Long before this became a practice in the Western world, populations native to eastern Asia used Kratom for pain relief. Today, science is helping us learn more about how this herb actually works and just how effective it is against chronic pain.
Although Kratom is a natural herb, rather than an artificial drug or opioid, it contains two noteworthy alkaloid compounds – mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine – that interact with opioid receptors in the human brain.
When you take Kratom, the immediate effect is an analgesic one. You become less sensitive to physical and emotional pain and your body releases more natural endorphins, which can lift your mood and reduce the negative emotions typically caused by pain.
However, not all Kratom strains are made equal. Read on to find out which are the best Kratom strains for pain, as well as where to find them.
Generally speaking, the best Kratom for pain relief contains a higher percentage of the two most active alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. In your search for the right strain, you’ll see that many vendors claim that their powders have a very high concentration of alkaloids, but from a scientific point of view, it is very unlikely that this concentration is ever higher than 2%.
In spite of the small percentage of alkaloids it contains, Kratom has been shown to reduce chronic pain and to help people successfully replace noxious prescription drugs for pain management. Yet some strains of Kratom – and particularly the Red vein – seem to have a more effective analgesic impact than others.
Although more scientific research is needed to confirm anecdotal evidence, the following strains are widely considered to be the best for pain relief:
1. Red Bali: A readily available and affordable strain, Red Bali is also one of the most potent varieties of Kratom. It has a strong analgesic and sedative effect, which means that it’s best taken during the evening or before sleep. Due to its potency, Red Bali is not a suitable vein for beginners, but a favorite among experienced users.
2. Red Maeng Da: Perhaps the most popular strain of Kratom worldwide, Red Maeng Da is the strongest variety for pain relief. As such, if you are dealing with moderate to acute pain, this is the strain that is most likely to help, but beware its strong impact. Recommended doses for Red Maeng Da are smaller than for other strains because large amounts of the herb are usually accompanied by unwanted side-effects.
3. Red Borneo: This strain is just as effective for pain relief as Bali or Maeng Da, but its impact is not as overwhelming. This makes it a good place to start for beginners, as well as a suitable choice for experienced users dealing with mild to moderate pain.
4. Green Malay: If chronic pain is interfering with your day-to-day activities, then you need a strain of Kratom that you can take in the morning without experiencing any of the drowsiness associated with Red varieties. Green Vein Kratom is generally used for its stimulating and mood-enhancing properties, but Green Malay, in particular, also has a decent analgesic effect that soothes mild to moderate pain.
Things to consider: At this time, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to describe the exact impact of Kratom on the human body. We know that the herb can be used for pain relief thanks to the testimonials of thousands of users who have successfully come off pain medication with its help. However, the ideal dosage is not properly regulated and can differ from person to person.
To avoid unpleasant side-effects, start with a beginner’s dose of no more than 0.5 grams and work your way up from there. In addition, if you take just enough Kratom to obtain the desired analgesic effect, you can also ensure that you don’t develop a tolerance to the herb and, as such, that you can use it for longer periods of time.
The best Kratom strains for pain remain legal throughout most states across the US, but the distribution of the herb is largely unregulated. Especially in the case of local shops, sellers can cut the powder with potentially harmful substances and still label it as pure Kratom.
To ensure your own safety, you should only order Kratom from online vendors that you trust. To find the right vendor, I recommend that you check out the following aspects of their business:
Kratom can be used to replace prescription drugs with unwanted side-effects, but only if you take it in pure form. Pay close attention to the vendor where you source your powder and, if you try a new seller, help others in your situation by leaving an honest review.
Pro Tip 1: Taking Kratom for pain can lead to addiction if your doses are too strong. If you build a tolerance to a certain strain, try switching to a different variety with similar effects rather than increasing the dose.
Pro Tip 2: Some vendors claim that they test their products, but actually test only a small selection of powders and at very large time intervals. Ask to see test results that are up-to-date and performed on the specific strains you wish to buy.
Pro Tip 3: Some websites promote “Super” varieties of Kratom, but this is often no more than a marketing strategy. The only thing that matters in terms of pain relief is the percentage of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in a certain powder and this can only be verified through laboratory testing.
If you’re looking for a solution to wean off prescription drugs, taking Kratom for pain relief could be it. As many users will tell you, this natural herb has significantly fewer side-effects and will not cause addiction if taken responsibly.
However, it’s essential that you only buy Kratom from a reliable vendor in order to avoid adulterated powders that might cause more harm than good. Vet websites carefully before you make a purchase and share your experience with the community in order to help others make the right decision in the future.