Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is the leaf of a tropical deciduous tree within the coffee family (Rubiaceae) native to Southeast Asia.
Kratom has been safely used as a dietary and nootropic supplement, and natural remedy in Southeast Asia for centuries.
Typically consumed in small quantities by chewing fresh or dried leaves, as a steeped tea, or powdered and washed down with a drink. Kratom was used throughout their workday for energy and pain relief.[i]
As a nootropic supplement, Kratom continues to be used to improve mood, as an anxiolytic, for insomnia, pain relief, more energy, as an anti-inflammatory, and to lower blood sugar.[ii]
Here we’ll explore how Kratom benefits your brain.
Kratom helps:
- Pain: The compounds mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are agonists of mu (μ) -, delta (δ) –, and kappa (κ) opioid receptors. Resulting in relief from pain.[iii]
- Anxiolytic: Kratom affects serotonin and norepinephrine pathways in the central nervous system providing relief from anxiety and depression.[iv]
- Energy: Kratom affects dopamine D1 receptors which helps boost energy.[v]
Table of Contents
Overview
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is the leaf of a 4 – 16-meter-high tree indigenous to South East Asia, the Philippines and New Guinea.
Kratom is of the Rubiaceae family of flowering plants which includes the coffee plant.
The genus was given its Mitragyna name by the Dutch botanist Pieter Korthals in 1839 because the leaves and the stigmas of the flowers of the plant resemble the shape of a bishop’s mitre.
Other names of the plant are krathom, kakuam, ithang or thom (Thailand), biak-biak or ketum (Malaysia), and mambog (Philippines).
Kratom as a nootropic supplement is the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree and are either greenish/white or red in color. Typically supplied as crushed or powdered dried leaves that vary in color from light to dark green and some variants have a reddish tinge.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG), unique to Mitragyna speciosa, are the two alkaloids mainly responsible for the effects of Kratom. And are agonists of the μ-subtype opioid receptor (MOR).[vi]
5-HT2a (subtype of serotonin receptor) and postsynaptic α2–adrenergic receptors, as well as neuronal Ca2+ channels are also involved in the unique mechanism of action of mitragynine.
Kratom has been traditionally used as fresh or dried leaves that are chewed or steeped into tea.
At lower dosages, Kratom is used for its stimulant effects and is used to combat fatigue.
At higher dosages, Kratom can have more of a sedative and anxiolytic effect. And has also been used in traditional and natural medicine as an alternative to opiate medications.
Currently, Mitragyna speciosa is legal to buy in most European countries and in most states in the USA.
But some EU countries, such as Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Sweden, Mitragyna speciosa and/or mitragynine and 7-HMG are controlled drugs.
Kratom is listed as a controlled substance in Australia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand (which has legalized the use of Kratom and cannabis plants for medicinal use on December 2018).
In New Zealand, Mitragyna speciosa and mitragynine are controlled under the Medicines Amendment Regulations. In the USA, Kratom is not controlled on a federal level though considered as a ‘drug of concern’.[vii]
Kratom is a potent option for its pain-relieving qualities and as a neuro-stimulant.[viii] And its legal use will continue to be debated.
With ordinary people pressing for maintaining its availability as a supplement. While pharmaceuticals and mainstream medicine fight to have it scheduled as a restricted substance.
How does Kratom work in the brain?
Kratom boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Kratom helps reduce pain. Kratom has traditionally been used to treat various types of diseases especially in Thailand and Malaysia. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in its crude form are well documented.
Research shows that mitragynine, the major alkaloid compound found in young leaves of Mitragyna speciosa affects the norepinephrine and serotonin pathways in the brain. Contributing to its pain-relief qualities.[ix]
Studies also show that mitragynine significantly inhibits mRNA expression of COX-1 and COX-2, and the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Meaning Kratom “may be useful for the treatment of inflammatory conditions.”[x]
- Kratom is an anxiolytic and antidepressant. Kratom users often speak of Kratom’s ability to lift mood and tame anxiety soon after taking it. And researchers have confirmed its anti-anxiety and antidepressant qualities in several animal studies.
Researchers in Malaysia treated Sprague-Dawley rats with 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg of mitragynine or 10 mg/kg of the benzodiazepine diazepam 60 minutes before testing. The Kratom dosage was selected based on human equivalent doses from previous reports.
The study revealed that mitragynine produced anxiolytic effects similar to diazepam. Which was attributed to interactions among opioid, GABA and dopamine regions of the brain.[xi]
Another Malaysian study evaluated the antidepressant effect of mitragynine in mice. The mice received 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg of mitragynine.
The researchers said, “mitragynine exerts an antidepressant effect” in mice. And the effect appeared to be mediated by an interaction with the neuroendocrine HPA axis system.[xii]
Mitragynine is the main alkaloid in Kratom.
How things go bad
Seems just being human guarantees each of us will need to deal with anxiety, depression and pain at some point in our lives.
And if left unchecked can result in:
↑ Chronic inflammation
↑ Accelerated aging
↑ High blood pressure
↑ Increased pain
↑ Anxiety and/or depression
If you choose to be treated with prescription drugs, it could result in side effects like decreased alertness, brain fog, slower thinking, poor memory and possible decline in mood.
Kratom benefits
Neurohackers report using Kratom to alleviate chronic pain, as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety supplement, for energy at lower dosages, and for sleep at higher dosages.
Kratom has also helped thousands to withdraw from opiates. Because the compounds mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine bind to same opiate receptors as prescription pain meds. But without the danger of respiratory failure.
Christopher McCurdy at the University of Mississippi National Center for Natural Products Research used mouse models for Kratom research.
In one study, McCurdy’s team gave mice two doses of morphine daily for 5 days. Doubling it each day until the mice were addicted to morphine.
The control group then received naloxone which is used to reverse heroin overdose. And subsequently went through the physical symptoms of opiate withdrawal.
The other group of mice received freeze-dried Kratom tea daily for 5 days. The animals displayed a significant reduction in withdrawal side effects.
The scientists then repeated the test with extracts of pure mitragynine in place of Kratom tea. Which caused the residual withdrawal side effects of opiate withdrawal to vanish completely.[xiii]
How does Kratom feel?
You feel the affects of Kratom within 30 minutes of your first dose.
A 2017 Grundman survey of 10,000 Kratom users aged 31 – 50 years, the majority having used Kratom from 6 months to 5 years, reported the following benefits:
- increased energy
- decreased pain
- increased focus
- less depressed mood
- less anxious mood
- reduced or stopped use of opioid painkillers
- reduced PTSD symptoms
- elevated mood
99.35% of survey respondents answered “no” to the question asking if “medical or mental health care treatment was needed because of Kratom consumption?”
20.93% of respondents reported the only negative effects of using Kratom was nausea or constipation.[xiv]
The Pain News Network conducted a survey of over 6,400 Kratom users in 2017. Survey respondents reported the most common reason for using Kratom was pain management.
Followed by using Kratom for anxiety, opioid addiction or dependence, and depression. The majority reported that they didn’t think Kratom was harmful. And the majority said they could NOT get a high from using Kratom.[xv]
Kratom Clinical Research
Kratom helps control pain
Mu-opioid receptor agonists are the mainstays of pain management. But the therapeutic use of these drugs is associated with serious side effects, including potentially lethal respiratory depression.
So, there is an ongoing search for new opioid analgesics which are safer.
Kratom is an unusual class of opioid receptor modulator with a distinct mechanism of action.
Researchers found that mitragynine and the oxidized analogue 7-hydroxymitragynine found in Kratom, are partial agonists of the human mu-opioid receptor and competitive antagonists at the kappa- and delta-opioid receptors.
But mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are also G-protein-biased agonists of the mu-opioid receptor, which do not recruit β-arrestin following receptor activation.
Which means that Kratom provides the pain relief associated with prescription opioid medication. But without the potentially lethal side effect of respiratory depression.[xvi]
Kratom as an anti-depressant
Many neurohackers report that Kratom is effective in relieving their anxiety and depression.
And a 2018 study confirmed these findings in a systematic review of all studies on Kratom use and mental health published between January 1960 and July 2017.
Participants in these studies confirmed that Kratom enhanced their mood and reduced anxiety symptoms. The study authors noted that Kratom also has potential as an opioid substitute for people addicted to opioids.[xvii]
Kratom for withdrawal from opiate addiction
Surveys of regular Kratom users often report its primary use is to help people quit opiates and avoid withdrawal symptoms. And research in animals support what neurohackers report.
Researchers at Prince of Songkla University in Thailand investigated the effects of Kratom extract on morphine withdrawal in mice.
Male Swiss Albino mice were given morphine until they were dependent on it. The mice were then given injections of naloxone, an opioid agonist, to induce morphine withdrawal symptoms.
The mice were tested then given Mitragyna speciosa extract and tested again. The Kratom extract significantly reduced the severity of morphine withdrawal symptoms.
And the researchers concluded, “treatment with the M. speciosa alkaloid extract may be useful for opiate addiction treatment program.”[xviii]
Kratom Recommended Dosage
Dosage of Kratom is key when your goal are specific effects. Dose too low, and you’ll get no benefit. But dose too high and you’ll experience relatively harmless, but usually unpleasant side effects like diarrhea, the sweats, or even vomiting.
And Kratom has a short half-life, so you need to dose it several times a day to keep stable levels in your system.
Recommended dosage of Kratom is:
- Mild effects – 1 – 2 grams
- Moderate effects – 2 – 5 grams
- High effects – 6 – 15 grams
Note that potency can vary a lot between different strains of Kratom. And even which area Kratom is harvested. There is no ‘standardized’ dosage. Instead dosage is based on experience and user reports.
Typically, lower dosages are more stimulating and higher dosages more sedating.
But every Kratom strain has a general, optimal dose for its therapeutic value, and for its ‘feel-good’ effects. Anything above this ideal dosage can have unpleasant effects.
And most people find that Kratom works more effectively when consumed on an empty stomach. Taken with a meal could nullify or dramatically reduce its effects.
The traditional method of using Kratom in Southeast Asia was using fresh leaves, removing stems and veins, bundling the leaves, and chewing the leaves.
The “toss ‘n’ wash” method of dosing Kratom is chasing the powder with water. Not recommended.
Kratom tea is a common method of using it. Simmer powdered Kratom in water for 20 minutes and drink the tea. Easier to drink, but if you strain out the soggy Kratom powder before drinking, you’ll lose some of the valuable, medicinal value of the plant.
Adding lemon juice to your Kratom tea can increase the bioavailability of its alkaloid content.
You can also mix measured Kratom powder with yogurt, applesauce, juice, peanut butter or chocolate milk.
My preferred method is making capsules of Kratom powder. It’s convenient, eliminates the unpleasant taste, and provides the desired therapeutic benefit within 20 minutes of swallowing the capsules.
You can help avoid Kratom tolerance by supplementing with magnesium because this mineral is a NMDA receptor antagonist.[xix]
Kratom Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with Kratom use is nausea and constipation. But others may include muscle tremors, itching, sweating, dizziness, and dry mouth.
There have been unsubstantiated reports that Kratom could cause seizure and hallucinations in some people.
Abruptly stopping long-term Kratom use could result in withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, diarrhea and fever. Some neurohackers have reported feeling nervous, tense, angry or sad when stopping Kratom.[xx]
The American FDA has reported some deaths among Kratom users. But none have been substantiated. In fact, The New England Journal of Medicine did a systematic review of 15 kratom-related deaths.
And the researchers concluded none of the deaths were caused by Kratom. But that there is an “increased risk of adverse events” when Kratom is ingested with opioids or psychoactive drugs.[xxi]
Studies with animals show that Kratom even at dosages of 1,000 mg/kg daily for 14 days will not cause death.[xxii] But did produce severe liver damage and minor kidney damage. That’s the equivalent daily dosage of 72 grams in a 160 lb. (72 kg) human.
If you are dealing with liver or kidney problems, use caution when using Kratom. Particularly at higher dosages.
If you are pregnant or intend on becoming pregnant you should avoid using Kratom.
Those who have problems with addiction to alcohol and other drugs are at increased risk of abusing Kratom.
And Kratom may worsen existing mental disorders. So if you are dealing with clinical depression, suicidal thoughts or other neurological disorder, and especially if you are using anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication for these disorders, you should not use Kratom.
Types and where to buy Kratom
Kratom is sold as capsules, tablets, powder, concentrated extract, gum or raw leaves.
Leaf alkaloid content varies from plant to plant, and from strain to strain. The most popular strains for pain relief both red and green veined versions are:
- Bali
- Borneo
- Indo
- Maeng Da
Red vein versions of the above Kratom strains tend to be more reliable for pain relief. And the general consensus is that Maeng Da is most potent of all.
Most strains of Kratom can help depression and anxiety. But differences in strain can change the type of experience you’ll have.
In general, the following red and green strains will help lift mood at higher dosages. And lower dosages of the same strains may be somewhat stimulating.
- Bali
- Borneo
- Indo
You can also buy water-based extracts of Kratom. These extracts have more alkaloid content than regular Kratom. One option is adding some extract to regular Kratom to potentiate its pain-relieving effects.
Kratom resin extracts are made using a solvent to extract the alkaloids which is then left to dry. You get the full spectrum of effects of regular Kratom at much smaller dosages of resin.
Adulteration of Kratom is an ongoing problem and you must use caution when selecting your Kratom vendor. Because anything other than pure, dried Kratom leaves or a verified extract can cause severe side effects.
Researchers at the School of Pharmacy at the University of Massachusetts purchased several commercially available Kratom products for analysis. And found multiple Kratom products to have substantially higher concentrations (109–520%) of 7-hydroxymitragynine than those found in raw Kratom leaves.
The problem is that 7-hydroxymitragynine, a potent mu-opioid receptor agonist, is likely to be a major contributing factor to the addictive potential of Kratom.[xxiii]
Buying ready-made capsules of Kratom is not only more expensive, but riskier because unless you are buying from a fully vetted vendor, you can’t be sure what’s in the capsule.
I highly recommend avoiding capsules from the corner shop. And buying Kratom powder from a company you trust.
My personal recommendation is a company based in the USA, and one of the only companies I’m aware of who offer a 30-day money back guarantee on all their product – Organa Kratom.
Organa Kratom offers 20 different strains of organic Kratom, and tests all their product for purity, yeast and mold, bacteria, pesticides and heavy metals. And are members of the American Kratom Association.
You can check out the Organa Kratom line of products here: Organa Kratom.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Kratom 1 – 15 grams per day
I recommend using Kratom as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Kratom on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.
Kratom is especially helpful for those dealing with chronic pain, and fatigue.
Kratom is a powerful nootropic supplement. It may help you avoid or even get off opioids you’ve been on for years. With fewer withdrawal symptoms.
Kratom at lower dosages can provide a gentle stimulant effect. And at higher dosages can help you deal better with anxiety and depression.
Some find Kratom especially helpful for insomnia. And not needing to rely on problematic prescription sleep aids.
You can safely take up to 15 grams of Kratom daily if needed. But dosed 5 grams at a time and preferably before you eat.
You can help prevent tolerance by taking Kratom with magnesium because this mineral helps block receptors associated with tolerance.
I highly recommend choosing your Kratom vendor or supplier wisely. I’ve tried and recommend Organa Kratom and know their product is pure.[i] Singh D., Müller C.P., Vicknasingam B.K., Mansor S.M. “Social Functioning of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Users in Malaysia.” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 2015 Apr-Jun;47(2):125-31. (source)
[ii] Raffa R.B. “Kratom and Other Mitragynines” CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group 2015 ISBN: 13-978-1-4822-2519-8 (source)
[iii] Takayama H1, Ishikawa H, Kurihara M, Kitajima M, Aimi N, Ponglux D, Koyama F, Matsumoto K., Moriyama T., Yamamoto L.T., Watanabe K., Murayama T., Horie S. “Studies on the synthesis and opioid agonistic activities of mitragynine-related indole alkaloids: discovery of opioid agonists structurally different from other opioid ligands.” Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 2002 Apr 25;45(9):1949-56. (source)
[iv] Rosenbaum C.D., Carreiro S.P., Babu K.M. “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow…and Back Again? A Review of Herbal Marijuana Alternatives (K2, Spice), Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts), Kratom, Salvia divinorum, Methoxetamine, and Piperazines” Journal of Medical Toxicology 2012 Mar; 8(1): 15–32. (source)
[v] Stolt, A.-C., Schröder, H., Neurath, H., Grecksch, G., Höllt, V., Meyer, M.R., Maurer, H.H., Ziebolz, N., Havemann-Reinecke, U., Becker, A. “Behavioral and neurochemical characterization of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) extract” Psychopharmacology Volume 231, Issue 1, January 2014, Pages 13-25 (source)
[vi] Takayama H. “Chemistry and pharmacology of analgesic indole alkaloids from the rubiaceous plant, Mitragyna speciosa.” Chemical and Pharmological Bulletin (Tokyo). 2004 Aug;52(8):916-28. (source)
[vii] Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Drug Profile. European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (accessed on 03 August 2019) (source)
[viii] Harun N., Hassan, Z., Navaratnam, V. et al. “Discriminative stimulus properties of mitragynine (kratom) in rats” Psychopharmacology (2015) 232: 2227. (source)
[ix] Matsumoto K. et. al. “Central antinociceptive effects of mitragynine in mice: contribution of descending noradrenergic and serotonergic systems” European Journal of Pharmacology Volume 317, Issue 1, 12 December 1996, Pages 75-81 (source)
[x] Utar Z., et. al. “Mitragynine inhibits the COX-2 mRNA expression and prostaglandin E2 production induced by lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 macrophage cells” Journal of Ethnopharmacology Volume 136, Issue 1, 14 June 2011, Pages 75-82 (source)
[xi] Hazim A.I., Ramanathan, S., Parthasarathy, S. et. al. “Anxiolytic-like effects of mitragynine in the open-field and elevated plus-maze tests in rats” The Journal of Physiological Sciences (2014) 64: 161. (source)
[xii] Idayu N.F., et. al. “Antidepressant-like effect of mitragynine isolated from Mitragyna speciosa Korth in mice model of depression” Phytomedicine Volume 18, Issue 5, 15 March 2011, Pages 402-407 (source)
[xiii] Arnst J. “The science behind kratom’s strange leaves” American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology July 01 2017 (source)
[xiv] Grundmann O. “Patterns of Kratom use and health impact in the US-Results from an online survey.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2017 Jul 1;176:63-70 (source)
[xv] “Kratom Survey” Pain News Network (retrieved August 3, 2019) (source)
[xvi] Kruegel A.C., et. al. “Synthetic and Receptor Signaling Explorations of the Mitragyna Alkaloids: Mitragynine as an Atypical Molecular Framework for Opioid Receptor Modulators” Journal of the American Chemical Society 2016138216754-6764 (source)
[xvii] Swogger M.T., Walsh Z. “Kratom use and mental health: A systematic review” Drug and Alcohol Dependence Volume 183, 1 February 2018, Pages 134-140 (source)
[xviii] Cheaha D., Reakkamnuan C., Nukitram J., Chittrakarn S., Phukpattaranont P., Keawpradub N., Kumarnsit E. “Effects of alkaloid-rich extract from Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. on naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal symptoms and local field potential in the nucleus accumbens of mice.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2017 Aug 17;208:129-137. (source)
[xix] McCarthy R.J. et. al. “Antinociceptive Potentiation and Attenuation of Tolerance by Intrathecal Co-Infusion of Magnesium Sulfate and Morphine in Rats” Anesthesia & Analgesia April 1998 - Volume 86 - Issue 4 - p 830-836 (source)
[xx] Singh D., Müller C.P., Vicknasingam B.K. “Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) dependence, withdrawal symptoms and craving in regular users.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2014 Jun 1;139:132-7 (source)
[xxi] “Deaths in Colorado Attributed to Kratom” The New England Journal of Medicine January 3, 2019 (source)
[xxii] Kamal M.S.A., Ghazali A.R., Yahya N.A., Wasiman M.I., Ismail Z. “Acute toxicity study of standardized Mitragyna speciosa Korth aqueous extract in Sprague Dawley rats.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2010 Sep 15;131(2):404-9 (source)
[xxiii] Lydecker A.G,. Sharma A., McCurdy C.R., Avery B.A., Babu K.M., Boyer E.W. “Suspected Adulteration of Commercial Kratom Products with 7-Hydroxymitragynine” Journal of Medical Toxicology. 2016 Dec;12(4):341-349 (source)
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Hi, I started using Kratom very recently. I already feel nice relaxing mild euphoric effects from 1500mg Super Green Maeng Da. Online I read discussions about that Kratom might lower Acetycholine and even people experiencing memory loss from it. Is this indeed a risk with Kratom?
I am 44 years old, healthy, no memory loss, but I do detect that I was sharper in the mind years ago.
A neurotransmitter questionaire I did recently (Braverman) came to the conclusion that I am quite deficient in Acetylcholine. Therefore I recently started taking 2x 250mg AlphaGPC per day (9 am and 3 pm) and I have the idea that it is doing something, but I just started 2 weeks or so so need to continue to see.
The first thing I noticed is that I can maintain my arousal level during sex better. I understood that acetycholine is also very important for arousal. Sometimes my arousal level drops if for example we are experimenting or trying new stuff or I am distracted or whatever. This doesn’t help. But since I started the AlphaGPC this seems to be less of a problem.
Does this mean I was really very deficient on acetylcholine? Should I worry about getting Alzheimer when I am older? Is taking the AlphaGPC a good preventive measure for that? Any other supplements I should take?
Earlier this year I had some anxiety episodes and managed to resolve this by boosting Gaba and such, but now I found out about the acetylcholine I think that might be the cause. My Gaba, Serotonine and Dopamine scored sufficient in that Braverman test.
I am planning to use the Kratom only for recreational purposes about 2 times per week.
Jurgen, my research into Kratom and the neurotransmitters it effects are detailed above under the section “Overview”. And to my knowledge it does not affect acetylcholine.
Braverman’s questionnaires seem to be an effective way to check which neurotransmitters you may be low in. And if it acetylcholine you need either Alpha GPC OR CDP-Choline 2 – 3-times per day AND Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) which is a cofactor in the synthesis of acetylcholine. As well as thiamine (Vitamin B1).
Everyone needs to worry about Alzheimer’s as they get older. But that is more about aggregation of Amyloid-B proteins and tau tangles. More on how to avoid that in this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/
Hi, I’ve read your ALCAR article but I am bit confused on recommended dosing. Certainly after this: Longecity: A Case for Very Low Dose ALCAR?
Should I start with 500mg in morning together with my 250mg morning dose of AlphaGPC?
Are you sure the ALCAR will only do me good?
Jurgen, it depends on who you consider an authority I suppose. My recommended dosage for ALCAR is based on Clinical Studies and practical user experience.
The usual suggested dosage for ALCAR is 500 – 1,500 mg per day. If it is 1,500 mg that would be 500 mg 3-times per day. But it has been my experience that the last dose taken at 4 pm disturbs my sleep so I discontinued it.
Alpha GPC provides a choline molecule for the synthesis of acetylcholine. And ALCAR is a required cofactor in the synthesis of acetylcholine along with Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, and Vitamin B5.
The only way to judge if ALCAR works for you is to try it. I know of no other way to test it in someone’s system.
How am I supposed to choose from 20 different strains if I don’t know anything about them? They all look the same and the site does not describe how they are different. What is the most popular one to start out with, if you are looking to use it for pain and/or anxiety?
Chris, scroll back up to this section “Types and where to buy Kratom” where I tell you in general what different strains do.
As a general rule of thumb in my experience it’s Green Bali for pain relief and Red Bali for anxiety and depression. Organa Kratom also has more information about strains on their site.
Bottom line is you need to experiment on your own. Choose a couple of very different strains and start with low doses and see how it goes.
Hello mr. Tomen, are there any known contraindications between Kratom and blood pressure meds + betablocker? What if i lower the dose to say 1 gram just to be sure for this person of 80 yo of age?
Could you also recommend a technical/scientific med book on brain chemistry?
Thank you.
Dave, not that I am aware of. Kratom however does affect certain liver enzymes and if those enzymes are needed by certain meds, those meds may not work as well because Kratom is blocking that enzyme. I cannot give you specifics because there are several enzymes affected and specific meds affected.
The only thing I can suggest is doing a general search like this: “Kratom” AND “name of the specific med” and see if anything turns up in the search results.
Hi David,
Thank you for your website, I have been a better person since then and I owe everything to you. I would like to know a few things if it was possible
– When you say you take 9 grams of Kratom for Pain and your wife 12 grams, do you mean how many doses distributed throughout the day? or all at one time?
– Could you please give me a link of size “00” capsule maker from Amazon or another page? I already have the capsules, I am missing the machine “00” capsules.
– Should I take Bioperine every time I take Kratom to get results or is it optional and in which cases?
– When you talk about how to stop Kratom abruptly in the long term it could result in withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, etc. Do you mean a consumption of grams above the one you recommend (15 grams) or even with the recommended dose, could that happen? If so, would you please recommend an example of how you recommend leaving it?
Bob, the 9 grams and 12 grams are bit of an exaggeration because I mean 9 “00” capsules and they only hold about 800 mg. But yes, taken in one dose.
If you add BioPerine to it you can reduce your dose because I’ve found Piperine potentiates Kratom.
This is the “00” capsule machine I use: https://amzn.to/3mCmGs0. And can make 100 capsules in about 10 minutes. I have it to the point where I can make 600 capsules in about 45 minutes. It helps to buy “separated 00 capsules” (https://amzn.to/2Wm5jkM) otherwise you need to pull each capsule apart before loading the machine.
Kratom is powerful and needs to be respected. If you use it daily for a month you’ll go through withdrawal when you abruptly stop using it. The withdrawal symptoms subside within 2 – 4 days and are nothing like getting off of benzos or other drugs. But it does not feel pleasant. More like a medium case of the flu.
-Hi David, I bought the Kratom Form that you recommend but I’m confused because it comes without indications, could you please tell me how many capsules do you or your wife consume for anxiety or depression? (to at least have an idea)
Organa Kratom – Red Bali
-My liver enzymes are elevated, could I have liver damage from consuming the doses that you recommend of Red Bali Kratom Capsules?
-Do you think consuming Rhodiola Rosea and Pine Bark Extract is enough to improve my libido or would I need to consume more nootropics? (If I need more, recommend me one please)
Roman, it could be Kratom that is causing the elevated liver enzymes. Something to keep an eye on and reduce your dose if you need to.
Dosage for Kratom is difficult to recommend because it depends on how your system reacts to it. And if you have developed tolerance to smaller doses. My wife uses around 12 grams per day for depression. And when I use Green Bali for pain it’s usually around 9 grams.
The best nootropics for libido and sexual dysfunction include Maca, Ginseng, Saffron, and Ginkgo Biloba as well as Rhodiola Rosea and Pine Bark Extract for erections. You do need all of them but may need to experiment with different ones to figure out what works best for you.
Hi David, I would like to know if this is the Kratom Form that you recommend for Depression?
because there is a lot of variety on the page that you recommend and I’m confused: Organa Kratom – Red Bali
— I’m having a serious problem with Charlottes Web CBD Calm Gummies that you recommended in other comments,
I only take a single gummie before going to sleep and the next day I feel very dizzy and groggy, could it be because they contain THC as well or why this Happen?
— After supplementing with Tryptophan without results, I verified that serotonin was not the cause of my depression,
I wanted to know if it is still worth trying Lithium Orotate to relieve depression in my case?
— Finally I would like to know please, why did you not include the Lithium Orotate and the kratom in your list of things that you take?
Alan, that is the strain of kratom my wife using for depression. And has been using it for a couple of years successfully. So it is worth trying.
Not sure why Charlotte’s Web Calm gummie would have that long-term effect on you. It contains no THC as far as I know. Maybe you are reacting to the Lemon Balm that’s in those gummies. Either that or CBD is just not for you. I have the same experience but with anything containing THC.
Lithium Orotate is certainly worth trying. If neither of those are currently on my “What I take list” it’s because I forgot to add them. Sounds like I need to review that page more often than I do. Which is almost never. So, thanks.
Hey David,
What are some of the Best Nootropics for Mood Lifting, Motivation & Energy other than Kratom? I just have No Motivation to do anything anymore. I have tried things like Max Strength 5-hour energy drink but they don’t seem to do very much for me. I have Chronic Depression & Social Anxiety but I need something to help me with Motivation & Energy because I just feel Fatigued all the time. Thanks so much David. I really appreciate all your Knowledge & Wisdom. Thanks for helping.
Mark, the following articles address each one of the issues you mentioned. And it’s going to take some trial and error and likely a stack of supplements to get to where you want to be.
Motivation: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
Depression: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
Social Anxiety: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
Energy: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-energy-supplements-to-buy/
Which Nootropics, Herbs or Botanicals are Best for Mood Lift in your Opinion. I like Ginseng Complex, Passion Flower, Kava etc.
Marcus, it depends on your unique chemistry and what most needs support.
You’ll notice that each of these herbs effects certain neurotransmitters. So if you have issues with GABA then you choose things like Ashwagandha, Lemon Balm, Kava, etc. If it is dopamine then choose Ginseng, or Rhodiola Rosea.
Thanks David. You have been very helpful. You are very Knowledgeable. I know there isn’t anything out there that can replace Kratom or become an Alternative to Kratom but What Herb, Botanical or Nootropic would be the Closest to Kratom in terms of effects like for Mood Support? I have had Depression all of my Life & Kratom has really saved me from my Addictions to Pills.
Also How would I build up my Dopamine & Norepinephrine if I am low on those 2 Neurotransmitters? I take Prozac each day so I know I can’t take things like Ginkgo Biloba, 5-HTP, St. John’s Wort, Kanna because of Serotonin Syndrome.
Also What are the Best Kratom Potentiators in your Opinion in terms of making Kratom a little stronger & last longer?
Thank you so much David. I really appreciate all your Answers.
Marcus, the most direct way to increase dopamine and norepinephrine is by using L-Tyrosine which is a precursor to the synthesis of dopamine.
And I find that BioPerine helps potentiate Kratom.
Thanks so much David for all the Great Info. I really appreciate it.
Are there any Viable Kratom Alternatives or Replacements if Kratom gets banned throughout the entire US?
Marcus, there is no alternative to Kratom other than a prescription for opiates from your doctor.
It’s why we are constantly fighting with the FDA and local governments to leave Kratom alone. But in this country it is usually the one with the bigger checkbook (i.e. bribe) who wins. Speak to your congressman/woman and senator and tell them how important Kratom is to you.
I have emailed my Senators several times about how Kratom has saved my Life & how it should stay Legal & about how it could end the Opioid Crisis. I have Signed many Petitions trying to Keep Kratom Legal. Right now they are wanting to make Weed Legal because of all the Tax Money they would get for it. Money is #1 in this World. Sad to say.
Marcus, thank you for doing your part in keeping Kratom available. Your statement about money is all too true.
I have a friend who was prescribed diazepam for 10 years and only recently realised the addictive aspect. She tried to cut the dosage for years but was in a bad state and mis-guided by doctors. A psychiatrist recently told her to just get off it by reducing from 17 mg. to nothing by 1 mg a day. A drastic reduction, which she managed, with a few extra days at the end on 3 mg and then 1 mg. Now she’s off it for 5 days and has constant, panic, anxiety, insomnia, etc. I am suggesting she use Chamomile extract, magnesium, a theanine and lemon balm tab that also has niacin, multivitamins. She has an addictive personality, and the Valium was originally used to get off alcohol. Do you think that Kratom would be of any help? I have some 10x extract from a reliable US source.
Sally, Kratom may help some. But that was completely irresponsible behavior by that doctor and dangerous. I’m afraid he/she is not alone in giving that type of recommendation because most of these doctors have no idea how a drug like that works. And the deep changes it makes to brain function and chemistry.
Natural nootropics will help mitigate some of the withdrawal symptoms. But she has a long and unpleasant road ahead of her during recovery. Hopefully, Kratom will provide some relief.
Have you ever used Bali kratom powder?
Rebecca, I use Green Bali frequently to control pain. And it works great. My wife uses Red Bali for sleep.
Can you recommend a Kratom brand?
Alex, it’s under the “available forms” section above and they’re called Organa Kratom.
Hi David,
My daughter has had several knee surgeries and is struggling with pain. Most pain medicines have weakened in their effectiveness to relieve the pain. We have been told that her pain receptors are no longer working correctly because of the use of opioids after each of the surgeries.
Would Kratom be a good choice to try in this situation. You wrote that Kratom has compounds that bind to the same opiate receptors as prescription pain meds so I am wondering if it would still bring relief in this situation?
Thank you
Rhonda, the only way to find out is to try it. Kratom is much kinder to your system than the prescription alternative. And its use may give her receptors time to heal and be re-sensitized.
You’ll find that you may need to use a much larger dose compared to what you’re accustomed to. But that’s OK because you can’t overdose on pure, unadulterated Kratom. I highly recommend trying Kratom to see if it works for her.
Hello David,
I’ve learned so much from your videos! I am really thankful for your YouTube channel. I’ve been taking a 3 different premade stacks for the last year.
1. Tianeptine, Combretum quadrangulare leaf, Kava.
2. Tianeptine, Combretum quadrangulare leaf, Alpha GPC, CDP Choline.
3,Tianeptine, Phenibut, Kava.
I am very pleased with these but the state I live in is looking to make Tianeptine a schedule 2.
I am searching for something to take its place. Withdrawal is evident in its absence. They have already banned kratom. Tianeptin is addictive. From my research that is the only negative associated with this compound. These sups have helped me so much. Tia is really good for my bulge disc pain. I’m in a tight spot here and rather not be forced to opiates, narcotics or methadone. Do you have any ideas that might could help? Thank you so much for your help and work.
Brock, Big Pharma is doing everything they can to get Kratom banned in as many places as they can. So they can keep making billions selling opiates. Even after losing court case after court case and paying ridiculous amounts to families who have lost family members to opiate overdose. It really does amaze me how corrupt our medical system is in this country.
Kratom is the only viable alternative to Tianeptine. Because it’s safe and non-addictive. Tianeptine is a prescription drug in many other countries as well. Kratom is not.
Only other thing that may help you Brock is CBD Oil. Or drive across state-lines and get yourself some Kratom if they won’t ship it.
I am sorry to say that kratom is very addictive…
I quitted 10 years of addiction to alcohol but quitting 1 year of kratom was a way worst… I still find kratom amazing but it is really addictive.
Dominic, that’s why I included in the Side Effects section of this review, “Those who have problems with addiction to alcohol and other drugs are at increased risk of abusing Kratom.”
It’s not a problem for the majority of people. And cannot make an addict out of someone who isn’t already an addict or has addiction tendencies.
Hi David,
Thank you for your website and your books, all have been very helpful over the past couple of years. I’ve been taking 2.5 grams of kratom 3 x’s a day for about 9 months. My liver enzymes are off slightly so I’m trying to normalize them. Do you think I need to adjust my dose, or even be using it. If so, and I already checked into black seed oil, what would you reccomend? I would really like to keep using it, it’s helped me so much with chronic pain and inflammation. Thank you
for all you do! Cathy
Cathy, I use Kratom for pain as well and haven’t had a problem with liver enzymes which are checked regularly. But each of us is different so you’re likely onto something here. The easiest way to restore and maintain liver health is to start with Milk Thistle extract. And I recommend and use this one: https://amzn.to/2PwnBc0.
Hi David,
I’ve taken your advice, thank you. Now that I’ve stopped taking it, which
to me seemed like a low or medium dose, using different mixes of white, green, sometimes red, I’m wondering how long it stays in your system. I’m using the milk thistle you had recommended, thank you.
Thank you so much,
Cathy
Cathy, Kratom does not stay in your system. The half-life of Kratom seems to be about a day: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425236/. So once you stop using it you should be clear in a couple of days.
Play a different kratom strain every day like one day and another day take another kratom strain at a lower dose. In this way, you can get the desired benefits at low doses without developing tolerance and addiction.
In 6 years of daily use I’ve never noticed any difference at all between taking kratom on an empty stomach and with food. None.
Roinkles, most people find that Kratom works more effectively when consumed on an empty stomach. But “most” is not all of us. Thanks for sharing your experience with Kratom.
Hi David, can you please recommend the best nootropics for assisting with relief from opiate withdrawal please? O know Kratom is one of them but I am curious if there are more that you are aware of that can help?
Many thanks
Katie, check out Black Seed Oil for opiate withdrawal. Read this entire review including the research section: https://nootropicsexpert.com/black-seed-oil/
Thank You for your excellent work on nootropics. I am enjoying learning from everything you have shared. I’m another person who can safely say that Kratom saved me. For years I suffered from chronic lower back pain. Opioid medications were awful and as the efficacy declined I searched for an alternative instead of upping the dosage and dealing with the side effects of the opioids. Kratom weaned me off the opioids and has served as an effective pain reliever. Happy to say I’ve been opioid free for over a year now.
Kratom does have a learning curve. One side effect you don’t mention is the dreaded “eye wobbles”. Ask any Kratom user and you will hear about it. It’s a very odd headache that comes from overconsumption. It almost feels like your eyeballs are wobbling and it makes tasks like reading difficult. Definitely disorienting and unpleasant. With Kratom often less is more.
While the taste is awful at first, it does improve as you get used to it. I actually even enjoy the taste of a good red these days. It has an earthy pleasing taste when mixed with the proper beverage. I will say however that mixing with anything acidic is completely the wrong idea. It magnifies the unpleasant flavors. Instead I’ve become quite fond of mixing the powder with Acai juice. I can put several grams in a bottle, shake it up and down the thick mixture without trouble. Something about the sweetness and consistency of the Acai works well with the earthy notes of the Kratom. If you are having issues choking down your Kratom I suggest you give that a try. Acai is’t always easy to find, but the best is the pure Acai juice. I prefer the Sambazon brand.
Other than that you will need to experiment to find out which ones work best. For me I prefer a nice white during the day, in the afternoon I switch over to a red when my back starts to bother me, and I usually avoid greens because they tend to give me the wobbles more often than reds or whites. YMMV of course. One more thing, when first getting into Kratom start small on the does and don’t order too much. The powder doesn’t have a very long shelf life. Past a few months and it seems to go downhill and change for the worse. Storing it in the freezer seems to kinda help, but honestly I’m not sure it makes all that much difference. Find a good vendor and a few strains that work for you and remember to rotate. Sticking with just one strain will burn you out, getting a good rotation going with perhaps 5-6 effective strains seems to give me the best results. Good Luck!
David, I used kratom to try and wean myself off prescription pain meds. I stopped the medication completely and started taking kratom instead. I had absolutely no withdrawal effects. The bad news is this; after about two months, I was taking about three tablespoons of kratom a day! I would mix a tablespoon with a pint of orange juice which I drank as fast as I could, the taste was hideous… this was just to keep from HAVING withdrawal symptoms which apparently were just placed on hold. I tried initially to use it to wean myself off of the meds, but it was very difficult. I had been on the meds for years due to a spine injury.
Finally, I just couldn’t stand drinking the stuff, and had heard that the withdrawal from kratom wasn’t all that bad so I just stopped. Not a great idea. It was one of the worst things I have ever experienced.
Just a word to the wise; kratom is serious medicine. It is not a toy. It makes an excellent servant, but a miserable master as is true of any mind altering substance.
Once again, thanks for all you do, your website is a very valuable asset for those who choose to take their health in their own hands.
Eric, wise words that Kratom is an amazing nootropic supplement when used wisely. It’s not to be played with.
And BTW, it’s easy to learn to make your own capsules. You can get a size “00” capsule maker from Amazon for $12 – 20. And ‘separated’ “00” capsules. Once you get the hang of it, you can make 100 capsules in about 10 minutes. No more bad taste.
As you mentioned in your article, unknown sources may have less than pure products. I had no idea where the powdered Kratom that I purchased came from or who had handled it on it’s way to me. I bought it from a vendor who sold pipes and other marijuana paraphernalia. It was labeled Bali, and worked very well. It was something that I had never heard of, until I saw an article in the local arts and entertainment magazine. The reported use as an aid to opiate withdrawal and pain mitigation was what caught my attention, and the information that the DEA was considering placing it at the Schedule 1 class of substances and the state I live in was inclined to ban it as well caused me to act quicker than I might have otherwise. There was some anecdotal evidence that it was safe so I went ahead and gave it a try. It was less expensive than my prescription, and worked as well or better.
I HAD A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT IN 2000 . I AM LIVING IN SO MUCH PAIN I WANT TO END THIS CRAZINESS. WHAT DO YOU FEEL ON KRATOM?
THANKS SO VERY MUCH CATHERINE MAGEE
Catherine, Kratom has been shown to help relieve chronic pain. You just need to choose the right strain.