Kratom tea is a popular way to ingest the herb. Traditionally, the leaves were chewed in Southeast Asia and brewed into teas to increase work efficiency and reduce fatigue for manual laborers. More recently, kratom supplements have been used for pain relief and as an opioid substitute in place of opium. It has also been used for a variety of other conditions including anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD), and bipolar disorder. It is also reported to provide increased energy, improved mood and an altered state of consciousness.
The FDA has not approved kratom for medical treatment, and researchers have emphasized that self-reporting surveys are not reliable enough to establish a substantiated benefit or risk from the herbal supplement. However, the agency has warned that kratom is not without side effects, and some people experience a high-level euphoria when taking it. This is similar to the effects experienced by some users of a synthetic stimulant called methamphetamine. It is estimated that there are over 30 states with pending legislation related to the use of kratom, and six have banned it outright.
Some of the pharmacological properties of kratom tea are attributed to its alkaloids and other chemicals that are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and act on the central nervous system. Mitragynine is one of these chemicals that produces the invigorating effects of kratom and stimulates the endocrine system to release hormones. These stimulating effects may result in a slight loss of coordination and tremors of the extremities or face, but they are typically mild. The sedative and analgesic effects of kratom are caused by other chemicals that interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to slow down the flow of serotonin and adenoceptors to inhibit pain signals.
Many different strains of kratom exist, and each has its own unique set of effects. Each strain has a unique chemical composition that affects its intoxicating or energizing properties, and the amount of alkaloids that are absorbed by the body is dependent on the type of ingestion method used. For example, red vein kratom is known to provide a calming effect, while green or white vein kratom provides a focussed energy boost.
In order to maximize the effects of kratom tea, it is important to prepare the tea correctly. Using the correct water temperature and adding lemon juice or other acid can help pull out more of the plant’s beneficial alkaloids. Adding sugar or another sweetener is also important to balance the bitter taste of kratom tea. Stirring the mixture regularly while it is simmering can ensure that all of the kratom is dissolved and equilibrated in the liquid.
The most common kratom brew is the kopimula tea, which is prepared by measuring out a dose of crushed kratom leaves or powder and placing it in a pot of boiling water. After a few minutes, the leaves will begin to steep and release their medicinal compounds into the water. Then, the tea can be strained and consumed.