Kratom Advice: Do’s and Don’ts You Need to Know

Dos and Donts of Kratom
November 22, 2023 | Elyxr's Blog

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia and has been used traditionally for its stimulant and sedative effects. Kratom leaves contain compounds that can have psychoactive effects, and the use of kratom has even become popular in the West in recent years. Now, all of this sounds interesting, but if you’ve never used kratom before, you will need to gain a better understanding of basic guidelines, specifically some key do’s and don’ts in order to enjoy it safely, effectively, and responsibly.

Kratom Do’s and Don’ts That Can Help You Out

Basically, with just about any substance we’ve never taken before, we want to have a good idea of what to expect from it and how to use it properly to avoid any unwanted side effects. Because of that, we want to offer a list of tips for getting the most out of your experience.

Do’s:

  • Do Your Research: Before using kratom, familiarize yourself with its effects, potential benefits, and risks.
  • Start with a Low Dose: Different strains and preparations of kratom can vary in potency. It’s wise to start with a lower dose and gradually increase if needed as this can be found on the product’s labeling.
  • Buy from Reputable Sources: Due to the lack of regulation, there is variability in product quality. So, ensure that you are purchasing from a trustworthy vendor and look for third-party lab reports on a company’s website.
  • Listen to Your Body: Be attentive to how your body reacts and adjust your dose accordingly.
  • Stay Hydrated: Like caffeine, kratom can be dehydrating. Drink plenty of water when using it – hydration is simply key.
  • Understand How Each Delivery Method/Type Works: Kratom comes in all kinds of delivery methods/types, and each one can affect you differently, and change your experience. Knowing what each offers then, identifies in terms of the duration of the kratom’s effectiveness and how powerful it will feel.
  • Recognize the Different Veins and How They Work: Kratom comes in 3 primary types of veins: green, red, and white, and each is determined by the vein’s color within the leaf. Every vein is associated with its own distinctive effects, based on the composition of alkaloids in the product.
  • Rotate Strains: To minimize the risk of building tolerance, consider rotating between different strains if you’re using kratom regularly.
  • Consult with Your Doctor: If you’re considering using kratom for a medical condition or taking any other medications, it’s important to consult with your doctor first, seeing as they have access to your medical history, and can therefore make a proper determination if you should be having kratom in your system too.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t Combine with Other Substances: Mixing kratom with other substances, especially opioids, alcohol, and sedatives, can be dangerous.
  • Don’t Drive or Operate Heavy Machinery: Until you know how kratom affects you, avoid activities that require alertness and coordination.
  • Don’t Use if Pregnant or Breastfeeding: The effects of kratom on a fetus or newborn are not well studied.
  • Don’t Assume Kratom is Safe Because It’s “Natural”: Natural products can still have side effects, interactions, and potential dangers.
  • Don’t Use It Daily or in High Doses for Extended Periods: Chronic use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Don’t Ignore Negative Side Effects: If you experience unwanted or severe side effects, consider reducing your dose or discontinuing use.
  • Don’t Store It the Wrong Way: Kratom will degrade if it’s not being stored properly. That’s why you gotta place your kratom in a dark, dry, and cool place, since heat, light, and humidity can all cause those alkaloids to start degrading. Make sure the container is airtight, too. Ideal spots for storing your kratom product(s) would be a closet, cabinet, or drawer.
  • Don’t Make a Kratom Purchase from a Shady Source: Reputable online sources are always ideal, since they specialize in kratom, and have much more at stake when it comes to the quality and safety of the products they offer.
  • Don’t Use as a Substitute for Professional Medical Treatment: While some claim benefits for issues like pain or opioid withdrawal, as we cannot stress this point enough, always seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Remember: The information we provided here today is general in nature. The effects of kratom can vary based on the strain, dosage, individual preferences, and other factors.

Also consider buying your kratom products from a reputable, preferably online source like ELYXR.