Kratom tea has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia, but it’s only recently become popular in other parts of the world. This brew comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is related to coffee plants. People often use kratom tea because of how it affects their body and mind. Let’s look at how kratom tea works and why scientists find it interesting.
Key Takeaways
- Kratom tea is made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree and contains alkaloids that interact with the body’s opioid receptors.
- The effects of kratom tea can be different depending on how much you drink – a little can make you feel energetic, while more can make you feel relaxed.
- Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the main alkaloids that cause kratom’s effects.
- Some people say kratom helps with pain and mood, but it’s not approved by the FDA and might have risks.
- Scientists are still studying kratom to learn more about how it could be used and what effects it might have long-term.
What Is Kratom Tea?
Kratom tea is made by soaking dried kratom leaves in hot water. The leaves have special compounds called alkaloids that make the tea work. The two main alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These substances interact with your body to produce different effects, depending on how much you drink. The amount of alkaloids can change based on things like the type of kratom, how it’s grown, and when it’s picked.
When making kratom tea, it’s important to use the right amount of leaves and water temperature. Some people add lemon juice to help get more of the active compounds out. The tea can taste bitter, so many people add honey to make it taste better. How you make the tea is important because it affects how strong it is and how it will make you feel.
How Kratom Tea Affects Your Body
When you drink kratom tea, the alkaloids go into your blood and travel to your brain and other parts of your body. These compounds then interact with different receptors in your cells, especially opioid receptors. This interaction is what causes the effects that kratom tea is known for. The alkaloids also interact with other systems in your brain that control mood and thinking.
Interestingly, the effects of kratom tea can be different depending on how much you drink. A little bit can make you feel more awake and energetic. More can make you feel relaxed and might help with pain. This is why kratom tea is different from other substances – it can have different effects based on how much you take.
The Science of Kratom’s Alkaloids
Mitragynine, the main alkaloid in kratom, is very interesting to scientists. It works on the opioid receptors in your brain, but not as strongly as other opioids. This is why kratom might help with pain without causing as many breathing problems as stronger opioids. Scientists have also found that mitragynine affects other parts of the brain that control mood and energy.
The other important alkaloid, 7-hydroxymitragynine, is present in smaller amounts but is more powerful. It also works on opioid receptors and might help with pain relief. Scientists are still studying how these alkaloids work together and affect the body. Some studies suggest that the combination of alkaloids in kratom might work better and have fewer side effects than using just one compound.
Potential Benefits and Risks
Many people say they use kratom tea for pain, mood, and to help with opioid withdrawal. However, kratom is not approved for medical use by the FDA, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects and risks. Some people say it helps them focus better, while others find it helps with long-lasting pain or worry.
Some risks of using kratom include feeling sick, having trouble going to the bathroom, and possibly becoming dependent on it if used for a long time. It’s also important to know that kratom can interact with other medicines, so it’s crucial to talk to a doctor before trying it. There are worries about how it might affect the liver if used for a long time, especially in high doses. Also, because kratom products aren’t standardised, their strength can vary a lot, which could increase the risk of bad effects.
Preparing Kratom Tea Safely
If you’re thinking about trying kratom tea, it’s important to do it safely. Start with a small amount and see how your body reacts. Here’s a simple guide to making kratom tea:
- Measure a small amount of kratom powder (1-2 grams for beginners).
- Boil water and let it cool a bit (around 190°F is good).
- Put the kratom powder in a cup or teapot.
- Pour the hot water over the powder and stir well.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, stirring sometimes.
- Strain the tea to remove any plant bits.
- Add honey or lemon if you want to improve the taste.
Remember, kratom can affect different people in different ways, so it’s important to start with a little and go slowly. Always buy kratom from trustworthy sources that test their products to make sure they’re safe and good quality. It’s also important to check if kratom is legal where you live, as the rules can be different in different places.
The Future of Kratom Research
Scientists are still studying kratom to better understand how it works in the body and how it might be used. Some researchers are looking into whether compounds from kratom could be made into new medicines for pain or addiction. However, a lot more research is needed before we can say anything for sure. Current studies are looking at how kratom’s alkaloids work at a molecular level, how they interact with different parts of the brain, and if they could be used to make new pain medicines with fewer side effects than current ones.
As more people become interested in kratom, there’s a growing need for more studies on its long-term effects and safety. Researchers are also trying to find ways to make sure kratom products are consistent in quality and strength. This includes developing better ways to measure the amount of alkaloids and setting guidelines for safe production and use. There’s also interest in understanding how growing and selling kratom affects the environment and communities where it comes from.
Conclusion
Kratom tea is an interesting substance that interacts with our bodies in unique ways. While many people find it helpful, it’s important to be careful when using it. As with anything that affects your body, it’s crucial to be well-informed and talk to healthcare professionals before trying kratom tea. The ongoing research into kratom shows that we need to consider both the potential benefits and risks of using it.
If you’re interested in learning more about kratom products, including kratom shots, which are easier to use than brewing tea, you can look at reputable sellers like Amazing Botanicals. Always put your health and safety first, and stay informed about the latest research and rules about kratom use. As we learn more about kratom, it’s important to keep an open mind to new information and adjust how we use it, always remembering to use it responsibly and take care of ourselves.
