How Kratom Herbs Can Aid In Reducing Anxiety

It’s nearly unbelievable that kratom was largely unknown a few decades ago. Today, this herb enjoys raging popularity thanks to its immense therapeutic properties. 

Although widely consumed for its analgesic effects, kratom has also demonstrated a tremendous ability to relieve stress and anxiety. 

This blog shall examine how kratom may aid in reducing anxiety. But first, let’s step back and acquaint ourselves with the herb. 

What Is Kratom?

Mitragyna speciosa, more commonly known as kratom, is a tropical tree from Southeast Asia that’s widely extolled for its perceived medicinal properties. The plant comes in a variety of strains. 

Most kratom strains are binomial. The first part of their monikers is typically derived from the plant’s leaf vein pigmentation, while the second portion is based on their specific origin within Southeast Asia. For instance, white Thai is a white-veined kratom cultivar from Thailand, while red Borneo is a red-veined strain from Borneo Island. 

Additionally, certain kratom strains derive the second portion of their names from the shape of their leaves. A noteworthy mention is a green horn, one of kratom’s most iconic strains. 

Green horn stands out for its remarkably uplifting effects. The word “horn” in the name connotes the plant’s spiky leaves. 

While most white vein kratom strains are invigorating and red veins tranquilizing, green horn provides the best of both worlds. Extracts from this cultivar may calm you down without triggering significant adverse effects. That makes it a top recommendation for anxiety management. 

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How Might Kratom Treat Anxiety?

Kratom is rich in powerful alkaloids that account for most of its medicinal properties. While certain strains may contain upwards of 40 alkaloids, the two most prevalent ones are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These compounds exert their therapeutic benefits by impacting opioid receptors. 

Opioid receptors are probably best known for their role in pain mediation. However, they also play a pivotal role in regulating feelings of stress and anxiety. 

One mice study uncovered close interactions between the delta opioid receptor agonist KNT-127 and improved anxiety symptoms. The experiment established that KNT-127 mediated nervousness by acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. 

Moreover, the drug suppressed the transmission of stress signals from the prelimbic cortex to the basolateral amygdala. Since kratom is an opioid agonist, researchers concluded that the herb may equally attenuate anxiety via its mechanism on the opioid receptors. 

There are plenty of corroborative studies on kratom’s potential anxiolytic properties. 

For instance, one piece of research found that after administering kratom for a few minutes, most of the study participants exhibited reduced hyperarousal and enhanced sociability. 

Additional findings indicate that kratom may increase dopamine and serotonin signaling. Dopamine is the primary pleasure hormone, while serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in transmitting stress signals across the body. 

Multiple studies have observed high levels of dopamine and serotonin among happy individuals. The latter chemical is so effective against anxiety that there’s a class of antidepressants aptly named selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Therefore, kratom’s ability to ramp up serotonin signaling speaks to its potent anxiolytic properties. 

What’s The Best Way to Use Kratom for Anxiety?

Finding the best way to use kratom for anxiety involves understanding the appropriate dosage, strain, and form that suits your needs. By choosing the right approach, you can maximize kratom's calming effects and safely incorporate it into your anxiety management routine.

1. Choose the Right Formulation

Mitragyna speciosa comes in multiple formulations. The trick is to pick a preparation that corresponds with your intended delivery method. 

For instance, you can find kratom in numerous edibles, from capsules and powders to gummies, chocolates, and herbal tea. The herb is also an active ingredient in certain e-juices, aromatherapy oils, and beauty products. 

To unlock kratom’s antianxiety effects, insist on delivery methods known to promote relaxation. For instance, chewing has been shown to soothe nervousness. So, kratom gummies might be more effective against anxiety than, say, kratom-infused e-liquids. 

2. Pick Your Strains

Remember what hinted about different kratom strains having distinctive effects? Well, it’s imperative to keep that in mind while searching for kratom supplements for anxiety. 

Red vein strains are generally more relaxing than their white vein counterparts. 

However, if you’re new to kratom and are wary of its often-polarizing effects, you could opt for green vein cultivars like green horn. Green vein kratom produces balanced effects, allowing you to combat anxiety without triggering sedation or mental fuzz.

3. Mind Your Doses

Kratom’s effects aren’t only strain-dependent. They also vary by the serving portions consumed. The herb is generally stimulating at low doses but soothing at high doses. 

But that begs the question - what constitutes low and high kratom dosage? 

While the answer may vary slightly depending on who you ask, the following is a basic guideline to go on;

• Microdose: <1 gram/day
• Low dosage: 1 - 3 grams/day
• Medium dosage: 3 - 5 grams/day
• High dosage: 5 - 10 grams/day
• Overdose: >10 grams/day

If you’re taking kratom for anxiety for the first time, it’s best to start from the lower range and build momentum gradually. And once you find your sweet spot, stick to it to avoid developing a dangerous tolerance for the herb. 

Exceeding your normal dosage can trigger adverse effects and eventually lead to addiction.

Wrap Up

While research on kratom’s anxiolytic properties is a work in progress, available evidence lends credence to the herb’s perceived efficacy against anxiety. Kratom treats anxiety by combatting its most worrisome symptoms, including irritability and mood swings. 

To make the most of kratom for anxiety, insist on relaxing strains. Besides, administer the herb moderately to guard against potential adverse effects.