The modern medical landscape is flooded with alternative herbal treatments. And the change is quite a welcoming one. A lot of these have been around since centuries and just made a sweeping come-back. One such plant-based supplement gaining momentum today is Kratom, scientifically named Mitragayna Speciosa. Originating from North and Southeast Asia, Kratom is believed to possess tremendous therapeutic, medicinal, and recreational powers. Thanks to the potent mix of alkaloids that lends the herb its signature potency and characteristics.
In the U.S. alone, there is a vast source of legal Kratom hitting the markets. Yes, the tropical dried leaves are being molded and processed into everything- from the capsules, extracts, and powdered from. So, it was bound to sprawl into the world of smoking!
Today, it is difficult to pass a head shop without signs of Kratom in it. Therefore, Kratom smoking was most definitely a forthcoming idea. After all, it helped people tap on its benefits in the quickest way imaginable.
The dilemma, is kratom smoking even a thing?
So, here is a detailed guide explaining everything you need to know about Kratom smoking. We will also go over the safety and efficiency of the method, the good and the bad side, other alternatives of consumption and the mechanism behind its working to help you better understand what happens when you smoke strains.
Enjoy Reading!!!
Can You Smoke Kratom?
There exists myriad ways to tap on Kratom’s potential. Amongst these, smoking is becoming a mainstream practice. The ultimate question arising is how practical is it to smoke Kratom?
Well, the short and long of it is: yes, it is possible to smoke Kratom just like any other substance. However, it is not the best way and definitely not something that is recommended.
In its native regions, the primary ingestion method was chewing the raw leaves or brewing tea. Very often these were put in a pipe or infused into a rolling sheet to be smoked afterwards.
To date, smoking is not widely practiced in the West as it is a challenge to find 0freshly dried leaves.
| Some Shocking FactsAbout 8.6 million people in the US have at least 1 serious illness that’s caused by smoking.Smoking is the cause of 1 in 5 deaths in the US annually. |
However, in light of the modern research experts believe while the onset of effects is a lot faster in smoking, the efficiency is decreased a great deal. That’s primarily because extreme heat can break down the alkaloids- the key players in kratom’s effectiveness.
Take water for instance. Water boils at 100°C (212°F). In contrast, the temperature of a lit conventional cigarette reaches as close as 900°C (1652°F).
Likewise, smoking exposes the kratom alkaloids to such extreme temperatures- easily damaging and eliminating them before they are even consumed.
Is It Safe To Smoke Kratom?
Generally, smoking is considered injurious for health, let alone smoking kratom.
Unfortunately, given the lack of scientific studies or research, there is no support for the drug to be safely used in smoking. Even though Smoking Kratom forms a centuries-old traditional practice, it is not regarded as safe given the psychoactive properties of the substance.
While safety is a reasonable concern, it intensifies even further if you ignore the quality of the kratom. Therefore, if the user is too enthusiastic to try smoking, or perhaps a die-hard smoker, then we can’t stress enough on the significance of buying high quality Kratom and only using the substance in limited proportion. This will minimize the potential harm inflicted otherwise and promise therapeutic and healing benefits.
How Does Smoked Kratom Work?
This ultimately brings us to the next question, how smoking works in the body? Unfortunately, with limited clinical trials the area is not fully answered.
So, let’s look at like this: imagine your respiratory system as an upside-down tree- where windpipe is the trunk and, airways (also called bronchi) are the branches and finally air sacs, are the fruits of the tree. These air sacs consist of blood capillaries that are responsible for transferring oxygen to vital organs of our body. In fact, they are directly connected to the Central Nervous System (CNS), which controls our bodies response to stimuli, including compounds such as kratom.
Mayo Clinic explains that our lungs are lined up with thin, highly-permeable tissues that are full of capillaries to facilitate smooth breathing. Since the lungs are so good at absorbing, inhalation is considered one of the fastest delivery methods for ingestible products and users are most likely to experience the reaction almost instantaneously. Likewise, smoking Kratom transfers the essential alkaloids (instead of oxygen) to the body organs such as the brain and CNS.
However, evidence suggests that being so permeable is also what makes lungs so vulnerable to damage. For instance, smoking releases many other harmful chemicals such as carcinogens which are absorbed by the alveoli along with oxygen when inhaled. These harmful ingredients then seep into the bloodstream and quickly travel the brain.
Effects of Smoking Kratom
Smoking kratom forces it into the brain faster than oral ingestion. Nevertheless, the impact remains unchanged.
- At lower doses smoking leads to stimulation.
- At higher doses smoking induces relaxation.
However, just like with tobacco or marijuana the effect is mildly simulative and more relaxing, and can be typically felt within 5 to 10 minutes. In contrast oral ingestion requires an hour or two before the full-blown impact can be experienced.
Smoking Kratom Benefits
Smoking kratom becomes particularly dangerous when you cross the limits. However, Users report several health benefits of consuming Kratom when done cautiously.
1. The Healing Powers of Kratom
In comparison to the harm-inducing nicotine, the alkaloids in kratom are much safer. It boosts mood, improves cognitive ability, and improves performance in daily activities. However, the medical community is yet to make any claim of whether smoking Kratom will too carry these benefits.
2. Faster Onset of Impact
Do you know the only method that works faster than smoking is injecting the substance directly into the veins?
One of the most enticing benefits and one that has attracted a significant proportion of kratom buyers is its fast reaction as the alkaloids get absorbed in the bloodstream instantly. Therefore, even a few puffs are enough to provide the much needed relaxation, and calmness to the body.
3. Weight Loss
Perhaps a good deal about smoking Kratom is it will help the obese individuals to shed those extra pounds off their body. It will greatly help control your appetite intake and so aids in managing all kinds of obesity.
The Side-Effects of Smoking Kratom
There is no denying that smoking unleashes the benefits faster than the other methods. However, every positive thing has a dark picture too. Therefore, it is imperative to weigh the downside too before you decide to join the league.
“Health experts believe that Smoking Kratom is actually more harmful than smoking cigarettes.”
Consumers report both short-term as well as long-term adverse impacts of smoking Kratom. Let’s go over some of them:
1) Overdosing
The chances of overdosing are higher when smoking as compared to the other methods. That’s primarily because the efficacy of the impact is greatly reduced, so the smoker ends up taking a larger than normal kratom dosage.
2) Chemical Degradation
As discussed earlier, extreme high temperatures can cause a product to lose its natural essence, potency and effectiveness. Likewise, smoking Kratom too might impose a reduced impact on the body and adversely impact your health.
3) Weight Loss
The weak and the underweight must beware that smoking kratom might trigger an appetite reduction and subsequent weight loss.
4) Organ Damage
Chain and Habitual Smokers are more likely to experience organ damage than non-smokers.
Apart from damaging your lungs, smoking can make your complexion go bad, your lips to darken, skin to get pale and stain your teeth (as the contaminants accumulate around the gums).
Other Side-effects:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dry Mouth
- Itching
- Muscle Aches
Can You Smoke Kratom with Other Substances?
Are you an adventurous smoker keen to discover the combined effect of two or more substances?
It is very natural for Tobacco and Cannabis lovers to not think beyond their pleasure, and this can be quite detrimental.
Hold on!
Before you decide to blend any of these two products, it is worth remembering:
• Cannabis cancels the effect of kratom and will fail to render the desired therapeutic benefits besides only damaging your lungs.
• Tobacco should always be avoided for it contains nicotine that can harm your liver to unimaginable extents.
Besides both these products are very potent in nature and enact extremely strong effects even when used in isolation. So, pairing them with another potent herb like kratom will only amplify the harm and damage your internal organs instead of providing any relaxation or healing.
Other Alternative Consumption Methods
The world of Kratom is diverse with innumerable ways to tap on its benefits. So, why not think outside the box?
If you are looking to consume kratom with prolonged effects without any potential harm, then here’s your guide!
We have highlighted the most prominent, tried and tested methods that form a perfect addition to your Kratom repertoire and assure a tempting twist to the regular dose.
1) Kratom Powder
Now kick-start your morning with a burst of energy, stay elevated throughout the day and embrace night with peace with an exquisite range of Kratom powders.
These are one of the most widely prevailing supplement forms, which are insanely easy-to-use and easy-to-measure. Just add the amount fitting your requirements in your favorite beverage, tea or coffee or infuse it into any recipe or condiment of your liking and create your own little masterpiece.
2) Kratom Capsules
Nobody likes to carry a scale all the time. Hence, kratom capsules are hands-down the most discreet and mess-free way of kratom intake. Containing a pre-measured dose of powder, these are exclusively meant for those who do not wish to indulge in constant measurements. All you have to do is add them in your preferred beverage or meal or swallow it with water.
3) The “Toss n Wash” method
Wish to quickly get relief or an energy-boost? Take the desired amount of powder in a spoon and gulp it down with water or your favorite beverage to feel the desired benefits instantly.
However, this straightforward method is intended for the strong-hearted who can stand the bitter Kratom taste.
4) Brewing kratom tea
If the bitter taste of Kratom is too much for you to handle, then how about making the experience more tantalizing yet refreshing? A piping hot cup of Kratom Tea on a chilly winter morning or a palatable Kratom shake on a sunny afternoon is all you can crave for. Add flavor enhancers or sweeteners of your choice and take the delicacy to a whole new level.
5) Chewing Kratom Leaves or Gummies
The most conventional form of intake, chewing fresh or dried raw leaves, was an integral daily ritual of the ancient Southeast Asian communities where Kratom was grown. Today, an alternative is to chew Kratom gummies or tablets manufactured by some online retailers.
6) Kratom Extracts and Tinctures
Now explore all the Kratom features in the form of extract and kratom tinctures. The impact surfaces almost immediately given their unrivalled potency and strength. They are easy to use and can be taken directly from the dropper bottle.
Final Thoughts
Kratom is the rising star of the medical world having promising mind-blowing healing powers. The therapeutic potential is overwhelming- something we believe that every individual deserves the right to explore and benefit from. However, there is no denying that the substance too features its own set of demerits which essentially depends on responsible consumer use.
Just like any other form of smoking, Kratom smoking can adversely impact your health and can end up doing more harm than good. Things can become much more complicated with smoking as neither there is any ruling on the right dosage nor users can keep a check or measure their intake. So, why put your life and those of your loved ones at risk? Especially when there are certainly other better alternatives.
There are hundreds of Kratom strains and supplements hitting the market- from capsules to extracts and tinctures to make sure that a Kratom aficionado never gets bored. You can swallow down a capsule, relish a perfectly hot Kratom tea or add a drop of extract to your favorite drink. In fact, you will be surprised to know that now Kratom can be infused into several foods- from brownies to edibles, snacks, desserts, and skincare products.
Finally, while there is no conclusive evidence to substantiate the act of smoking kratom, these alternative ingestion methods definitely perform wonders. The only key is to stick to the recommended dosage and buying online the highest-quality, lab tested products only from the most reputable vendors. Choose the most suitable method as per your liking and preference, and stay safe while having your daily dose.
Begin your day with Kratom and set yourself for a successful journey!
Now that you know the detrimental, long-term effects of Kratom smoking, do you think it is worth opting for? Share your views and experience in the comments below.
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