Kratom

Kratom: A Summary of an American Herbalist Guild Intensive Webinar Series

By Bob Linde

Kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen from the family as coffee. It can be grown in southern Florida and thrives in partial sun, well drained soils op pots and temperatures above 80 degrees F. It is used as an opium substitute to wean from opioid drugs and mitigate symptoms of withdrawal. Pharmacodynamics include stimulant in lower doses, analgesic, anxiolytic, and sedative in higher doses. It can provide a sense of well being and increased energy . It also suppresses appetite and diarrhea. Its mode of action may be mu and kappa opioid receptors.

Kratom can ingested as a tea with powder, an apple cider vinegar tincture {1 part fresh leaves: 5 parts vinegar) ratio or by chewing fresh leaves (1/4 of a leaf the size of a hand. When used in powered form dosing can be:

      2-5 grams daily for mild stimulation

      3-8 grams daily for moderate pain and anxiety

      6-12 up to 20 grams daily for strong sedation

Kratom has a bitter taste due to the alkaloids it contains. Bitter herbs stimulate digestive hydrochloric acid and other digestive enzymes.  Do not take on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of nausea. It can be addicting in as little as 2 weeks.  It is best to take breaks from regular use.  The energetic are drying and slightly cooling. As a stimulant it tends to deplete the body’s resources. Therefore it should be used on dry, thin, weak emaciated people.  It may be beneficial to pair with moistening and nourishing herbs such as Milky Oats { 1 part to 5 parts water apple cider mixture using 20-50 grams. Hibiscus, Marshmallow and astragulus  can be added to the decoction. Sip all day or ¼ cup every hour.  

Kratom leaves have three colors

  1. White are said to be stimulating
  2. Red are said to be best for pain and withdrawal
  3. Green are said to be somewhere in the middle and easier on digestion

It may be better to start with green and then experiment to find a preference.

It is helpful to view all herbs as a temporary crutch to be used with changes in un-healthy habits such as: sleep that is not restful and restorative, poor stress management, sedentary life style, standard American diet (inflammatory and nutrient deficient) and solitude contributing to loneliness. These can be called the “ Five S’s of poor health.

James Brent DDS

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