Is Kratom Bad For You?
Also Known As: Mitragyna speciosa, ketum, kratum
Short answer
At this time, the research on Mitragyna Speciosa (Kratom) concludes that the herbal supplement has more positive benefits than negative effects. Biggest concerns come from mixing it with other substances. Do diligent research to ensure that it is not contraindicated with other medications and supplements.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Kratom is a plant indigenous to Southeast Asia, namely Thailand and Indonesia. It is a tropical plant and is considered an evergreen from the same family of plants in which coffee is derived. In this part of the world, Kratom has been as a medicine to treat many illnesses. Kratom is much like the Papaver Somniferum (Opium) plant, but with much milder dependency. Though, dependency varies from person to person (as with any substance), most people compare it to a level of dependency similar to that of Caffeine.
The people from the countries in which the plant grows, simply chew the leaves to ingest the substance in the body. In parts of the world that import Kratom, it is usually sold as capsules or a concentrated liquid alkaloid. It is also packaged, in small “one shot bottles” under countless brand names, such as Green Vein, Vitalize, K-Chill, etc. These less concentrated alkaloid formulas are mixed with other vitamins and minerals. Once it has taken effect, Kratom works as a mood stabilizer, and relieves pain, much like an opioid.
Kratom has demonstrated positive results in the medical studies that have been carried out. It has proven to be able to ease moderate to severe pain while giving the user a sense of well-being. During research studies, NO acute overdoses have been reported. Kratom displays powerful antioxidant and antibacterial qualities and has shown to mitigate problems that occur from certain types of cancers. Kratom contains oxindole alkaloids that exhibit immunomodulation properties. This means that Kratom may help to promote defenses in the bodies of people who are immune compromised.
The research carried out on Kratom and its derivatives are limited. As with any supplement, Kratom may interact with alcohol, prescription medications, and drugs (specifically pain medication), so use with extreme caution when consuming other substances. All published studies have shown more good qualities, than bad. The only concerns are minor withdrawal symptoms that resemble that of a weak opioid and possible negative reactions of mixing Kratom with high levels of pain medication.
Anyone considering the use of Kratom should conduct more research for themselves to decide whether or not Kratom is right for them.
Possible long-term side effects
- addiction
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negative interactions with other substances
Benefits
- natural pain relief
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energy
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increased concentration/attentiveness
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weight loss (in some cases)
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mood enhancer
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extends sexual intercourse
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Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 01-07-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 01-07-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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