As a beginner to kratom, this industry can be overwhelming. Let's break it down for you.
Kratom is a natural powder that comes from the leaves of the tree (Mitragyna Speciosa Korth). This normal-looking tree is native to Southeast Asian countries. If you are new to this industry you will most likely be familiar with Kratom strains from Thailland, Indonesia, Borneo, or Malaysia.
Although the tree grows in other countries these are the most common. Kratom is also a cousin to a very popular substance that most people take every day is Coffee. Both are derived from the Rubiaceae Plant family and contains no caffeine but many people use Kratom for focus and an energy boost. The native people in these countries have ingested this leaf for millennia for a wide range of human ailments.
The industry that surrounds this wonderful plant has been growing exponentially over the last 10 years. Because it’s becoming more prominent and widely used, we have seen the global science community study Kratom closely. It’s important to remember that all-natural supplements affect people in different ways and with different amounts. We like to explain it as a journey. Beginners with kratom often get confused with the strains and doses. When given the proper information, your journey will end with success.
The Background of Kratom
The term Kratom refers to a group of tree-like plants belonging to the Mitragyna Genus. A Family of plants within the Rubiaceae Family. There are many other genus in the same family that have shown to have benefits for humans but what we know is that Mitragyna Speciosa (Kratom) is the most common.
The leaves of the Tree have been widely used in Southeast Asia for hundreds of years. The most common method of consumption is orally by drinking tea. Teas can be made by brewing or steeping the leaves. Though people have tried other ways of consumption, Drinking it is the most common and the most recommended.
History in the West
Although Kratom has been used for millennia, The introduction and attraction are fairly recent in the western countries. It is used as an herbal remedy in the U.S. helping boost focus and energy, aiding with Anxiety and aches and pains. But, with the opiate epidemic in the United States, Kratom is commonly used for opiate or pharmaceutical withdrawal by alleviating the withdrawal symptoms.
The plant has been documented in the west since the 1800s and in a few medical documents throughout the 1900s but the industry has really exploded since the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Mitragyna in the United States
If you are new to Kratom you should be aware that although it is federally legal and regulated by the FDA, Kratom is not legal in all US States and/or counties. It is a legal substance but the DEA and the FDA see it as a chemical of concern stating it has “no legitimate medical use”. Because of this, it can not be advertised as a remedy for a medical condition. This makes it hard to get real information from the retail vendor you are purchasing from. This makes forums like the I Love Kratom important to discuss this supplement with other patrons.
On August 31, 2016, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced its intent to emergency schedule Kratom as a Schedule 1 drug. If successful, this action would have quartered kratom with other Schedule 1 drugs like both marijuana and heroin.
However, on October 13, 2016, the DEA rescinded its announcement. It did so because of an outpouring of public comments “challenging the scheduling action and requesting that the agency consider those comments and accompanying information before taking further action.”
Why Does Kratom Work?
The Kratom industry has been growing steadily over the last 15 years and rapidly over the last 5. Because of this, we have seen increased efforts to identify and characterize the active pharmacologic agents. The Science community has worked with doctors and labs to study the plant’s effects. The retailers and vendors of the industry are also pushing for more knowledge about the plant. Though people that use kratom regularly will tell you that it absolutely has a medicinal value, why or how it works is what we are looking for.
So far, more than 20 active compounds have been isolated from kratom leaves. Considerable evidence shows that these compounds have major pharmacologic effects. However, we can always learn more.
Ups, Downs, and Amounts
Up’s
Kratom has a fantastic record of helping aid different human ailments. Many people that take it on a normal basis will tell you that they started taking this natural supplement to increase their quality of life in one way or another. Whether it be pain, anxiety, fatigue, focus, or something else. Kratom has a reputation to be successful and many would call it a miracle.
We have all been taught to trust pharmaceuticals, and in many cases they save lives or they are the only option. But, if there is a natural supplement that will help you enough to stop taking your chemical medications. Why would you not try it? This curiosity is why many people try kratom. When you read the side effects of the pharmaceutical you’re taking, no one would blame you for doing so.
Because it is an organic substance it will work naturally with your body. It’s encouraged to drink a lot of water but, that’s never a bad thing. When you look at the alkaloids and compounds contained in it you will see that most of these compounds are a net positive for the human body.
Down’s
Although Kratom has a reputation to help people, we do not have many studies about the effects on the human body. Though some studies show positive results, we need studies for long term use. Many people use it on a daily basis and these are things that need to be studied.
People have also claimed to be addicted to kratom. Though it may be rare, it is possible to build a dependency. When taken in high doses daily or multiple times a day you can build up your tolerance. This may cause you to take higher doses or you may feel mild effects of dependency when you don’t take kratom. To help combat a tolerance to kratom, read our article about Stagnant Strain Syndrome. This has some great information to get more out of kratom for less.
Amounts
If you’re new to natural medicines or a beginner to kratom, one of the most confusing things is knowing how much to take when you are getting started. You will read some retailers 
stating to take 1 or 2 half gram capsules and some posts on Redditt with people saying to take 15 grams. The truth is… It depends and it’s different for everyone.
Kratom affects everyone differently. Depending on your medication background, the ailment you’re trying to aid, your weight, and how your body will process it. You will find that most people take between 3 and 7 grams per dose. Some like to take lower doses multiple times a day. Some like to take just one dose a day. This is what we call your journey. It takes a bit of trial and error to learn what your body wants and needs. The doses may vary depending on if you’re taking capsules, powder, tea, or extract. As a beginner to kratom, we recommend learning about the natural import products before trying an extract.
Capsules break down slower than drinking kratom powder. Where the powder will start to digest 
immediately, The capsules will need to break down before your body can digest the kratom. Because of this, some will take different doses between the two. It’s also important to note that different strains may need different doses too. These are rarely a drastic difference but because some strains are stimulating and some are relaxing, you may find yourself making a difference in your dose.
Climb the Ladder
It is recommended to start with a low dose. Pay attention to the way you feel, Is it helping you and/or is it helping you as you need? If not, you will need to “Climb the Ladder”. What is recommended is to take a half gram more of kratom per dose until you find the amount that works with your body. You should put a minimum of 6-8 hours between doses. When you find the right dose, no doubt you will know.
Conclusion
As a beginner to kratom, there is nothing to be afraid of. It is amazing how many lives have benefited from it. However, that does not mean it’s for everyone. There is a lot of information on the internet about this product and all of it holds some truth but only to the person writing the comment or post. Kratom is different for everyone and will affect everyone differently but we truly think it’s a net positive for the world. Beginners to kratom should just jump in and get their feet wet that is the only way to learn how it may benefit you. We recommend reading these 2 articles as well. They are very important.
Kratom Strains and Effects
How to find a Good Kratom Vendor
Remember, It may be a bit of a journey but many people have taken that journey and will tell you their lives are better every day for it.
