Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve most certainly heard about kratom, a tree native to Southeast Asia whose extracts are widely used in treating various ailments.
Kratom has proven effective at relieving pain, thanks to its inhibitory effects on the opioid receptors spread in the brain and central nervous system (CNS). The herb may also alleviate inflammation due to its ability to reduce the body’s sensitivity to inflammatory transmitters like cytokines and chemokines.
Kratom comes from the same botanical family as coffee, which speaks to its potential stimulating properties. Administering extracts from the plant may help combat both physical and mental fatigue.
Other common ailments you can treat using kratom include anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and erectile dysfunction (ED).
But the mere knowledge of kratom’s potential therapeutic properties isn’t enough when shopping for this herb. There’s a lot more you need to know before adding kratom supplements to your cart.
Here are the five factors to check while buying kratom.
1. Vendor Reputation
The reputation of a kratom vendor is undoubtedly the biggest consideration while shopping for kratom supplements.
The growing interest in kratom has translated into a corresponding demand for kratom suppliers. But on the flip side, it has also attracted unscrupulous actors whose sole mission is to defraud unsuspecting customers.
One way to vouch for the reputation of a kratom vendor is to establish the duration they’ve been in operation. Sellers who enjoy a reasonably more extended industry presence are likely to be more credible.
It’s also essential to read online reviews from some of the vendor’s past clients, including Kingdom Kratom. The feedback posted by past customers can clue you in on whether the supplier delivers on their claims. Most importantly, establish that these reviews are independent and not sponsored by the company to unfairly portray them in a positive light.
Last, insist on vendors like Kratom Earth, who deal in a wide range of kratom formulations and strains. As you shall find, kratom occurs in several strains, each delivering signature effects.
2. Legality
Kratom may offer amazing healing benefits. However, the herb remains illegal in several countries and regulated in others. Therefore, checking your local kratom laws before shopping for kratom supplements is imperative.
Note that no reputable kratom company would ship their products to jurisdictions where the herb is illegal. Besides, you risk a run-in with law enforcement if found unlawfully possessing kratom supplements.
Just to scratch the surface, kratom is illegal in Argentina, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Many European countries have also banned the herb.
In the United States, kratom is not federally regulated. That makes its legality a matter of individual states.
States that have imposed outright bans on kratom include Alabama, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Vermont. The herb is legal but highly restricted in Arizona, Utah, and Georgia. There’s also the state of Florida that recently passed the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits the sale and distribution of kratom supplements to persons under the age of 21 years.
In Canada, kratom is legal, provided vendors do not sell it as a consumable product. That means you’re more likely to find the herb in alternative formulations like pre-rolls, vape oils, topicals, and aromatherapy products.
3. Strain
We’ve already highlighted the need to insist on kratom vendors who deal in various strains. You’re probably now wondering what these strains constitute.
A strain is essentially a variation of the same plant. The term may also be used interchangeably with “cultivar” or “species,” although the latter only applies to strains from the same genus.
There are numerous kratom strains you can try. These strains typically derived their names from their signature leaf vein colors and their countries of origin.
The primary kratom strains based on leaf vein coloration include White-Vein Kratom, Red-Vein Kratom, and Green-Vein Kratom. In terms of origin, noteworthy mentions include Red Maeng Da (a red-vein strain from Thailand), White Borneo (a white-veined strain from Borneo Island), Green Malay (a green-vein strain from Malaysia), etc.
The key thing to note here is that each strain delivers distinctive effects.
White-veined kratom strains are generally energizing. Supplements made from these strains are particularly effective at relieving fatigue and nausea.
On the other hand, red-veined strains are mostly sedating. Such strains would suit you better if you suffer from pain, anxiety, inflammation, or insomnia.
Lastly, green-veined strains are moderately stimulating and moderately relaxing. They’re excellent for new kratom users.
4. Formulation
Kratom is available in many formulations. Popular ones include;
- Kratom-infused edibles, such as gummies, candies, and baked goods
- Kratom herbal tea
- Kratom pills and capsules
- Kratom oral tinctures
- Kratom pre-rolls
- Kratom e-juice
- Kratom aromatherapy products
- Kratom-enriched topicals, such as creams, salves, and bath bombs
The specific product you choose depends on the desired effect and how discreet you want to remain while consuming the herb.
For instance, kratom products intended for oral administration – gummies, pills, and herbal tea – can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to kick in. That’s because the active ingredients in kratom must undergo complete digestion before they’re ready for absorption into the bloodstream. However, the effects of kratom edibles can last for days.
For comparison, smoking or vaping kratom may produce fast-acting but short-lasting benefits. The same is true when administering kratom tinctures sublingually or inhaling kratom-infused aromatherapy products.
5. Certificate of Analysis
A certificate of analysis (COA) is a document that manufacturers provide as proof that their products have undergone due laboratory tests as required by industry regulations.
A CoA confirms that the kratom supplements you’re about to purchase have been certified as effective and safe for consumption. It may also break down the ingredient list, highlighting the percentage of kratom vis-à-vis other compounds.
Note that processed kratom supplements may contain several additive chemicals. The two major categories of additives you’ll come across include sweeteners and preservatives.
While these substances are crucial in prolonging kratom’s shelf life and preserving its flavors, excess concentration may prove hazardous. Laboratory technicians’ role is to ensure that the amount of chemical additives in each kratom product isn’t dangerously high.
A certificate of analysis will also spell out the potency of kratom in a product. This information is valuable in terms of determining your doses.
Summary
Kratom is currently one of the most effective natural remedies. The herb’s efficacy against numerous medical ailments is well-documented.
However, it’s prudent to research widely and perform your due diligence while shopping for kratom supplements. That’s the only way to get your hands on high-quality products and enjoy the herb’s healing properties.
