolar I– this type is rather severe and involves manic episodes. They can last up to seven days or can be so severe that a person may require immediate hospitalization. A person suffering from Dipolar I Disorder can also experience depressive episodes that can be as long as two weeks. Sometimes, it’s also possible to experience depressive and manic symptoms simultaneously.
• Bipolar II – people with this type, predominantly women, go through depressive episodes that can last up to two weeks and periods of hypomania that can be up to four days long. The hypomanic periods are not as severe as the manic episodes characteristic of the Bipolar I type.
• Cyclothymia – people of this type experience periods of hypomania and depression that are considerably shorter and less severe than those you can expect from Bipolar I or II. Symptoms can last up to two years, and a person may experience only one to two months of stable mood at a time.

The exact cause of the disorder is not known, though experts speculate that genetics, trauma, extreme stress, and brain disorders could be some of the potential causes.  However, it affects around 5million Americans or about 2.8% of the US population.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

A person with bipolar disorder can experience depression, mania, and hypomania, which is a milder version of manic episodes.

During manic episodes, a person may:

• Feel extremely positive or elated for extended periods of time,
• Need less sleep,
• Talk faster than usual and have disorganized thoughts,
• Feeling impulsive and restless,
• Be easily distracted,
• Have overly high confidence in their abilities, or
• Engage in risky and dangerous behaviors like going on shopping sprees, using drugs, gambling, having unprotected sex, and similar.

Hypomania is less severe than mania. In certain instances, it may not affect work or studies. Nonetheless, people going through them will feel changes in their mood.

During episodes of depression, a person may:

• Experience extreme sadness,
• Feel hopeless,
• Feel deficient energy,
• Have no interest in activities that they used to enjoy,
• Sleep too little or too much, or
• Have suicidal thoughts.

Common Ways of Treating Bipolar Disorder

At this time, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. However, with certain medications, it is possible to manage the symptoms, allowing people to experience a better quality of life.

Medications that can be prescribed can vary. However, they need to be taken carefully. Some, such as lithium that can be used for mood stabilizing, can become toxic if a dose is too high. Moreover, it can have numerous side effects, which include:

• Drowsiness,
• Fatigue,
• Weakness,
• Tremor,
• Weight gain,
• Stomach pain,
• Nausea,
• Vertigo,
• Excessive thirst,
• Stomach pain,
• Memory problems,
• Trouble concentrating,
• Thyroid problems, and
• Diarrhea.

Because of the dangers, a person who takes lithium must also regularly have blood tests. They help to ensure that lithium levels are not in excess and endangering the person’s health. Steady and consistent water, coffee, and salt intake are also necessary to make sure that lithium levels remain safe.

A doctor can prescribe other medications such as anticonvulsants. Yet they and other pharmaceuticals can also result in numerous side effects.

Can You Use Kratom for Bipolar Disorder?

Due to the multiple side effects and dangers of medication used to manage bipolar disorder, many explore alternative means of managing the condition and alleviating the unpleasant symptoms.

Lifestyle changes such as a regular and steady sleep schedule, balanced nutrition, and exercise, as well as therapy, can be beneficial too. Yet, they alone may not be enough to help a person lead a normal life.

Many turn to CBB and marijuana as possible alternative treatment methods. Kratom is another herb for bipolar disorder that people turn to.

Due to its many beneficial properties, certain kratom strains can be helpful for bipolar disorder. It can help one balance their mood and provide support for both manic and depressive episodes.

Best Types of Kratom for Bipolar Disorder

Despite the many different beneficial strains that are popular among users, not all kratom for bipolar disorder will be effective. Certain types such as slow red strains may be too depressive and worsen the symptoms of depressive episodes, whereas white strains can make manic episodes less tolerable.

Therefore, green vein kratom strains such as Green Maeng Da, Green Malay, and Green may be the best options for those who seek support for bipolar disorder. It can provide mid pain relief, gently boost energy, elevate the mood, yet at the same time help achieve a more focused and level state of mind.

In fact, many in the kratom community have pointed out that kratom for bipolar disorder has been more effective than any pharmaceuticals of other herbs. Others point out that kratom makes them feel normal.

Regardless of the strain you choose, determine your right dose, and measure it accurately every time you take kratom.

Incorrectly measuring your dose or taking a dose that is too large can result in nausea and vomiting. While the side effects of taking kratom are not dangerous on their own, it may be too challenging for a person who already suffers from bipolar disorder.

Buying kratom from a reputable vendor who lab-tests their products is critical to ensure that you always purchase high-quality and pure kratom.

Nonetheless, keep in mind that kratom can interact with medication. Therefore, it is essential to talk to your health provider and enquire about any possible interactions. And be sure to seek professional help if you experience suicidal thoughts.

Have you tried kratom for bipolar disorder? What was your experience like? Would you recommend kratom to other people with bipolar disorder? Why or why not?

While opioid overuse percentage was declining, COVID-19 pandemic and more problematic access to healthcare increased the number of opioid overdoses. Due to the numerous problematic after-effects of taking opioids many seek alternative herbal substitutes to ease pain and achieve other benefits.

Kratom is a popular choice of millions. Yet, akuamma also has its benefits. So, if you need to make the kratom vs. akuamma choice, we’ve prepared a guide for you to clear your doubts and help you make the best choice for you.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa in Latin, is a tropical tree indigenous to Southeast Asia. It grows across countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea.

There are other Mitragyna tree varieties in other countries like India, China, and the Philippines. However, those are not Mitragyna speciosa and do not possess the same alkaloids or effects. These varieties can be recognized by their much shorter stature.

Mitragyna speciosa leaves are rich in many different alkaloids. 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is approximately 13 times stronger than morphine, and mitragynine are the most abundant ones, attributing to kratom most of its properties.

Kratom comes in three natural types of vein, as well as many strains. Depending on the vein type as well as the dosage of kratom effects vary.

Red vein kratom is soothing, relaxing, and pain-relieving, whereas white vein kratom is energizing and mood-boosting. Green vein kratom offers the best of the two. You can expect moderate pain relief combined with improved mood, more energy, and more focus and productivity.

How to Take Kratom?

Kratom farmers grind up kratom leaves into a fine powder. Then, it’s available for sale in raw powder form. Some vendors also offer kratom capsules as well as kratom extracts and resins.

There are several ways in which to take kratom. These include brewing kratom tea, mixing kratom with drinks like yogurt, juice, and smoothies. The Toss and Wash method when one swallows kratom followed by water or juice is another popular method.

When taking kratom, an accurate dosage is necessary. Fast strains like whites require a lower dose. Meanwhile, moderate greens require a medium done, while reds need a high dose for the most potent effects.

It is easy to mismeasure kratom dosage, for instance, using a spoon; so, using a sensitive digital scale is the best option. Moreover, one should keep a record of the dosage they take so that they do not develop kratom tolerance. Kratom is a member of the same plant family as coffee, long term exposure can lead to the body getting used to the alkaloids and developing tolerance.

What Is Akuamma?

Akuamma, or Picralima nitida in Latin, is a tall tropical African tree. It grows in various countries in Africa, such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Nigeria, Uganda, Caremoon, and more. The seeds fro the akuamma tree are dried and crushed or powdered and used in traditional medicine across West Africa.

The seeds are rich in alkaloids such as akuammine and pericine. Due to the effects of the alkaloids, many use akuamma to treat malaria and a number of diseases caused by parasites. That’s because of its anti-parasitic effects. Akuamma can also treat diarrhea as well as to relieve pain. Similarly to kratom, akuamma also has relaxing and sedative effects.

Because of its pain-relieving properties, akuamma can serve as a kratom alternative.

How to Take Akuamma?

Most commonly available akuamma comes in capsules that contain powdered seeds. However, it is also possible to buy ground powder and whole seeds. Seeds can be later ground up using a coffee grinder. If you do so, it is essential to measure akuamma dose correctly using a sensitive digital scale.

The powder from akuamma seeds is rather bitter, making capsules more palatable.

Just like it is with kratom, precise akuamma dosage is important. An excessive dose can lead to negative side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

Moreover, taking large doses, such as above 6 grams can increase the risk of respiratory depression and can cause liver cell damage. Overdose can also increase sodium and potassium levels in the blood, which can disturb ion regulation.

Users should begin with a small dose and build up over time. 250-500 mg is a good place to start. Though, if you suffer from severe chronic pain, a larger dose may be necessary. Yet, do not exceed 6-8 grams as that can significantly increase the risks.

Kratom vs. Akuamma: Which Is Best for You?

1. Effects and Possible Risks

While kratom vs. akuamma both can be extremely beneficial, kratom offers much more versatile effects than akuamma. Most analgesic akuamma effects resemble those of red vein kratom. However, if you are looking for additional effects like increased energy and focus, then akuamma cannot provide those.

Kratom may also be a better option for those with severe chronic pain and liver issues. That’s because these people may require a larger dose, which could be potentially damaging to the liver.

Since akuamma is relaxing and sedative, it’s more suitable for the nighttime. So, those looking for daytime benefits may benefit more from kratom.

Nonetheless, akuamma could potentially be a seamless substitute to red vein kratom if the person needs to take a break from kratom. While akuamma would not provide all spectrum of kratom benefits, it could help in easing intolerable pain and providing relaxation.

2. Duration

The duration of kratom vs. akuamma effects are not the same either. Fast kratom strains usually last a shorter period of time, while some moderate and slow strains can last an entire night. Akuamma duration, however, is about three to four hours. This longer duration of kratom can be more beneficial for certain conditions such as restless leg syndrome that prevents one from getting proper rest.

4. Legalities

While none of the products are controlled by the FDA, the chance of buying contaminated kratom or ending up with a fake vendor is much higher with kratom. That is, however, mainly due to its high popularity and many bad players looking into was of exploiting the situation.

Luckily, the American Kratom Association and its initiatives, like the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, are providing buyers with more transparency and security.

After reviewing kratom vs. akuamma, it’s apparent that both herbs have different properties, and one may need more than one alternative to kratom to gain the exact same effects.

Nonetheless, akuamma is worth exploring for those who’d like a kratom alternative for days when they do not take kratom. It could also be a good alternative for pain relief for those living in regions where kratom is banned.

Have you tried kratom vs. akuamma? What has your experience with them been? Which herb do you favor and why? 

While Mitragyna speciosa has hogged the limelight in the west, it’s not the only variety of the Mitragyna genus that exists. In fact, there are seven distinct known varieties of Mitragyna. Yet, are they the same? Could you use other plants from the Mitragyna genus as kratom alternatives? Let’s learn more and find out.

The Rubiaceae Plant Family

Scientists estimate that there are approximately 400 thousand different species of plants that are currently known to us. To classify them, scientists use plant taxonomy, a science of classifying plants.  Each plant belongs to a division, class, order, which are rather wide, as well as family, genus, and species, which are more specific.

When it comes to our beloved Mitragyna speciosa, it belongs to the Angiospermae division of plants that includes flowering plants and the clade of asterids, which includes such popular plants as tomatoes, forget-me-nots, potatoes, peppers, sunflowers, Brazil nut, lavender, lilac, and olive.

Next, Mitragyna speciosa is a member of the Gentianales order and the Rubiaceae family, which includes around 80% of the plants in the order.

Rubiaceae plant family is better known as the Madder or Coffee family of plants. This family mostly includes shrubs, but there are also trees, herbs, and lianas in it. There are approximately 600 different genera and over 13 thousand plant species, most of which grow in tropical and subtropical climates.

In addition to the Mitragyna genus, the Rubiaceae family also includes such plants as the coffee shrub, the Chinchona, which is the source of the antimalarial alkaloid quinine, and the ornamental plant Gardenia.

The Mitragyna Genus

1. Mitragyna Speciosa

The most well-known variety of the Mitragyna genus is the speciosa variety, which we refer to as kratom. It grows in various Southeast Asian countries, namely in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea.

Mitragyna speciosa trees are tall, reaching around 82 feet of height. The most prominent alkaloids in this variety are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. They are responsible for kratom’s famous pain-relieving, relaxing effects, mood-boosting, and stimulating effects.

Kratom has a wealth of other alkaloids as well as beneficial compounds, which include polyphenols and flavonoids. Scientists believe that this variety possesses approximately 40 different compounds, including 25 alkaloids. Yet, its full profile is currently not known, and the herb may have more than that.

2. Mitragyna Diversifolia

Also called Mitragyna javanica, this variety of the Mitragyna genus is an understory tree. Mature trees reach approximately 49 feet of height and are nearly half the size of Mitragyna speciosa trees.

Mitragyna_diversifolia grows in several Asian countries, which include Thailand, China, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

This Mitragyna genus variety does not contain either mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine. However, it is rich in the alkaloid mitrajavine. This alkaloid is also present in speciosa, yet in considerably lower amounts than mitragynine. While no pharmaceutical studies have been performed on this variety, some reports state that it has mild relaxing properties which are much weaker than those of speciosa.

Despite the lack of the pain-relieving properties that you can expect from speciosa, some vendors offer it as a kratom alternative. Keep in mind that you will not be able to gain the same effects, though. This tree is normally used for timber.

3. Mitragyna Hirsuta

Found across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, Mitragyna hirsuta is another species in the Mitragyna genus.

Unlike Mitragyna speciosa, which is rich in alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the dominant compound in Mitragyna hirsuta is mitraphylline. This alkaloid is also present in Mitragyna speciosa and the bark of Cat’s claw.

Some studies performed on this alkaloid show that it can serve as an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent.

Despite the beneficial properties of this alkaloid, the effects of Mitragyna hirsuta are not equivalent to those you can expect from speciosa. Some users report experiencing mild relaxing effects as well as headaches, others none at all. So, it’s best that you do not try it as an alternative to kratom.

4. Mitragyna Inermis

Mitragyna inermis is a bushy shrub or a tree that reaches about 50 feet in height. Unlike other Mitrogyna genus trees, it grows in the African continent.

A variety of alkaloids are present in the leaves of this variety, yet it does not have mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine. Locals use this tree as wood and plant dye.

5. Mitragyna Parvifolia

This species of the Mitragyna genus grows in India and Sri Lanka and reaches around 50 feet of height when mature. People in these locations use it as wood.

Some of the alkaloids present in this variety, such as mitraphylline, are also present in kratom. However, this variety doesn’t have the primary kratom alkaloids 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine. Locals use this plant in traditional medicine to treat jaundice and inflammatory conditions such as swelling, fever, ulcers, and similar.

While this variety has some beneficial uses and effects, they are not identical to those of kratom.

6. Mitragyna Rotundifolia

Indigenous to Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, China, India, and the Philippines, this tree’s primary alkaloids are completely different from those found in other Mitragyna species. Nonetheless, studies have indicated that this variety has antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and liver-protecting properties.

While these can be potentially beneficial, this species does not offer the same effects as Mitragyna speciosa.

7. Mitragyna Tubulosa

This Mitragyna species grows across India and Sri Lanka. The leaves of the tubulosa are rich in mitracilliatine, an alkaloid different from mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine. Yet, there are few reports on the effects and properties of this alkaloid, and beneficial uses of this tree are not currently known.

Conclusion

While Mitragyna speciosa isn’t the only tree in the Mitragyna genus and, apart from being considerably taller when mature, it’s visually not much different from the other varieties. Yet, the alkaloid profile of each tree is vastly different.

While each individual variety has beneficial properties, the other Mitragyna varieties won’t provide the same effects as Mitragyna speciosa and won’t be as effective alternatives.

Have you tried other varieties of the Mitragyna genus? What has your experience been, and what effects, if any, have you felt?

With many medical sources and professionals labeling kratom a dangerous drug, you may be wondering if kratom can cause you to fail a drug test. Is there such a thing as a kratom drug test, and can your favorite herb cause you trouble?

As with many kratom-related topics, the answer to this is ‘it depends.”

Typically, kratom should not come up in a drug test that hasn’t been designed to pick up kratom alkaloids. However, it can create a false positive on certain drug tests.

Let’s look at this in more detail.

Kratom Onset, Duration, and Half-Life

When you take kratom, you’ll start experiencing its effects in approximately 10-15 minutes. With some strains, this can be slightly earlier or later. The onset will also depend on whether and how much you’ve eaten. On an empty stomach, the onset may happen sooner while after a large meal, it may take longer.

Depending on the strain you take, you’ll experience peak effects about 1.5 or 2.5 after taking your dose.

Each of the primary kratom alkaloids has a different half-life, the amount of time it takes for the effects of kratom to diminish by half. Mitragynine typically lasts longer – for approximately 4-5 hours – whereas 7-hydroxymitragynine has a shorter half-life – about 2.5-3 hours.

The duration of the effects will also vary based on the type of vein and strain. Fast white strains are normally taken in smaller doses and last the shortest amount of time – approximately 4 hours. Reds usually last for about 6 hours while certain greens are the longest lasting – up to 8 hours.

Keep in mind that these numbers can vary with different strains. The specifics of your body such as your weight and diet can affect kratom duration as well as your experience with the herb.

Nonetheless, even if you no longer experience kratom effects, the majority of alkaloids still remain in your system for a total of approximately 24 hours. This is how long it takes for your body to eliminate most of alkaloids.

Yet, trace amounts of kratom alkaloids remain in your system for up to seven days or even longer if you have a slow metabolism. Therefore, tests that are designed to detect kratom alkaloids can pick them up several days after you’ve taken a kratom dose.

Can Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?

Kratom is not an opiate. Therefore, it won’t show on most standard SAHMSA-5 urine drug tests as they normally do not test for alkaloids present in kratom.

These drug tests utilize antibodies that interact with molecules of a specific structure that can be found in opiates. Therefore, kratom won’t show on such a drug test as it does not contain these molecules.

However, some tests contain antibodies that can cross-react with kratom. Therefore, if those antibodies are present, kratom can create a false positive.

False positives are not uncommon and can also be caused by a variety of prescription and over the counter drugs such as sleep medication, diet pills, and flue medication, as well as various foods.

What Kratom Drug Tests Are There?

There are several ways in which one can be tested for kratom.

Kratom in a Urine Drug Test

This is the most common type of a drug test which can pick up kratom alkaloids. Since research on kratom is still limited, it’s unclear how long exactly traces of alkaloids remain in the body. However, based on what is currently known to us, this is approximately 7-9 days.

If you take kratom regularly, you may have a greater alkaloid built up and this may cause kratom to remain in your body longer. However, if you only take kratom occasionally, your body may be able to excrete kratom alkaloids much faster.

Kratom in a Blood Drug Test

Though a lot less common, a blood test can also determine whether you’ve taken kratom. Blood tests can also detect the concentration of kratom alkaloids and how much kratom you’ve taken.

Blood tests, however, will only detect kratom alkaloids for approximately 3 days. Since they are more invasive as well as harder and more expensive to perform, urine drug tests remain the more common ones.

Kratom in a Hair and Nail Drug Test

Substances that you take can incorporate into your hair and nails as it grows. They can detect drugs and other substances for a longer period of time, in some instances, for up to 90 days or even longer, and hair and nail tests are much harder to adulterate.

In August 2020, United States Drug Testing Laboratory developed the first-ever laboratory-based test that is able to detect kratom, namely its primary alkaloid mitragynine, in hair and fingernails. This test can identify kratom in hair for up to three months and in nails for up to six months.

Substances from internal use cannot be washed out, and some hair products may cause false positives.

There are also sweat and saliva tests that screen for drugs. Though they only detect recent substance use.

Should You Worry about Kratom Showing Up in a Drug Test?

First of all, consider who is taking the drug test. If that’s a drug test for work, chances are that those are going to be less precise. Nost basic workplace drug tests will most likely focus on:

• amphetamines,
• methamphetamines,
• cannabis, marijuana, THC, and cannabinoids,
• opiates, and
• cocaine.

Some more explicit workplace drug tests may also screen for:

• barbituates,
• ethanol,
• designer drugs (such as bath salts, spice, and MDMA),
• benzodiazepines (for example Xanax and valium), and
• prescription opioids (such as methadone, and oxycodone).

However, tests from pain clinics and probation officers may test for a broader array of substances including kratom, especially if that is a location where kratom is no longer legal or it’s under great scrutiny. Keep in mind that this may change in the future.

The more substances the test needs to screen for, the more expensive it is going to be; therefore, all substances cannot be tested for. The laws of each state will also vary. So, it can be useful for you to review ones pertaining to your state so that you know what to expect.

Moreover, drug tests are not always 100% accurate, so false positives may occur. While kratom users often assume that’s kratom causing it, it may not necessarily be the case.

As mentioned before, over the counter and prescription medication, for example, a very common pain killer Ibuprofen, and even products like certain types of teas and foods containing yeast can cause false positives as well. Moreover, if you eat foods containing poppy seeds and hemp seeds, these too can show up.

What Should You Do If You Get a False Positive Drug Test?

First of all, stay calm. It may not be kratom showing up on your drug test. Moreover, if kratom is legal in your location, you should not worry about legal issues. Sadly, there is lots of stigma around kratom. So, even if kratom is legal in your state, city, and country, your employer may not be in favor of it.

If your company hasn’t requested it, ask for test results to be confirmed with a GC-MS or LC-MS-based test. These tests use a different mechanism to detect drugs. They are extremely accurate and not likely to cause false positives.

If your company refuses to do so, you can opt for a GC-MS-based drug test yourself. Search for labs in your location that handle them.

How to Avoid Problems with Kratom Showing Up on a Drug Test

To avoid any potential unpleasant situations, make sure you buy quality kratom. Unfortunately, there are many bad players in the kratom market. Thus, when buying from a questionable source, you may end up with adulterated kratom. So, substances that kratom may be laced with could come up on the drug test you are taking.

To ensure that you don’t get into legal trouble and do not endanger your health, make sure to buy kratom from a trusted vendor who lab tests their product.

Has kratom ever come up on a drug test for you? Did you experience any issues? Let us know in the comment section below! 

Kratom has many beneficial properties, such as potent pain, stress, and anxiety relief, and relaxation. Its popularity has soared in the past decades without the sign of topping. So, if you have a companion that is experiencing pain, you may be interested in knowing whether you can use kratom for pets.

Let’s have a closer look and find out.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical Southeast Asian tree, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa. Kratom is rich in a variety of alkaloids, such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

These alkaloids are responsible for the majority of kratom effects. These include pain relief, similar to what you can expect from opioids. That’s because kratom activates mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors in the brain. Opioids target the same receptors. Nonetheless, since Mitragyna speciosa is not an opioid, it does not cause potentially fatal respiratory depression that opioids are notorious for.

In addition to pain relief, the Southeast Asian herb can provide stress, and anxiety relief, improved mood, euphoria, and more.

In addition to mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, kratom has traces of other alkaloids as well as other chemical compounds. Current studies on Mitragyna speciosa have identified 25 alkaloids and 40 total chemical compounds in the herb.

While mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine provide pain-relieving and relaxing properties, other compounds offer additional beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory ones. The full scope of kratom is yet, however unknown due to limited medical studies.

Due to the powerful beneficial pain-relieving effects, pet owners may consider giving their furry friends kratom, especially if they are looking for more natural remedies.

Is Kratom for Pets Safe?

Animals, including dogs, cats, and other pets, also have mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors in their brains. Therefore, opioids or opioid-like substances can provide pain relief in a similar way as it does to humans.

Up until this time, a few limited kratom studies have been carried out on animals. Let’s take a look at the findings:

• In 1992, a study on dogs revealed no fatal toxicity at high doses. Yet, the study indicated that there might be a negative effect on dog liver and kidneys.
• In 2007, a study on mice revealed that Mitragyna speciosa extract could improve withdrawal symptoms in addicted mice. Moreover, Mitragyna speciosa extract reduced depression symptoms in mice without reducing their activity level.
• In 2008, a study on rats discovered that a single dose of kratom stopped diarrhea. After two weeks, these rats fully got used to kratom, and their digestion was as before.
• In 2013, a study on rats found out that Mitragyna speciosa was generally safe at regular doses. Yet, it had toxic effects at very high doses (over 100mg/kg).
• In 2016, mice with psychosis experienced improvement of their positive and negative symptoms such as social withdrawal and excessive climbing after being administered Mitragyna speciosa.
• In 2017, a study on rodents discovered that mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, as well as their derivatives, showed more effective chronic pain relief than morphine and with fewer side effects.

While these studies are promising, they are limited. Only a few studies on limited species of lab animals have been done. There are no studies examining long term results of kratom use.

Due to the many alkaloids and other compounds, kratom is a complex herb, and it is not known how each of those interacts with pets. Moreover, a substance that is safe for one pet may not be safe for another.

What Pet Users Have to Say?

Numerous users who have tried using kratom for pets have shared positive experiences on discussion platforms such as Reddit. So, carefully administered kratom may be safe for at least some pets.

Owners of primarily senior dogs have reported small doses of kratom have provided effective pain relief and relaxation, making the last days of their furry friends easier and more pleasurable. Their pets were more energetic and playful. With that said, the dogs didn’t die from kratom. They were old and terminally ill.

Nonetheless, the general consensus among pet owners was that kratom should only be a pain relief method for older pets who suffer from chronic or other forms of pain. Due to the lack of information on how kratom affects dogs and other pets, most users believe you should not use kratom for pets that are healthy.

After all, not everything humans can take is safe for pets. For instance, chocolate, a beloved treat of many, can be lethally toxic to cats and dogs.

Kratom Dosage for Pets

If you choose to use kratom for pets, keep in mind that you should not use the same dose you would give yourself. It will also depend on your pet’s size and weight. So, start with a very small dose such as half a gram.

You can try giving your pet kratom tea or mixing the powder with treats such as peanut butter. We recommend organic or at least unsweetened peanut butter. If you want to give it to a cat, use it very sparingly and only to give kratom. Peanut butter contains lots of fat and can cause obesity.

Make sure that you only use high-quality kratom from trusted and reputable vendors. Low-quality kratom can require excessive doses, exposing your pet to kratom alkaloids without providing adequate pain relief. It is also possible for the product to contain contaminants and adulterants, which could be extremely damaging to a suffering animal.

What Herbal Alternatives to Kratom Are Safe for Pets?

While it is unclear whether kratom for pets is safe, numerous other plants have proven to provide pain relief, relaxation, and other benefits.

Some examples of herbs include frankincense, turmeric, licorice, ginger, yucca, alfalfa, horsetail, Boswellia, hawthorn, and cayenne pepper. CBD, another popular yet controversial substance, can also provide pain and anxiety relief, treat seizures, and more, and several studies back that.

Have you used kratom for pets? How did your furry friend respond to Mitragyna speciosa? What dose did you use, and how did you give it to them. Would you recommend the herb to other pet owners? Why? Why not?

While kratom use leads to countless positive and beneficial effects, improper use or intake of products that have questionable quality can lead to experiencing kratom side effects.

Constipation is a common complaint among kratom users. It’s also possible to experience some nausea if you take a dose that is too large for your body’s needs.

But how about a fever? Can kratom cause fever? Or is it something else?

To understand if kratom and fever are related, we should first understand what kratom is and how it works.

What’s Kratom, and How Does It Work?

The Southeast Asian herb kratom or Mitragyna speciosa has its wealth of beneficial properties. These include strong and effective pain relief, relaxation, stress and anxiety relief, euphoria, increased energy, improved mood, and more.

These effects are due to the alkaloids in kratom. While current studies have identified a minimum of 25 alkaloids and 40 total beneficial compounds, most of these chemical compounds are in trace amounts. However, two active alkaloids are considerably more abundant and are responsible for most of the effects.

The alkaloids in kratom engage with the opioid receptors in the brain. This helps to produce increased levels of dopamine and manage pain. Yet, it happens in a way that does not engage proteins that form addictive behaviors.

As a result, kratom is, in a way, similar to decaf coffee. You can get the taste of coffee without it keeping you up at night.

Kratom provides the effects that you can expect from pain-killers like opioids, but without making you addicted. In fact, studies indicate that Mitragyna speciosa is about as addictive as its close cousin coffee, which considerably less addictive that the media paints it.

Kratom Side Effects

When it comes to using kratom, it’s important to take the right dose for your body. This, though, can vary on multiple factors such as age, weight, body-fat percentage, and more.

If you take a bit too much, especially if it’s white or green vein kratom, you may end up experiencing kratom side effects. Some of the most common ones include:

• constipation,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• dizziness,
• dry mouth,
• headache,
• stomach pain,
• reduced appetite, and
• drowsiness.

But how about a fever?

What Is a Fever?

A fever is a state when body temperature is higher than a person’s normal body temperature. While normal temperature can vary from one person to another, it is usually considered that a person has a fever if their body temperature rises above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius.

Fever in itself is not a disease. Instead, it is a sign of the body fighting an infection or an illness. Infections are usually the main cause of fevers.

This happens when there are viruses and bacteria present in your system. Since they can survive without issues at normal body temperature, your body’s immune system activates fever to raise your body temperature, making it much harder for viruses and bacteria to survive.

Other causes of fever may be vaccines, cancer, certain medication like antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and blood pressure medication, autoimmune diseases, or heat diseases.

Fevers that reach up to 105 degrees F or 40.55 degrees C don’t usually pose a threat to one’s life. They simply make one exhausted and weak.

Nonetheless, fevers that surpass 108 degrees F or 42.22 degrees C can possibly result in convulsions or death. Fever, in itself, does not cause death. But prolonged exposure to it can damage internal organs such as the brain and cause organ failure, which can lead to death.

This is why it is crucial to seek medical attention if your fevers keep rising.

With these details in mind, can kratom cause fever?

Can Kratom Cause Fever?

No, pure kratom cannot cause fever. However, there is a risk of getting exposed to something that may cause fever if you take kratom that is contaminated, adulterated, or improperly handled.

So, if kratom does not cause fever, why do some people feel feverish and sweaty after taking kratom?

That’s because Mitragyna speciosa interacts with opioid receptors in the brain in a very similar way to opioids. This can release mast cells, a type of cells that can trigger the same mechanism that causes regulation, heating up the body in the process.

As a result, your body will try to thermoregulate, resulting in sweats or hot flashes.

This I not the same as fever and is usually short-lived. The main reason for it is an excessive dose that your body is not ready for. While less commonly, this can also happen if you have been repeatedly taking extremely high doses, developed kratom tolerance, and abruptly stopped taking kratom, which may have resulted in withdrawal.

How to Not Feel Feverish and Sweaty after Taking Kratom

In order to not experience these side effects, you should take a dose that is adequate for your body and not exceed it. Here are a few extra tips you can follow to avoid feeling feverish after taking kratom:

1. Start with a Very Small Dose

This is especially true if you are rather new to kratom or are trying a new vendor. Since not all kratom has the same potency, you may not know how strong or not your powder is. Therefore, it’s always best to start off with a threshold kratom dose and gradually up it until you feel the desired effects.

If you have noticed that you have been repeatedly increasing your doses, however, it may be a good time to take a break from kratom to lower your tolerance and minimize withdrawal symptoms. If you aren’t ready to quit cold turkey, consider tapering off instead.

2. Measure Your Dose Using a Sensitive Digital Scale

Even a slight deviation from your normal dose can lead to experiencing side effects. If you dose kratom using a spoon, you don’t always know how many grams you take. With a sensitive digital scale, you can measure your dose precisely down to milligrams.

3. Keep a Kratom Diary

This is basically a log where you input your dosages, times of intake, and how you feel. While it may seem as something redundant, it can help you keep track of when you may be developing kratom tolerance as well as what may be causing your side effects.

4. Have Some Food in Your Stomach

While some kratom users take their dose on an empty stomach, others find it to be too much. You will learn what works best for you with some experimenting, it may be best to start off by taking kratom with or after some food. It will help your body break down the powder slower, making the onset of the effects smoother.

5. Hydrate Yourself

Drinking plenty of water will help your body replenish its water reserves if you sweat. In addition to that, it can help you prevent kratom constipation.

6. Buy High-Quality Kratom from Trusted Vendors

To avoid possible contamination and adverse effects, only select vendors whom you can trust. This will reduce the risks of kratom being improperly tested, contaminated, or laced with dangerous substances. If possible, look for vendors in states with a Kratom Consumer Protection Act in place.

Seek Medical Attention If Needed

If, however, you notice that your feverish sensation is not passing and your body temperature keeps rising, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. There is always a risk of kratom being contaminated with pathogens like Salmonella.

Have you ever experienced feverish sensations, hot flashes, or sweats after kratom? What caused it? How did you come with it?

With numerous kratom stores and products available, buyers are always looking to get the best value for their money. Selecting kratom that is fresh, potent, and consistent is one of the first steps to take.

However, sometimes, it is important for buyers to have their products last for as long as possible. This ensures that you don’t need to take a new dose for a longer period of time, keeping kratom tolerance low.

Additionally, those who need kratom throughout the day and may not feel comfortable preparing their next dose at work or don’t like taking kratom capsules can benefit from the longest-lasting kratom strains.

Regardless of what reason you have, we’ve prepared a list of the longest-lasting kratom strains and their most prominent effects to help you make an informed choice.

What Determines How Long-Lasting Kratom Strains Are?

Kratom is a herbal product that has its beneficial qualities and effects due to its alkaloids. Most of the effects are due to the primary and most abundant alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

However, there is a wealth of other alkaloids and chemicals that contribute to the full spectrum of the beneficial effects of kratom.

Depending on the kratom type, the combination of alkaloids and effects varies. These then determine the half-life and duration of kratom effects.

In general, white vein strains have lower qualities of 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine and tend to last for a shorter duration of time.

Meanwhile, red vein strains are the opposite. They have higher levels of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine and also tent to last longer. However, greens are balanced and fall somewhere in between.

Yet, things aren’t as simple with kratom. Some strains can vary from other strains in their vein type and deliver different effects and duration. People’s experiences can also differ due to various factors.

Moreover, what one vendor offers can be completely different from what another offers in terms of quality, potency, and duration. So, we advise that you choose and stick with vendors who offer products that are consistent in quality. This way, you have the most chances to know what exactly to expect from each specific product.

Top 5 Longest-Lasting Kratom Strains

1.  Green Malay Kratom

Green Malay strain sports a fusion of pain-relieving and relaxing effects typical to reds and euphoric and mood-boosting properties you can expect from whites. Unlike reds, however, it doesn’t provide sedation, but instead relaxes and eases stress and anxiety, helping its user attain calm and steady focus.

In addition to those, Green Malay has long potency that allows its user to experience the effects for a longer period of time. It can last for an average of 5-8 hours.

Due to these reasons, high-quality Green Malay is a beneficial strain to take during the morning. Due to its long-lasting effects, it can help one get through an entire workday without requiring another dose.

2. Red Bali Kratom

A top-seller and user favorite, Red Bali is loved so much for a solid reason. It provides potent pain-relieving, relaxing, sedating, and euphoric effects.

Due to its strong soothing properties, Red Bali is best for the evening or nighttime. It can be extremely beneficial to take before going to bed. That’s because it can effectively ease pain, release stress and anxiety, ease tension, and improve the mood.

If you consistently have trouble sleeping through the night due to pain, stress, or conditions like Restless Leg Syndrome, you can also take Red Bali to improve the quality of your sleep.

Red Bali effects are long-lasting. You can rely on 5-7 hours of steady effects, yet a high-quality product can last up to 10 hours. This can allow you to experience a full night’s rest without needing to get up and get another dose.

3. Green Maeng Da

Another user favorite, Green Maeng Da was manufactured to be resilient, potent, and long-lasting. Through the process of grafting, farmers were able to achieve that Maeng Da retains the strongest properties of Indo and Thai kratom.

Similarly to Green Malay, Green Maeng Da offers a balanced mix of Pain-relieving and relaxing properties of the reds with the energizing and euphoric properties of the whites, making it an excellent daytime strain.

Green Maeng Da can last for as long as 8 full hours. However, you need to make sure that you buy a high-quality product for that to be true.

 4. Indo Kratom Strains

Red and Green Indo kratom, varieties native to Indonesia, are also among the longest-lasting kratom strains.

Similarly to other reds, Red Indo provides pain-relieving, sedating, and euphoric qualities, whereas Green Indo can ease pain, relax, as well as energize its users.

While the length of duration can vary from vendor to vendor, Indo strains tend to last for up to 8-10 hours.

5. White Borneo Kratom

Whites, on average, are the shortest lasting strains. Yet, if whites are your go-to variety, then White Borneo should be in your kratom inventory.

This highly energizing white can last for 3-5 hours, helping you ease through the first half of the day or an afternoon slump.

Final Words

Once again, keep in mind what not all kratom is exactly the same. Potency and duration vary by vendor, batch, season, and other factors, including the individual body of each user. To make sure that you are consistently getting the most of your kratom, always buy it from a well-established and trusted vendor.

Have you tried these strains? Would you agree with our selection? What are the longest-lasting kratom strains in your opinion?

Mental health is a growing concern among people in the western world. An increasing number of people are affected by conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, and others.

Mental health conditions not only affect the way people feel, but also permeate in other areas of their life, such as relationships and work.

While some milder instances may go undetected, more severe cases of mental health conditions can even result in work disability. In fact, mental health conditions like stress anxiety and depression are some of the top reasons for work disability.

A common way of addressing mental health conditions is by prescribing medication. Even though this can result in positive short term results, long term implications are not well studied.

For instance, many psychiatrist don’t know when exactly they should stop prescribing antidepressants. Come down from them can also be problematic, not to mention the many negative side effects that prescription medications have.

Due to these issues, many people seek alternative and herbal medications and supplements to improve their overall wellbeing.

Kratom has been effective in improving depression symptoms, as well as alleviating stress and anxiety. So, you may be wondering if kratom can also be effective for PTSD. Let’s review the specifics and find out.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, for short, is a form of mental disorder. It triggers when a person goes through or witnesses a traumatic experience.

In many instances, it takes people an adjustment period following a traumatic experience. However, if, after a prolonged period of time, their symptoms worsen rather than improve and persist for weeks, months, or even years, seriously affecting different areas of their life, than it’s highly likely that they are suffering from PTSD.

Causes and Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD can result after experiencing or witnessing an intense traumatic event, such as a severe accident, natural disaster, terrorist act, war, combat, rape, sexual or violent assault. People who repeatedly experience traumatic experiences, abuse, live in war zones, or receive poor support are at a higher risk of developing this disorder.

PTSD can affect anyone regardless of their gender, age, nationality, ethnicity, or culture. However, data shows that women are twice more likely to develop PTSD than men. According to estimates, approximately 3.5 percent or one in each 11 Americans are diagnosed with the condition once in their lifetime.

People who suffer from PTSD often experience extreme fear and panic. These are similar to what they felt throughout the traumatic event. There are four main symptoms that a person with PTSD frequently experiences. These are:

• Reliving the traumatic experience: the person has unwanted and often recurring memories, flashbacks, or nightmares with vivid imagery. They may also have intense reactions, either emotional or physical, which include panic, heart palpitations, sweating, and more.
• Being extremely alert or wound up: the person has sleeping issues or outbursts of anger, feels irritable, or has a hard time concentrating. They can also startle easily and constantly be on the lookout for any signs of danger.
• Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event: the person may deliberately avoid any places, activities, people, thoughts, experiences, or feelings that may potentially bring back painful memories of the traumatic event.
• Feeling emotionally numb or very negative: the person may feel detached from their friends and family, feel emotionally numb, guilty, or inherently bad, and lose interest in daily tasks and activities which once used to bring pleasure.

Common PTSD Treatment Methods

In most instances, people with PTSD are recommended talking therapy. Common therapies include therapy cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or group therapy.

Nonetheless, sometimes medication is also used, usually in combination with talking therapy. Antidepressants are the most common type of medication prescribed for people with PTSD.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is an evergreen tropical tree native to Southeast Asia.  Throughout centuries, people have used it for a variety of reasons. That is because the leaves of kratom trees are abundant in alkaloids.

Since the alkaloid content differs depending on the type of the plant, kratom has different health benefits. These benefits include powerful pain relief, increased energy, relief from stress and anxiety, improved symptoms of depression, better sleep, a more positive mood, increased focus and productivity, and much more.

Many have also found relief from prescription medication and opioid addiction. For certain conditions and strong, resistant chronic pain, kratom can be more effective than regular pain medication.

Due you to these versatile benefits, millions of American people turn to kratom in order to improve their quality of life.

Can Kratom for PTSD Be Helpful?

At the moment, there are only limited official studies on kratom. However, various surveys and user reports have indicated positive experiences when taking kratom for PTSD.

The numerous benefits of kratom can address the symptoms of PTSD, making it easier to cope with and improving the quality of life.

How and What Types of Kratom for PTSD Can Be Beneficial?

1. Less Depressed Mood

Certain strains of kratom can be beneficial for improving the symptoms of depression that a person with PTSD may be experiencing. Green vein kratom such as Green Maeng Da, Green Malay, Green Hon Kratom, and other strains can be helpful in improving depression symptoms.

Since white vein kratom can make one more agitated, particularly in larger doses, people who’d like to take kratom for PTSD should better avoid white strains, especially if their symptoms are severe,

2. Increased Energy

Depression is often accompanied by low energy. Green vein kratom, as well as yellow kratom, can be excellent in helping a person with PTSD to feel more energetic and able to take on tasks that usually may seem hard or impossible.

3. Reduced Anxiety

Green, yellow, and red kratom strains help in reducing anxiety. They, however, act in a different way. Green and yellow kratom is energizing too. So, these types of kratom for PTSD may be more helpful during the day. In the meantime, red vein kratom is relaxing and sedating. Therefore, it is more suitable for the evening or at night.

4. Reduced Pain

If the person with PTSD also experiences pain and is taking opioid medication, kratom can be extremely helpful for them. Kratom is a strong pain reliever and one of its alkaloids, 7-hydroxymitragynine, is even more potent than morphine. Yet, kratom doesn’t have a fraction of the side effects than opioids have.

Red vein kratom strains are the strongest and can be good strains of kratom for PTSD for the later part of the day. During the day, green vein kratom and yellow kratom can be more beneficial. They aren’t as strong as red vein kratom. However, they are not sedating but energizing instead.

5. Improved Focus

Green vein kratom strains help one improve their focus and concentration. Together with reduced anxiety, green vein and yellow kratom can help a person of PTSD have better control of their thoughts.

6. Better Control of Negative Thoughts

Moderate kratom strains can be extremely helpful in stilling negative chatter and even make social situations easier. Therefore, green vein kratom for PTSD can be beneficial.

Have you tried taking kratom for PTSD? How has the experience been for you? Which strains of kratom do you find to be the most effective for PTSD?