Can kratom help with depression?

Kratom is a fascinating natural product, considered a wonder drug by indigenous populations and Westerners alike. Not surprising, considering the various possible effects of these leaves. For example, it acts as a painkiller and can counteract withdrawal symptoms from addictive substances. Interestingly, depending on the dose, it can be both an energy booster and relaxer. In recent years, there has been increasing attention to its beneficial effects for mental complaints. What about this exactly? Can kratom help relieve depression?

What is kratom and how do you use it?

Kratom (mitragyna speciosa) is a tree found almost exclusively in Southeast Asia. Thus, you can buy the kratom leaves quite easily in Thailand and Malaysia. Here you can find the leaves of the kratom tree simply at the market at the fruit and vegetable stall. The leaves have been used for many generations to make a drinkable brew. You can also chew the leaves or dry them and grind them into powder.

Impacts and risks

Kratom has several effects on your body and mind. If you take a low dose, then it is a stimulant. In other words, it gives you more energy, makes you sharper and euphoric, and talking is more comfortable. On the contrary, a high dose makes you very relaxed or even high. That high is a bit like that of xtc or ghb: you get warm inside, feel fuzzy and comfortable, and your mood improves. Kratom is also a powerful painkiller. A large proportion of users therefore take it specifically for their pain symptoms .

Can Kratom help with depression?

Its stimulant and narcotic effects are due to the alkaloids it contains. These are substances that bind to the opioid receptors in your brain. And kratom alkaloids do this even better than those of morphine, one of the strongest narcotic painkillers that users can get quite high from. This is probably why kratom use can help against withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for certain drugs. Your nagging opioid receptors are simply filled, but with the healthier kratom instead of a highly addictive drug.

However, experts do warn about the possible downside of this effect: kratom can also be addictive if you are prone to it. Definitely something to be aware of if you plan to use it. Do you have a history of substance abuse that got out of hand? If so, we recommend that you consult a doctor or specialist before using kratom.

Side effects

As with any drug, you can take too much of kratom, which can cause unpleasant side effects. You may become nauseous and giddy and, in the worst cases, psychotic effects may occur. Especially in combination with (excessive) use of other substances such as alcohol, excessive use of kratom can lead to liver damage and seizures. In some extreme cases, an overdose can be fatal.

Kratom for depression: what does science say?

Extra energy AND relaxation: unusual contradictory effects, which few agents are capable of. This is probably why a specific growing demographic uses kratom as therapy: people struggling with depression. They face almost daily fatigue and low zest for life, as well as tension and overstimulation.

To what extent might people with depression be helped by kratom? Since the 1960s, fortunately, research has been done on this. A review study compiled 15 scientific studies on kratom for depression, with a total study population of 25,000 people. The results: kratom improves mood, reduces anxiety symptoms and is effective for addiction problems. Another study also saw people with ADHD and PTSD improve mentally from kratom. More studies support these results. So it has been proven that kratom can help people with depression feel better. In studies where people were asked why they used kratom, two-thirds said they wanted to reduce their depression or anxiety symptoms with it.

Using Kratom yourself?

Want to try kratom to lift your mood? Then check out our many kratom products. If you are mainly looking for a calming effect, go for red kratom. The white variety is a mood enhancer and more stimulating. Go for the strong black version to get more energy. Mixing the varieties with each other is also possible, of course.

Even though kratom is effective for depression, getting help is always a good idea. Inform those around you about your mood problems and, above all, see your doctor to get the right support. Kratom is fine for improving your mood, but of course it does not address the causes of your depressed feeling.