Kratom is an evergreen tropical tree belonging to the Rubiaceae family. For centuries, the leaves of kratom trees have been used traditionally in Thailand and Malaysia, where they are chewed fresh, boiled into teas, or dried and smoked. Traditionally, kratom has been used to increase energy and stamina among labourers and farmers in Southeast Asia and for medicinal purposes, including treating diarrhoea, cough, pain, and opioid addiction.
The effects of kratom are dose-dependent and vary depending on the strain and vein colour. At low doses (1-5 g), kratom tends to provide a boost in energy, focus, and talkativeness, along with mild pain relief. At moderate doses (5-15 g), the energizing effects take a back seat to more pronounced pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria. At high doses (15 g and above), kratom produces strong sedative and euphoric effects, and users may even enter a dream-like state known as the “kratom coma.” The different vein colours of kratom leaves also produce distinct effects.
- Red vein kratom strains generally provide relaxation, pain relief, and sedation, making them ideal for evening use.
- White vein kratom is known for its stimulating and euphoric effects while also providing focus and concentration.
- Green vein kratom falls somewhere in between, offering a balance of mild stimulation and relaxation, along with pain relief and improved mood.
Caffeine – Traditional stimulant
Caffeine is a stimulant found in many soft drinks and prescription and over-the-counter medications. It stimulates the central nervous system, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. In the brain, caffeine inhibits adenosine buildup, making us sleepy and suppressing neural activity. It increases alertness and cognitive function by blocking adenosine receptors and activating other stimulatory neurotransmitters like glutamate and dopamine.
Caffeine helps people stay awake, increase their focus, and improve their productivity. By increasing adrenaline levels, caffeine stimulates the liver and fat cells to release sugar, which provides energy to the body. Caffeine also releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that promotes pleasure and reward, to improve mood and reduce fatigue.
Kratom vs. Caffeine – Key differences
While both kratom and caffeine are stimulants that enhance energy and focus, there are some important distinctions to be made between the two.
Duration of effects
The most significant difference between kratom and caffeine is the duration of their effects. The stimulating effects of caffeine typically last for a shorter period, usually around 2-3 hours, sometimes up to 6 hours, depending on the individual’s metabolism and tolerance. In contrast, the energizing effects of kratom last for 6-8 hours, with the overall experience, including the relaxing and pain-relieving effects, lasting up to 10 hours, especially with higher doses.
Crash and withdrawal
Caffeine is well known for its potential to lead to a crash once its effects wear off, leaving people feeling more tired and groggy than before they consumed it. This is due to the body’s increased production of adenosine, blocked by caffeine, leading to a rebound effect. Kratom is not typically associated with a crash or the same degree of withdrawal symptoms as caffeine. While some users may experience mild crash or withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and mood changes when they stop taking kratom, these tend to be less severe and shorter-lasting than with caffeine.
If you are looking for a natural substitute for caffeine, buy kratom online for energy could be a viable option. It is essential to source kratom from reputable suppliers who lab test their products to ensure purity.