Do you experience anxiety? You’re not alone. According to one statistic, 19% of adults in the United States have an anxiety disorder. Even without a formal diagnosis, most people experience occasional anxiety due to challenges at work, family problems, or chaotic situations like the Costco parking lot on Saturdays.
Whether it’s a chronic condition or a brief flare-up, many people seek help to manage their anxiety. Some turn to natural remedies and herbal supplements. This brings us to the question of kratom and anxiety. If you have anxiety, can using kratom help?
Before we go on, it’s important to note that the United States Food and Drug Administration does not currently approve kratom for any medical purpose or treatment. If you are experiencing severe anxiety symptoms, it’s best to speak directly to a mental health provider. Call or text 988 for a free, confidential mental health lifeline if you are in crisis.
In the article below, we’ll provide an overview of information regarding kratom and anxiety. Let’s take a slow, relaxing breath in… let it out… and read on!
How Kratom Works
Kratom, also known by its scientific name Mitragyna speciosa, is a natural product that originates in Southeast Asia. Kratom trees grow in tropical regions like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where their leaves have been used for centuries in native cultural and religious practices. Indigenous workers often chewed raw kratom leaves or brewed them into tea to enhance their vitality while working long days in the humidity.
Today, kratom leaves are processed into powders, capsules, extracts, and tinctures, among other natural products. People all over the world buy kratom online or in local shops. Many kratom users report that it helps:
- Improve focus
- Enhance vitality
- Increase motivation
- Ease discomforts
- Balance mood
Higher doses of kratom, especially types of kratom like red vein kratom, are also said to induce a peaceful feeling. Some users report feeling more grounded and relaxed. Some people enjoy red vein kratom in the evenings to help unwind and let go of the stress of the day.
But how does it work? It’s because kratom leaves are high in alkaloids called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. When someone ingests kratom, these alkaloids interact with key neurons and neuroreceptors in the brain. This interaction induces the pleasant sensations associated with kratom use.
What Causes Anxiety?
To further understand kratom and anxiety, let’s look at some of the common causes and symptoms of anxiety. Like any mental health issue, anxiety is broad and complex. It also varies from person to person. Because anxiety is so varied, there are multiple causes.
Some people struggle with anxiety their whole life due to a mental health disorder or neurological condition, while others experience acute anxiety due to specific circumstances. For example, students often experience anxiety during exams but feel their anxiety lift once the school season ends. Short-term anxiety is also common after breakups, job losses, and other periods of personal difficulty.
Regardless of the cause, most people with anxiety experience at least one or more of the following symptoms:
- Nervousness, restlessness, or feeling tense
- Increased heart rate
- Feeling tired or weak
- Shortened breath
- Sweating, trembling, or uncontrolled fidgeting
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Constant worry or intrusive, “noisy” thoughts
- Gastrointestinal problems
- A sense of dread, danger, panic, or overall negativity
While it’s normal to feel anxiety from time to time, it can disrupt one’s life if left untreated. Untreated anxiety may lead to panic attacks, emotional outbursts, depression, or social isolation. It may also trigger or exacerbate other mental health conditions.
Kratom and Anxiety: Usage Tips
Currently, studies about kratom and anxiety are limited. Although advocates are working to pass a federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which would allocate funds for more official research, much of the information about using kratom for anxiety is anecdotal and unverified.
As with any herbal supplement, consult your doctor before trying kratom if you are taking prescription medications for anxiety or other health conditions. Always begin with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase as your body adjusts — or, as we like to say around here, “Start low, go slow.”
For anyone developing a wellness routine to naturally manage their mental health, consider incorporating kratom in the following ways:
Swap Caffeine for Kratom
Although we love a good cup o’ joe in the morning, caffeine is known to worsen anxiety symptoms in certain individuals. If you want to cut back on caffeine but still want a natural pick-me-up in the morning, you might explore white vein kratom as an alternative. Try adding it to a smoothie or brew a DIY kratom tea.
Enjoy Kratom Before Yoga
In addition to being great exercise, yoga has been shown to help people with generalized anxiety disorder. Yoga’s gentle movements and meditative breathing practices can help many people relax and release stress. If you’ve never tried yoga before, there are numerous free videos and guides online.
To enjoy your yoga session on a deeper level, consider taking some green vein kratom before you begin. The balanced vitality of this kratom strain may help you feel more “zen.”
Wind Down with Kratom
How’s your bedtime ritual? For some people, poor bedtime habits can lead to interrupted sleep or even total insomnia, which can trigger or worsen anxiety. The best way to wind down for the evening is to avoid alcohol and caffeine, avoid digital screens, and enjoy quiet, relaxing activities such as reading, journaling, coloring, or taking a bath.
As you plan your nightly wind-down process, consider adding kratom to the mix! Many kratom enthusiasts say that red vein kratom helps put them in the perfect “chill vibe” to end their day and let go of their worries.
Shop Stress-Free at Kratom Gecko
If you feel anxious about shopping for kratom online, let Kratom Gecko help eliminate that stress! Our kratom is 100% pure and natural, with no fillers, additives, or preservatives. From powders to capsules, we offer the highest quality kratom available. Shop now.
