Using Kratom to Self-treat Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
Dealing with depression and anxiety can be difficult when there are no good options for relief. In today’s world, severe mental health problems such as these are either ignored or treated with pharmaceutical drugs. Many people have ditched the pharmaceutical drugs and turned to a more natural alternative to help with their anxiety and depression: Kratom.
Kratom has become very popular throughout the years and today is used more commonly to help reduce stress, relieve chronic pain, increase energy and focus, and help with anxiety and depression. It is very beneficial when used correctly and in moderation.
Kratom Krush has a great article that explains how to best use kratom for anxiety and which strains work best as anti-anxiety and antidepressants.
What is kratom and what does it do?
Kratom is a plant that is native to Southern Asian countries and grows as a tropical tree. It is closely related to the coffee and gardenia plant families and has been used for its medicinal properties. Many of the southeastern cultures that are familiar with it have been using it for many years to treat minor pains such as coughs, diarrhea, intestinal infections, and to heal wounds.
Kratom is mainly composed of an alkaloid compound known as Mitragynine that is effective at producing feelings of sedation, pleasure and decreasing pain. It does so by triggering the nerves in the brain like an opioid. Kratom is not an opioid, but like any other drug, it can become addicting if misused or abused.
It is believed that the reason kratom works as an antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and mood enhancer is because it has similar effects to those of opioids. For this reason, it is used by many as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs.
Since there is very little research done on kratom, most of the effects can only be claimed by the users. Some of the effects that users claim include:
- improves mood
- relieves anxiety
- relieves chronic pain
- relieves muscle pain
- increases sociability
- energy boost
- increases alertness and focus
What are some of the ways to self-medicate?
There are many ways kratom can be used; from teas to extracts, the plant has been able to be used to alleviate many pains from physical aches to mental anxieties. The most common ways it can be found is in the form of a powder. Click here to know where to buy kratom powder. Online shops like Kratom Krush sell it to buy the strain.
The typical method of use for kratom is in the form of a tea. As mentioned before, kratom can be purchased in the form of a powder of crushed leaves or, if you can get your hands on some, raw leaves. Either product allows for it to be brewed.
In my opinion, the powder is the best way to go. It allows for kratom to be added to many things without too much change in the texture. For example, kratom powder can be used to cook with, and can be added to recipes such as in brownies, sauces, juices, milkshakes and smoothies.
Many people prefer to add kratom to food versus drinking it in a hot cup of tea or an ice-cold cup of water. The reason being that kratom has a strong taste of earthy greens. The closest flavor to compare it to would be matcha.
Adding kratom to shakes is the best way to hide the taste. Although it is not bad in flavor, it has a similar earthy taste to matcha so it is mostly bitter. Kratom can be added to any meal, but goes best with yogurt, oatmeal, or fruit.
Other ways kratom can be used is in the form of pills, capsules, liquids, or extracts. These are not as commonly used in the United States because of the rarity of the plant itself.
Which strains work best for anxiety and depression?
Like many plants, there are several strains of kratom that are used specifically for fighting against anxiety and depression. Here we will list the most common ones that you can buy today.
1) Red Bali Kratom
One of the many strains that are known for anxiety relief and relaxation. The red strains of kratom tend to cause effects of sleepiness and are therefore better left for use in the nights.
2) Green Malay Kratom
The better known strain for enhancing the mind and the mood. This particular strand is best used to be productive during the day
3) White Thai Kratom
One of the better options for dealing with depression. This strand is well-known for being the most energizing of the strains.
4) Gold Bali Kratom
Is the most potent anti-anxiety kratom strain at the moment. It is similar to the green strains, in that it enhances productivity.
5) Red Maeng Da
The most famous and potent strains available. It is full of the alkaloids necessary to work as a strong anti-anxiety and analgesic.
This is just a brief overview of the strands, but if you’d like to read more, Kratom Krush has a more extensive list of strands available to relieve anxiety and depression.