In the last decade, Kratom and CBD have been the talk of the town. Kratom was always a legal compound in the United States. On the other hand, CBD has recently become legal after the farm bill 2018. After the legalization of CBD, new competition and confusion between the two popular natural substances began.
You might hear kratom and CBD users debating over which compound is more vital. While some say that yellow elephant kratom is more potent, others believe in the power of CBD. So, what is the truth? Which one is more effective? This article will help you understand the two products in detail.
Kratom or CBD?
Kratom powder and CBD capsules are both known for some similar benefits. You might have heard experts saying that kratom is more potent than CBD. That is true up to some extent.
Kratom is more potent than CBD. However, this will not mean that kratom is superior to CBD. If kratom is potent, you need to take a smaller dose than CBD. Both the substances will give their unique benefit. The extent of the effects depends on the dose.
To understand this, you should explore the two products in detail.
Kratom Powder: a Magical Herb?
“I am a 43-year-old mother of a 13-year-old son. 11 years ago, I was diagnosed with Lupus and Fibromyalgia. I was very sick and in more pain than I have ever felt in my life. I looked for alternatives for pain relief such as acupuncture and chiropractic care, but I could not afford that, so I took the prescription my doctor gave me for a month’s worth of hydrocodone which only cost me $1.20. It was like a miracle. I wasn’t in pain anymore. I could function normally, play with my son, clean my house, grocery shop, and do everything I used to do before I was sick. However, it didn’t last, and soon I needed more medication to allow me to function normally.
Then one month, I ran out 1 day early, and the pharmacy would not refill my prescription, so I went into withdrawal for the first time. It was the most horrible feeling I’ve ever experienced. It’s like having the flu times 100. I decided I never wanted to experience that again in my life, so I started buying Tramadol on the internet, and I became seriously addicted to it. My addiction was so bad that I was spending $500 a month on pills on top of my hydrocodone prescription, and every time I tried to stop the Tramadol, the pain was so intense I wanted to die. This went on for a couple of years until I found kratom through a friend of mine. I decided to try it, and I planned to give myself a month to taper off the meds with kratom.
I ended up stopping the Tramadol after 3 days on kratom. I threw out the pills I had and never retook them. Kratom saved my life! Just like it has saved countless other people. I have been taking it for years with no adverse effects. I see my doctor regularly and have routine blood work done. My kidney and liver functions are perfect. I don’t get high off kratom. I don’t crave it or need more and more of it to manage my pain.”
One of the messages David Kroll, a well-known pharmacologist in Denver, receives in favor of kratom is stated above. The words “kratom saved my life” explain the significance of the product in people’s lives.
Kratom powder came into existence when manufacturers felt difficulties in the transportation of kratom leaves. They crushed the dry leaves and started selling them in the form of powder.
Some of the potential benefits of kratom are:
- Pain Suppressant and Inflammation
Most researchers believe that kratom contains anti-inflammatory effects and can magically reduce your pain. Kratom contains Epicatechin and Rhynchophylline. The possible anti-inflammatory effect of kratom can be because of these two compounds.
Besides anti-inflammatory properties, the compound, Epicatechin, is an antiviral, antioxidant, and antimutagenic. So, it not only works in pain management but might also prevent the growth of cancer cells.
On the other hand, Rhynchophylline is different from Epicatechin. It is present in abundance in Kratom leaves and is a natural antihypertensive, anthelmintic, and antiaggregant.
- Energy Boosting Capabilities
Mitragynine compounds in kratom are responsible for their energy-boosting capabilities. With significant energy-boosting properties, mitragynine is an alkaloid present in Kratom leaves. For more energy-boosting potentials, try to consume lighter kratom strains. They have more mitragynine.
- Cognition Enhancement
Alkaloids do not directly affect cognition. However, its various other benefits together combine to increase cognition.
The various alkaloids in kratom affect the opioid receptors of the brain. So, what about CBD? Is it equally magical?
CBD Capsules: A Much Anticipated Herb?
Compared to Kratom, CBD is an ancient herb. However, its legalization revolutionized the CBD industry. More and more research came to play that attracted the audience. The studies and researches explored the potential benefits of CBD capsules. Some of them are:
Pain Relief
A study on animal models revealed that injecting CBD in rats reduced pain caused by surgical incisions. Another study on rats revealed that administering CBD orally reduces inflammation and sciatic nerve pain.
Reduce Pain and Anxiety
In a study organized in Brazil, researchers found that CBD effectively reduced anxiety during a test. In the study, 57 participants received a placebo and CBD, almost one and a half hours before a public speaking test.
Might Reduce Cancer Symptoms
Several animal and test-tube studies reveal the anticancer properties of CBD. For instance, a test-tube study revealed that CBD successfully killed breast cancer cells. Besides, in a study, 16 participants received CBD in Malta. They were going through chemotherapy and found that a combination of CBD and THC administered through mouth spray discouraged the side effects of chemotherapy, namely vomiting and nausea. This combination showed a better result than prescription drugs.
Besides, CBD capsules reduce acne, have neuroprotective properties, and benefit heart health.
Conclusion
It could sometimes be tough to choose between CBD and kratom extract capsules. What you can do is try both and decide which worked better for you. However, try to avoid mixing these compounds without adequately researching them. Also, consult a professional about the dosage and other aspects.
