Defining Kratom and CBD
Also known by its scientific name Mitragyna Speciosa, Kratom is an energy-boosting herb native to the jungles of Southeast Asia. Traditional cultures in these areas recognize the potential therapeutic health benefits of Kratom, which range from treating anxiety, pain, and sleep disorders to booting appetite. It is also a powerful energy booster that natives of the jungles consume to stimulate productivity augmentation. There are three strains of Kratom (white, red, and green), with red as the most potent. However, all strains have one essential active compound, which is 7-HMG (7-Hydroxymitragynine).
CBD, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid (compound) in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the 100 plus identified cannabinoids and also one of the most popular alongside THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). While CBD comes from cannabis, it is non-psychoactive, which means it does not get you high. Some doctors and researchers merit CBD for the medicinal benefits of cannabis, although the infamous herb has several other therapeutic compounds such as CBG (cannabigerol), terpenes and flavonoids.
Medicinal benefits of Kratom and CBD
Kratom is an herb from the coffee family (Rubiaceae), from which it inherits its stimulating properties. This also makes Kratom ideal for both pre-workouts and post-workouts. It is usually consumed in powder form. But now as we are getting to know more about this herb, it’s capsules are also becoming available on the market, making its consumption easier. Some of the benefits of using Kratom may include:
- Rejuvenating energy lost during exercise
- Anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation
- Better sleep quality
- Keeps heart rate and metabolism at peak levels
- Aids muscle growth
- Improves appetite for food
- Augmented focus and endurance
CBD comes in various forms ranging from isolates and vape juice to shatters, edibles, infused meals, oil, tinctures, and topical balms, among others. Studies indicate that CBD has various medicinal benefits, and there’s an FDA-approved CBD-based medication (Epidiolex) for treating seizures. What’s more, CBD is legal in many places, including Canada, some states in America, and some places within the UK. CBD oil has different price ranges depending on its potency and bottle size. Some of the therapeutic benefits of CBD may include:
- Treating seizures and epilepsy
- Treating anxiety and mental health disorders
- Pain relief and anti-inflammation
- Treating mood, appetite and sleep disorders
- Cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health benefits
- Treating skin infections
- Fighting cancer and auto-immune diseases
Can Kratom and CBD relieve pain?
Both Kratom and CBD have pain-relieving capabilities, and the effects will vary from person to person. However, the two compounds work differently as they characterize different molecular forms. It is essential to understand the different types of pain to determine how Kratom and CBD work to alleviate pain. There are two main types of pain, these are:
A) Nociceptive pain
This pain arises for physical damages to tissues or cells. It includes burns, cuts, broken bones, scratches, sports injury, and physical knocks.
B) Neuropathic pain
This pain arises when the nervous system is diseased, damaged, deteriorating, or dysfunction of neurons. It is a chronic pain prevalent in patients who have fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, amputation, and neuropathy.
The conventional belief is that Kratom may suit nociceptive pain, while CBD is more effective for neurodegenerative pain. However, neuropathic pain is challenging to treat, but CBD has shown promising results in treating nociceptive pain, especially in post-chemo, post-natal, and arthritis patients. These compounds, particularly CBD, also come in different forms, which dictate how you can use them for pain.
How Kratom relieves pain
Kratom has active alkaloid compounds (mitragynine and 7-HMG). These alkaloids resemble those in the opium poppy, such as codeine and morphine. However, Kratom has milder effects, and is not considered to be an opiate, even though it has opioid-like effects. Concerning pain relief, the red vein strain has the best chances of relieving moderate to severe pain. Its potent sedative effects may help soothe muscle exhaustion, calm the body and brain, and also relieve multiple pain points. The white strain is more energetic and heightens focus and physical activity. As such, patients using physiotherapy to alleviate pain may find it helpful. In Maeng da Kratom, the compounds responsible for pain relief work as opioid agonists by interacting with opioid receptors in the body.
How CBD relieves pain
CBD works by interacting with the ECS (endocannabinoid system), which is an extensive network of neurons and receptors that regulate various body functions. The ECS influences pain reception, mood, sleep and appetite, mobility, metabolism, autoimmune responses, and homeostasis, among other functions. CBD attaches to CB-1 and CB-2 receptors, which are naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors in the human body. The ECS also connects to other central systems, so CBD can influence various body processes. Regarding pain relief, CBD increases the level of joy hormone anandamide, which elevates moods and soothes pain in different areas of the body. CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to alleviate swelling and nociceptive pain. Moreover, CBD relieves muscle spasms and exhaustion, as well as mental fatigue.
Conclusion
Kratom and CBD are vital organic compounds with the potential to alleviate pain originating from different parts of the body. These compounds work in different ways but achieve the same results. They also help to improve sleep and relax sore muscles, making it easier to rest and heal. When using Kratom and CBD to relieve pain, it is essential to choose high-quality products from reputable dispensaries. More importantly, you should consult your doctor for the right dose and mode of delivery to avoid possible complications. This is crucial, especially if you are under medication or have an underlying medical condition. It is also essential to get a proper diagnosis for the pain, so you can target the root cause. Both Kratom and CBD are complementary options that you can integrate with ongoing medical treatment for your pain which may be beneficial to some people.
