Many people are suffering from anxiety issues. Some have chronic pain and others are suffering from opioid withdrawal syndrome. While all this has been difficult to deal with, Kratom came to help around the 1980s in the US. Many people experienced benefits from the plant. However, science disagreed and produced many reasons why this should be illegal.
However, many regions in Southeast Asia have seen the usage of Kratom for over 200 years. People are known to consume the herb almost every day. This is because most people believe that it serves medical purposes. Over time there were many studies conducted to find out the roots of this controversial plant.
In this article, we will talk about the scientific reasons which led Kratom to fall under Schedule 1. We’ll further understand the benefits and the risks and factors one should keep in mind before consumption.
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Why is it controversial?
In 2016, the plant was listed under Schedule 1 of substance abuse. The argument was that the presence of mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine caused multiple health issues and addiction among the people. Six weeks after that, the statement was withdrawn because of public comments asking to reconsider.
Multiple studies were done to find out why it is considered great for health in Southeast Asia. The end result was this; People in the southeast drink its tea on a regular basis. The freshly cut leaves do not contain mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. The alkaloid develops when the leaves are dried. The US manufactures Kratom products from leaves that are dried and processed. Hence they contain the alkaloid that causes harm and is addictive.
The benefits of opms silver maeng da kratom against withdrawal symptoms of opioids were impressive. But it was unsure if this is a temporary solution or a potential treatment. Unfortunately, the content of 7-hydroxy mitragynine was difficult to trace. This is because; it was found that freshly cut Kratom leaves did not contain 7-hydroxy mitragynine. The alkaloid is produced after the processing of the leaves thus making the content vary.
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Why is 7-Hydroxymitragynine bad?
To answer that question, we should understand that Kratom is not a harmful plant per se. We should be able to control the dosage and weigh our benefits and risks. The content of purified 7-hydroxy mitragynine is considered addictive and the substance falls under Schedule 1. The opioid has shown properties that have the potential to be abused. It reacts with the nervous system and can cause harm.
The content of mitragynine also needs to be avoided. This is because the liver and intestine convert mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. On the contrary, the content of purified mitragynine has shown to have no properties that threaten abuse. This is not seen in freshly cut kratom leaves and thus proves to be a hazard to the people in Southeast Asia.
Nonetheless, to understand the risks and factors of the plant, we must find out the content to survey more studies. Until that is done, one must be careful of the dosage and the strain of consumption of Kratom. This even applies to the frequency of consumption. Further in the article, we will learn more about the benefits and the risks that come with the consumption of the leaf.
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Benefits of the herb
While the plant is controversial, it is still consumed in many parts of the world. The benefits of the plants outweigh the controversy. Listed are some of the factors that are healthful:
- Opioid addiction– studies have shown that Kratom usage causes resistance towards self-induced heroin and morphine. Opioids like this are extremely addictive and cause the worst withdrawal symptoms.
- Chronic pain– With sudden spasms, chronic pain is tremendously painful. Kratom has proved to show benefits against pain and reduce frequency over time.
- Anxiety- People suffering from anxiety and depression among other mental problems are greatly benefited by the leaf. It has not only provided immediate relief but also helps people overcome their anxiety in the long run.
- Cough– The main reason for it being so popular in the Southeast Asian regions is tea. It is considered a recreational drink like tea or coffee. It is known to cure mild symptoms of cough and also soothes the throat.
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Risk and factors to keep in mind
Since the content of the presence of the alkaloids is untraceable as yet, one should be informed of the side effects. Thus making an informed decision. Some of the side effects are mentioned below which may or may not occur:
- Numbness of the body, hands, and feet.
- Nausea
- Aggression due to withdrawal
- Constipation
Extreme cases due to high dosage can cause:
- Breathing problems
- Brain swelling
- Seizure
- Liver damage
- Fatal incident
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Recent facts
In recent studies, some very interesting findings have been discovered. Firstly, drinking Kratom tea does help with opioid withdrawal and can become a potential treatment. However, the consistency of Kratom properties in humans is yet to be discovered. Only then more facts shall be developed,
Traditionally, the plant was used to induce energy mong laborers. Lately, it has been found that it also induces productivity among office goers. It is also considered a mood enhancer and can be often posed for recreational purposes.
Moreover, the magic plant is also a potential aphrodisiac and is used to enhance sexual activity. It helps with decreased libido and helps to attain better climaxes. A recent survey was conducted where it was asked about the use of the leaf in their lives. Most answers suggested that the plant helps with chronic pain potentially and also helps with mental health. Most of the users were found to be college students and males between the age of 30-50 years.
Conclusion
There are many herbs available in the market that can be used for recreational purposes or otherwise. Some have shown to have great benefits while others are prone to more harm than health. Nonetheless, as consumers, we must be careful of what we are putting in the body.
Kratom was a controversial plant and is yet to have more of its benefits uncovered. Meanwhile, users should be wary of their doses and immediately visit the emergency room if experience anything unnatural. There are many strains of the leaf having a variety of effects. One must study before trying them out and weigh their benefits vs the risks.
