Many people might still not be familiar with Kratom. Some might already have heard about it but still don’t know what it is. So, what is Kratom exactly? Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.  
Kratoms have an active ingredient called mitragynine, mainly found on its leaves. Mitragynine can produce an energizing effect when consumed at a lower dose. Meanwhile, it can also be an effective sedative if given at a higher dose.  
Many Asian countries have been using Kratom for centuries because of its benefits, especially for their mental health. Below are the said benefits so that you can better understand what is Kratom used for.  

Effectively Boost Your Mood 

Kratom provides many mood-enhancing properties. Other studies have also reported that Kratom has appetite-suppressant and antidepressant properties. One animal study discovered that Kratom reduces corticosterone levels in mice. Remember that a high level of corticosterone is linked to depression.  
Meanwhile, another study conducted on rats observed that Kratom suppressed hunger in rats by suppressing the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is the region of the brain that is responsible for appetite and cravings.  

Improves focus 

We have already established that Kratom leaves have sedative properties, and you may be wondering how they may help you stay focused. When you consume Kratom, it releases acetylcholine, which is the chemical that will help you stay focused.  
Acetylcholine is a chief neurotransmitter that helps enhance focus, relieve pain, muscle contraction, and endocrine system modulation. It also boosts focus and memory by enhancing the ability of the cortical circuits to respond to sensory stimuli.  
Consuming Kratom is one of the most effective techniques to boost one’s concentration at work or school. 
If you want to boost focus and concentration, you must take a small dose of Kratom. It is crucial to keep track of the amount you are consuming and always remember that various doses will have different effects.  

Cognition Enhancement 

The active alkaloids in Kratom, particularly mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, are responsible for its cognitive-enhancing properties. These alkaloids, also known as opioid agonists, function like opioids and provide improved moods and cognition. 
According to studies, Kratom stimulates the brain, increasing users’ energy, focus, and productivity. This is a kratom strain-specific characteristic. 
Depending on the quantity, this kratom strain is high in nootropic qualities that stimulate productivity and improve mood. In comparison to other strains, Maeng Da possesses an abundance of flavonoids and alkaloids.  
Maeng Da, in higher quantities, can have a sedative effect. As a result, novices should stick to 1 to 3 grams of this strain. 
Mitragynine is an important alkaloid that works in the brain to imitate the effects of opioids. While different kratom strains exist, not all of them improve cognitive function. Some are particularly effective at reducing anxiety and pain.  
Different kratom strains, such as the white Indo strain, contain significant levels of 7-hydroxy mitragynine, which boosts mental performance. 

Alleviate Anxiety 

One of the most promising benefits of Kratom is its ability to help alleviate anxiety. A study has shown that Kratom’s main effects were lowering hyperarousal, stopping rumination, reducing job anxiety, and improving sociability. A minor amount of euphoria was noticed along with a reduced depressive mood. 
A minor amount of euphoria was noticed along with a reduced depressive mood. All of these factors allowed the subject to continue working daily.  
Kratom also effectively prevented vertigo attacks, tinnitus, and sudden hearing loss. There were no additional occurrences of tinnitus or sudden hearing loss after starting Kratom usage. 
Overall, the subject saw Kratom use as a highly effective means of managing his significant depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and Morbus Menière symptoms. 

It Helps With Addiction 

According to some reports, Kratom is an effective treatment for opioid addiction. Kratom has opioid-like effects. However, it is only a partial opioid agonist, unlike opioid medications.  
The main reason why professionals recommend Kratom leaves for addiction treatment is that they produce a comparable sensation to opioid medicines without the side effects. It interacts with opiate receptors but does not cause long-term addiction.  
Your body’s appetite for Kratom will always be normal, even after long periods of consumption. The leaves can also aid with symptoms of opioid withdrawal, including nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, anxiety, and mood changes. And because Kratom is an all-natural herb, it has fewer and gentler side effects. 
In addition to lessening opioid withdrawal symptoms amongst patients, a study also concluded that it could also help with morphine and ethanol withdrawal symptoms. For example, during the study conducted,  
Mitragyna Speciosa extract and kratom alkaloids reduce alcohol intake in mice by acting on the delta-opioid receptor (DOR). However, because of its preferential affinity for the mu-opioid receptor, the most potent opioidergic kratom alkaloid, 7-Hydroxymitragynine, displays pleasurable qualities and hyperlocomotion. 

Is Kratom Legal? 

We already know the benefits kratom can provide for mental health, but the question is: is kratom legal? Well, in the United States, Kratom is considered legal. It is, in fact, known as alternative medicine.  
You can find various kratom supplements and other products in the store in the United States. Therefore, if you are considering using Kratom to solve your mental health problems, you don’t have to worry about any repercussions from the law.  
However, Kratom is considered illegal in several countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and some European Union countries. That said, it is still best to check in with your local laws regarding Kratom to ensure that you will never have any problems. 

To Sum It Up 

Kratom has a known positive effect on mental health, especially for those who are already suffering from various mental health issues. However, despite being an effective alternative medicine, not all countries open their doors to this herbal medicine. In fact, it is still considered illegal to use Kratom as alternative medicine in some countries.  
If you are an individual suffering from any mental health issue, especially depression, anxiety, stress and addiction, you might find a solution in kratom supplements. So, you should try this alternative medicine and experience its benefits yourself.