Kratom belongs to the coffee family, a tropical evergreen plant grown in Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and other Southeast Asian countries. The leave of the plant has sedative property and are used in traditional medicine to treat chronic pain and digestive disorder and to soothe the withdrawal effect of opium.
Though this plant has been used for medical purposes, there is not enough scientific evidence to assess its properties. The use of Kratom in the US is permitted but countries like Thailand. Australia, Malaysia, and several EU nations imposed a ban on Kratom.
Stimulant and sedative
At low quantities, it acts like a stimulant, enhancing the alertness, energy level, and social interaction of the user. As the consumption increases, its effect is sedative giving a euphoric feeling and blunting the perception and emotions of the user. The main compositions of Kratom are 7-hydroxy mitragynine and alkaloids mitragynine, both having analgesic, muscle relaxing, and anti-inflammatory attributes. For these inherent properties, Kratom is used to treat fibromyalgia which is a long-term health issue with symptoms of lethargy, cognitive and sleep disturbance, soreness, and musculoskeletal pain.
Micro to heavy
The quantity of Kratom consumption depends on the psychology and physiology of the user. Broadly, Kratom dosage varies from two to twelve grams. Micro dosage consists of two grams, low dosage between 2 to 6 grams, high dosage 6 to 8 grams, and heavy dosage anything above 8 grams. The quantity of the dosage depends upon the desired effect of the user, but a heavy dose is a potential health hazard. The optimum dose depends on numerous parameters such as body weight, preferred effect, and tolerance of Kratom substance. Other factors are the type of strain of Kratom, metabolic rate, and eating habits of the consumer.
Different parameters
To derive the perfect dose of Kratom BMI of the person is a decisive factor. A high dose is a potential threat, but when taken according to the height and weight specifications, the ill effect is somewhat negated. At the first stage, a microdose is suggested. If tolerant, then it can be gradually increased. If the weight of the person is 45 kg safe threshold is2.5 to 4 grams; for 54 kg, 3 to 5 grams; for 64 kg, 3.5 to 5.5 grams; for 73 kg, 4 to 5.5 grams; for 82kg, 4.5 to 6.5 gram, for 91 kg 5 to 8 gram, and for 100kg 5.5 to 9 gram.
If a person consumes Kratom regularly, he/she builds a tolerance towards the substance and requires more Kratom dosage than before. At the initial stage higher dosage gives desired effect, but as the tolerance also increases, it is consequent to heavy dosage. That leads to substance abuse and other health conditions.