Kratom: Exploring Energetics & Recipes for A Stigmatized Herb
By James Brent, DDS*
Kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen from the same family as coffee. Kratom can be pronounced in at least three ways depending on who is speaking and where they live. It thrives in partial sun, moist well drained soils and pots in temperatures above 80°F (26.6°C). It has been used as a harm reduction tool to wean people from opioid drugs and mitigate symptoms of withdrawal. Its pharmacodynamics include a stimulating effect in lower doses. It can provide a sense of well-being and increased energy. It is also analgesic (pain relieving) anxiolytic (anti-anxiety). In higher doses, it can provide a sedative experience. It also suppresses appetite and diarrhea. I believe that Kratom may be an effective addition with Cannabis for opioid withdrawal and relief from pain. [1,2]
The safety of Kratom is well established. It has been used for hundreds of years in Southeast Asia without any reported deaths. Side effects can include dry mouth, constipation, and depletion, which can be mitigated by other herbs. There is the potential for withdrawal that can occur with long term use. It would be similar to someone weaning themselves off of coffee, with some people experiencing headache and agitation. But the effects would be much less than getting off of opioids or opiates. Kratom has been shown to lessen symptoms of opiate and opioid withdrawal in mice. The main concern is having a trusted source to avoid contamination with heavy metals, bacteria, mold, pesticides or other chemicals. Dr. Christopher McCurdy believes that there needs to be labeling on Kratom products and advocates for adding its monograph to the U.S. Pharmacopeia. [2]
The herbal energetic qualities are drying, mildly stimulating or slightly cooling. It is also anti-inflammatory. Kratom has a bitter taste, most likely due to the high alkaloid content. Bitter tasting herbs are considered warming and drying by Western Herbalists. Bitter herbs help to stimulate digestion by enhancing the production of hydrochloric acid and other enzymes. Being a drying herb, it can cause constipation. It may be beneficial to pair with moistening and nourishing herbs such as Milky Oats (Avena sativa) and Astragalus (Astragalus spp.), a warming, moistening and adaptogenic herb that also builds and supports health. Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.) and marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) are also cooling and moistening herbs that can be added to a kratom tea to offset the drying and depleting qualities. [3]
When used in powdered form, the dosing for Kratom can be:
2-5 grams daily (mild stimulation)
3-8 grams daily (moderate pain and anxiety)
6-12 to 20 grams daily (strong sedation) (1)*
(this is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as medical guidance).
Kratom is most commonly used as a tea in Southeast Asia where it originates. My personal experience as a relief for headaches is as follows:
Headache Tea Formula
1 tsp Kratom powder,
1 tsp Willow Bark,
1 tsp California Poppy
1 tsp Milky Oats
1 tsp Hibiscus flower
Start the extraction with just enough ethyl alcohol (2 tsp.) to moisten the finely ground herbs. Add the herbs to 2 cups of water, bring to boil, then turn off the heat and let it steep for at least 20 minutes. This process boils off the alcohol. Let the preparation cool, mix in a blender, and strain. It can be warmed up if desired. Honey or maple syrup can be used to sweeten the bitter taste. The blend can be taken as needed or sipped through the day. I believe it is beneficial to leave some of the plant material in the tea. This is a modification of a blended tea technique recommended by the herbalist, Dr. Christopher Hobbs. [2]
Most water extractions are 1 part plant material to 5 parts water. Adding apple cider vinegar and/or lemon juice to water can enhance the extraction. A rough estimate would be 1 teaspoon per cup. You can sip it all day or have ¼ cup every hour. According to Christopher Mc Curdy PhD, a researcher from the University of Florida, alcohol is the best solvent. The fresh leaves can also be chewed (1/4 of a hand-sized leaf). [2]
Kratom has different varieties, such as:
Red Vein: reported to be more calming.
White Vein: known to be more mood enhancing and stimulating.
Green Vein: described as enhancing mood or focus and decreasing pain.
Maeng Da: said to be stimulating and increase energy while also boosting wellbeing and reducing pain. [1]
Chemical analysis has not revealed much difference between these varieties.(2) You can add herbs to your formula that compliment pain relief and sedation. Hops (Humulus lupulus) is cooling and drying. And California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) and St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) are both cooling and relaxing. These herbs may increase the effectiveness and/or reduce the amount of Kratom needed in order to save on costs. It is advised not to take Kratom on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of nausea. It can be habit forming in as little as two weeks. It is best to take breaks from regular use. [1]
Mitragynine
Kratom is well known for its pain-relieving properties. The most studied alkaloids in the plant are the corynanthine alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Its mode of action may be mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors. 7-hydroxymitragynine has a three-dimensional structure similar to morphine. This may be responsible for its analgesic, euphoric, and potentially addictive qualities. However, there seems to be no respiratory depression. The isolated 7-hydroxy form is as potent as morphine and has a quick onset (10 minutes when taken orally). 7-hydroxy appears to be present only in dried leaves, and not in fresh.
The other alkaloid, mitragynine, has a different structure and is much less potent with a strength comparable to codeine. Both are partial agonists of the opioid receptors. The usual ratio of mitragynine to 7-hydroxymitragynine in dried leaves is about 20:1. In addition, mitragynine acts as an adenosine blocker similar to caffeine, which explains its stimulant action. However, Kratom contains no caffeine. Interaction with serotonin and dopamine receptors could explain the anti-anxiety and anti-depressive actions as well the withdrawal symptoms. Very high blood levels of the two main alkaloids can be reached by oral dosing in 10 minutes. The peak levels occur in about 90 minutes and metabolized completely in about 5 hours. [2]
It is estimated that 4-7 million people are currently using Kratom. There has been concern about the Food and Drug Administration classifying the plant as a Schedule I drug along with cannabis and heroin. The plant has become illegal in some localities and countries. According to Dr. McCurdy, this was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Kratom was sold in the same locations as bath salts and synthetic cannabinoid products that were being abused and dangerous. There is now growing support for Kratom from research institutions and the public. [2] Many have used it as a way to get off of pharmaceutical opiates or for various medicinal uses.
It is helpful to view all herbs as a temporary crutch to be used with life changes that promote health and healing. The Five S’s of Poor Health can be considered. These include:
Sleep that is not restful and restorative
Stress management
Sedentary lifestyle
Standard American diet
Solitude contributing to loneliness
My intention is to open minds, stimulate thought and invite conversation in order to learn what helps those in need. More information on herbal medicine and natural health can be found on my blog.
James Brent DDS (1950-2021)*
*Editor's Note: This wonderful piece on Kratom was published posthumously. Dr. Jim Brent was a colleague of mine who was one of the most passionate herbal medicine advocates I have encountered. He spoke often of “Vibrational Medicine” and how the power of plant energetics and spirituality influence healing. He believed that certain plants had a vibration and their essence was part of being in alignment with a given person and their particular condition or situation. I had the honor of editing his articles on the Society of Cannabis Clinicians website. When he passed away, I had a collection of his unpublished works which have since been made available publicly as per the wishes of his family. May Jim’s influence and wisdom continue to inspire. ~ Sarah Russo, Creator of Herbs for the Apocalypse.
All articles on the Herbs for the Apocalypse cannot be republished or reused without permission and proper attribution to the authors.
Sources:
Bob Linde, L.Ac., American Herbalist Guild Kratom Intensive Webinar Series; 2020
Christopher McCurdy, PhD Youtube Interview with Dr. Mercola; 2019
Christopher McCurdy, PhD, Youtube lecture “Kratom as a Potential Therapy for Opioid Dependence”; 2019
Steven Horne, Herbal Energetics; 2019