For centuries, generations across the globe have been unleashing the remarkable properties of Kratom. Indeed, the herb will fulfill your quest for a healthy, prosperous, and nourishing life. It will support your general health and is guaranteed to help you conquer obstacle after obstacle and challenge after challenge.
Whether you are a Kratom aficionado or a first-time buyer, it is always a wise idea to know how it works, how it impacts you, and how long it stays in the system before you add it into your daily routine. Good that you have stumbled or perhaps, searched for this article. It will provide you a comprehensive perspective on these aspects:
The Impact of Kratom
Kratom, scientifically referred to as Mitragayna Speciosa, is a South-East Asian plant belonging to the Coffee family. Therefore, at lower doses, Kratom produces an effect similar to stimulants and energizers such as Caffeine and Methylphenidate.
It freshens the mind and rejuvenates the senses. In contrast, at higher doses, Kratom acts as a typical sedative and analgesia. It relaxes the mind, allows tranquillity and peace to wash over and, mitigates pain, inflammation, and soreness.
However, excessive and consistent Kratom consumption also tags along with some unwanted and perhaps risky side effects. For instance, perspiration, stomach upset, decreased appetite, nausea, seizures, diarrhoea, mood swings, or weight loss.
Reaction Time of Kratom
First up: If you are on the fence about buying Kratom, you will be intrigued to know how long it takes to work. Well, the reaction time of Kratom significantly depends on the amount taken by the consumer:
1) High Doses
a) Kratom Powder
Generally, with higher intake, the effect begins at 15 to 20 minutes and lasts for about 8 hours after the consumption. And, for that, five to six grams of Kratom is recommended.
Warning: Many users tend to abuse the substance by taking up to 8 grams for the sake of prolonged effect. However, we strongly condemn such acts and would never suggest users go beyond 5 grams.
b) Kratom Capsules
The absorption process of kratom capsules is slightly delayed as it takes time for the shell to dissolve first, and then the powder will release. So, the effect’s onset might be felt after 35 to 40 minutes when it absorbs in the bloodstream. And, the peak impact can be felt right after 1.5 hours.
c) Kratom Extracts
Extracts and tinctures are deemed as the most potent of all Kratom supplements. As such, their impact manifests within 5 to 10 minutes and lasts for a relatively extended period of up to 5 hours.
2) Low Doses
The impact of small doses below 4 grams in any supplement form will begin after 30 minutes and lasts for 1.5 to 3 hours.
How It Works?
That’s pretty much the next question popping your mind.
Researchers isolated several chemical compounds from Kratom to closely observe their actions inside a living body to develop a profound understanding of its work mechanism.
According to a renowned textbook Kratom and Other Mitragynines: The Chemistry and Pharmacology of Opioids, the indole alkaloid, Mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine form the highest concentration in Kratom’s chemical composition and are mainly responsible for its reaction.
In addition, findings from the ligand-binding studies reveal both these compounds exhibit opioid-like activity on the central nervous system and smooth muscle systems.
They interact with the μ- and δ-type opioid receptors in the brain and affect other body organs, including the intestines and male internal genitalia. Besides, it has also proved to suppress the inflammation and pain signals sent from the brain.
Factors Influencing Kratom Absorption and Elimination
Now, what if we tell you that the dose consumed is not the only dependent factor. In fact, there are a lot of other variables involved. These have been highlighted below:
Body Weight
This is the foremost indicator determining how long any drug would remain inside the body. Mitragynine is fat-soluble. Therefore, as a general rule of thumb, the impact would last longer in obese or bulky individuals owing to the Kratom metabolites retained by fats.
Age
As with any food or orally ingested substance, the overall metabolism in the elderly is lower than the young adults due to renal function, age-related physical changes, and the use of other medications.
Therefore, for the old users over 65 years of age, the drug would take longer to dissolve and absorb in the bloodstream compared to a young individual.
Other Drugs Consumed
Using Kratom with substances like alcohol substantially hinders it from reaching maximum potency. This is because the stomach and liver prioritize the digestion and metabolism of alcohol above other drugs at an average rate of one ounce of pure alcohol per hour.
Kratom Tolerance
You must have come across the term “kratom tolerance.” This is a condition where the body becomes resistant to the drug triggered by its abuse. So, no matter the amount you take in, you will fail to get the desired impact.
The Underlying Health Conditions
The health conditions and metabolism rate of an individual impact how long a drug would sustain inside a human body. Such as people suffering from cirrhosis of the liver have a slow metabolism so, their absorption rate would be slower than others.
Genetics
While it is commonly ignored, certain genetic makers and enzymes form an essential factor influencing kratom reaction and elimination from the body.
Water Intake
Of course, adequate hydration is another reason to discharge Kratom quicker from the system via urination.
Food Intake
Kratom works faster on an empty stomach. (Mark our words!) But if you dread nausea that follows, perhaps you must consider taking Kratom with a high-fat meal for speedy absorption and quickly reaching peak time.
Half-Life Of Kratom
Worried about the withdrawal impact? Wish to give up Kratom use or undergoing a drug test in the near future? In such instances, one of the key concerns is how long does Kratom stay in our body? After all, no one will wish to have its traces detected in the test.
Kratom’s retention by our body directly comorbid with its half-life. Half-life is basically the drug’s time to break down and reduce the concentration by half in our system.
The half-life of Kratom remains unclear due to the lack of research on the substance. Yet, it is believed that Mitragynine has a half-life of around 23-24 hours. Therefore, it would take an entire day for 50% kratom to fade out and another five days to eliminate from the system.
These claims come from anecdotal evidence based on specific tests carried on animal models under safe conditions. The fastest half-life is recorded to be two hours (so the entire dose would flush out in half a day), whereas the slowest is nine days.
Moreover, other findings reveal that people with low doses or less frequent Kratom consumption have a faster elimination rate.
Significance of Knowing Kratom’s Duration (Testing for Kratom)
By now, you are well aware of the time it takes for Kratom to showcase its magic, get rid of it, and a glimpse of the factors involved. Next, you will definitely question yourself; why on earth do I need to know all this.
Well, developing an understanding of the topic is necessary if you are expected to take a drug test. While Kratom is believed to remain in the system for two to five days, chronic users have chances of having longer windows of detectability. Regardless, it is quite uncertain since there are a lot of other factors at play.
The good news is, Kratom cannot be identified in most drug panels, including sophisticated testing methods used in high-priority jobs and so not normally tested for.
The presence of Mitragynine and other alkaloids can be screened only through specialized detection tests, such as a 10-panel drug test that can recognize it for up to seven days.
How To Enhance Kratom’s Mechanism
Kratom alone does not suffice your needs? Don’t you like the bitter taste of Kratom? No worries, there is a lot of ways to bring out the best of your experience.
These are known as Kratom Potentiators. These potentiators work to make Kratom stronger or, at times, change the overall impact. Following, we have highlighted some of them:
1) Citrus Juice
Nobody can ever dare say no to a blissful hour of Kratom mixed with a glass of Citrus Juice, including orange, lemonade, or grapefruit. It will enhance the absorption rate of Kratom within your system and negate any potential risk or side effects. What else do you wish for?
2) Valerian Root
This mixture will leave customers wanting more. Valerian is widely used as a staple food among consumers across the globe. And rightly so. It is a fantastic relaxing agent, and when combined with Speciosa, it makes the latter’s euphoric impact even more robust.
3) Turmeric
Yet, another trendy combo on the list. Turmeric added to your daily dose of Speciosa is an incredible mix. The anti-oxidating and anti-inflammatory powers of turmeric go exceptionally well with Kratom and take the experience to a whole new level.
4) Chamomile
Experience love at first sip with a refreshing cup of Kratom cum Chamomile Tea. As surprising as it may sound, it is an age-old tradition that is just making a comeback. The best part is that chamomile is extremely mild on the tummy and prolongs the impact’s longevity. Rest assured, no other potentiator can come close by this one.
5) Cayenne Pepper
This combo packs a punch and pops up the experience. You will relish the distinct aroma and the irresistible flavor. It strengthens Kratom’s impact and enables users to enjoy it for an impressively long time.
Final Remarks
As the demand for Kratom supplements is gaining mainstream momentum and more acceptance by the general public, there is a need for its education to prevail.
Hopefully, the guide above has given you sufficient insight into Kratom’s mechanism. To put it short, if the quantity varies, the duration of its impact might fluctuate.
On average, the Kratom begins to show its effects within 15 minutes of usage. While high doses remain impactful till 8 hours, the small dose lasts for 2 to 3 hours.
Three Golden Tips to follow are:
- A little goes a long way. So, use it within the recommended limits between 3 to 5 grams.
- Take Kratom on an empty or half-filled stomach as the effects show readily.
- The real fun is drinking Kratom in a way that maximizes effect and benefit.
Therefore, it is recommended to take Kratom after 45 minutes before a meal and 1.5 after a meal. This aids in the proper digestion of food and does not hamper the absorption process of Kratom. Kratom capsules, however, would take long as they have to dissolve in the stomach.
If you wish to speed up the process and bask in the impact of Kratom, using Potentiators such as citrus fruits or chamomile can trigger the release of gastric enzymes that help to speed up the dissolving process.