Passionflower has many uses and comes in many different varieties. The herb is mainly used for supporting anxiety and sleep but has a long list of other applications as well.
Pine (Pinus spp.)
About the Pine Tree
The mighty pine tree is one of the most common trees on earth — making up close to 1% of the plant population of earth. They can be found thriving in both the coldest, and hottest environments on the planet.
All parts of the pine tree are used medicinally, and the wood is an importance source of lumbar for construction.
The leaves (needles) are an excellent source of vitamin A and C, the resin is a powerful antibacterial and carminative agent, the bark and pine nuts are highly nutritive, and the pollen is used as an analgesic, male tonic, and longevity-enhancement agent.
The pine tree is, and always has been an invaluable ally to humans.
Featured Pine Pollen Products
Pine Pollen Powder
Pine Pollen Tincture
Pine Pollen Capsules
What Are Pine Trees Used For?
There are so many uses for the pine tree, it’s hard to list them all. The bark, needles, seeds, and pollen are incredibly nutritious, and the resin contains powerful antimicrobial and vulnerary compounds.
Humans have been using the pine tree as food and medicine for thousands of years in almost every Northern culture on earth. Many of the traditional medical uses for pine trees still stand today — but have become less popular over other more exotic herbs.
A common theme with herbal medicine is that it’s usually the least interesting, most common plant species that have the most to offer. Yet we’re always looking for that new exotic herb or supplement to use instead.
The most popular use of the pine tree today is in the form of topical salves made from the resin and male tonic supplements made from the pine pollen. Pine nuts are also a common source of nutrition you can pick up at any grocery store.
The needles and bark are also exceptionally nutritious and can be made into a tea or decoction (respectively) to support general health, as well as treating debility, fatigue, and nutritional deficiencies.
+ Pine Needle Uses
Pine needles make for an excellent tea. They're rich in vitamin A, Vitamin C, and a host of medicinal essential oils.
Pine needle tea is great for supporting the immune system, releasing phlegm from the lungs, easing a sore throat, curbing gas and bloating, or warming up on a cold winter hike.
An infusion of the needles can also be applied topically to the skin as an antimicrobial and vulnerary.
Fresh needles collected in the spring can be eaten raw and add a pleasant "piney" or "rosemary" flavor to the dish. You can also infuse these fresh pine sprigs with honey or butter.
A tincture can be made from the needles using a high alcohol menstrum (at least 95%). Use, sparingly.
+ Pine Resin Uses
Pine resin seeps out of cuts and scratches of the tree — it's used to seal the wounds and prevent infection. As a result, it's no surprise this pine resin has exceptional antimicrobial properties. It's insecticidal, anti-fungal, and antibacterial.
The resin makes for an excellent addition to topical salves designed to speed wound healing.
You can also make or buy tinctures of pine resin using a high-proof alcohol as the solvent. These are useful for releasing phlegm from the lungs and eliminating gas and bloating from the digestive tract. However, use it sparingly as the resin can be irritating to the GI tract in high amounts.
+ Pine Pollen Uses
Pine pollen has a long history of use in Asia for promoting strength and male virulity. High-proof extracts of the pollen are used by older men to maintain testosterone levels. There's a lot of promise for this effect in the scientific literature (more on this later) — but it's important to note that pine pollen is not an anabolic steroid and can't be used to boost testosterone in younger men. It only appears to work if testosterone levels are low to begin with.
Outside male virility, pine pollen is an excellent nutritional supplement for men and women alike. It's rich in the amino acids, minerals, and vitamins required for optimal health.
+ Pine Bark Uses
Pine bark is rich in vitamin C and A and a few unique medicinal components. The bark can be decocted to make a strong bitter tea with a host of medicinal benefits. Some herbalists use the bark for heart disease, varicose veins, clotting disorders, and cancer.
+ Pine Nut Uses
Pine nuts, like the rest of the pine tree, are very nutritious. They're rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, E, C, D2, D3, and A.
Pine nuts are also rich in nicotinamide, folic acid, B-carotin, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and selenium — to name a few.
Traditional Uses of Pine Trees
Anybody living in proximity to these common forest plants (especially in Northern climates) have developed a set of uses for the herb — many of which are the same all over the world.
The pine tree has been used for coughs, allergies, urinary tract infections, sinus infections, skin infections, debility, joint pain, inflammatory diseases, immune deficiencies, scurvy, and much more.
Native American tribes used the pine tree as an important source of nutrition during the winter months — consuming the nuts, bark, and needles of the pine tree.
Early explorers to reach North America from Europe eventually started using pine needle tea to ward off scurvy.
There are countless uses for this impressive tree as well when you consider its nutritive benefits. Almost any medical condition can stand to benefit from optimal nutrition, which explains why the tree has been used in traditional medicines for almost any cause of debility.
The resin was also considered a valuable ingredient in topical salves for skin conditions, infections, and insect bites.
The boughs of the pine tree were used as an insect-repellant bedding to eliminate common pests like bedbugs or fleas.
Herb Details: Pine Trees
Herbal Actions:
- Analgesic
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anticholesterolaemic
- Astringent
- Carminative
- Male Tonic
- Nutritive
- Respiratory Tonic
Relevant Species:
- Pinus edulis
- Pinus ponderosa
- Pinus aristata
- Pinus strobus
- Pinus contorta
- Pinus strobus
- Pinus sylvestris
Dosages
- Pine Pollen — 1.5 grams two-three times per day
- View Dosage Chart
Part Used
Needles, inner-bark, pollen, seeds, resin
Family Name
Pinaceae
Distribution
Temperate forests around the world
Constituents of Interest
- a-terpenol
- Linalool
- Caryophyllene
- Eugenol
Common Names
- Pine
- Scot's Pine
- Scotch Pine
- Logepole Pine
- Jack Pine
CYP450
- Unknown
Pregnancy
- Topical applications of pine resin, as well as pine needle tea is safe to use during pregnancy — however, avoid pine pollen or pine resin tinctures while pregnant.
Duration of Use
- Long-term use of all parts of this plant is acceptable
Botanical Information
The Pinus genus consist of roughly 144 different species of coniferous trees. It’s one of the oldest plants on earth — dating back at least 200 million years.
Pine trees are incredibly common, they’re found on every continent, and dominate forests in the Norther hemisphere. One report suggests the humble pine tree makes up about 1% of the entire plant population of earth.
No matter where you go in the northern Hemisphere, you’re likely to find pine trees a permanent member of the landscape. However, if you look more closely, different regions are home to a specific species of pine tree.
Harvesting & Preparation
All parts of the pine tree can be used medicinally. The leaves make a nutritious tea, the bark can be decocted into a strong tea, the resin can be made into antimicrobial salves, and the pollen can be supplemented as a male tonic.
Different parts of the tree should be harvested in different seasons:
Pine Pollen — the pine tree only releases its pollen in the early spring or summer. Each tree releases an ton of it. Collect it by placing bags over the catkins and giving it a shake.
Pine Needles — these can be harvested anytime, but spring is the best in order to get the young growth. Newer growth has a much better taste and higher terpene concentrations.
Pine pitch (resin) — This part can be harvested all year. I like to harvest it in the winter when it’s extra hard as I find this easier to collect in chunks rather than making a sticky mess of evertthing when the resin is still gooey.
Pine Bark — You can collect this part of the tree anytime of the year. I find it best in the spring, summer.
Pharmacology & Medical Research
+ Antinociceptive (Pain-Reduction)
In animal studies, an ethanol extract of pine pollen (100 and 200 mg/kg orally) produced significant inhibition of both pain transmission and inflammation compared to the control group [1]. (Species tested (Pinus densiflora).
+ Anticholesterolaemic
The needles of pine trees (Pinus morrisonicola) has been shown to inhibit copper-induced low-denisty lipoproteins (LDL) oxidation [2]. The study involved four different solvent extracts, but the ethyl acetate extract showed the greatest antioxidant activity overall.
+ Anti-Inflammatory
Several studies have shown different parts of the pine tree to have anti-inflammatory effects on various inflammatory enzymes and messenger molecules.
The needles were shown to possess COX-2 inhibitory activities in animal models [2].
+ Longevity
One of the longest-running applications of the pine pollen — dating back thousands of years in China — was for promoting long-life. This was especially true in men, where the pollen was used to delay the effects of aging, and sustain male virility long into old age. In traditional Chinese medicine, pine pollen is considered a jing tonic. Jing is a term used to describe “life essence” — it’s essentially our virility. When jing runs out, we die. Chinese medicine considers pine pollen a tonic for the lungs, kidneys, heart, spleen, and liver — all five major organs in the Chinese medical system.
The modern term for this effect is an adaptogen — something that improves our ability to resist both internal and external stresses and maintain homeostasis (balance).
In order to offer such broad benefits to the body, pine pollen must act on a central regulatory system. Some herbs, such as ginseng do this by acting on the hypothalamus — which is the region in the brain that manages homeostasis within the body. Other herbs, like cannabis achieve this by boosting the effects of a regulatory system called the endocannabinoid system.
A study published in 2012 looked at the potential anti-aging effects of pine pollen [3]. The study injected mice with D-galactose — which is a compound used to induce premature aging by increasing the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Pine pollen extract was found to hinder the production of AGE at doses between 500 and 1500 mg/kg. This effect was noted to be comparable in effects to 100mg/kg aminoguanidine — a well-known longevity-enhancement medication through AGE pathways.
+ Testosterone
There was a study published in 2013 that showed black pine tree pollen (Pinus nigra) contained epi-testosterone, as well as a handful of other androgenic compounds (5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol, 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol and etiocholanolone) [1]. The problem is that the testosterone levels contained in pine pollen were so insignificant it was unrealistic to expect any change in testosterone levels for those taking the supplement. It’s estimated that 10 grams of pine pollen contains about 0.8 micrograms of testosterone [4].
To put this in perspective, the usual dose of injectable testosterone is over 100 mg. This is an injectable form of testosterone too — which has 100% absorption rate. Oral ingestion of testosterone has significantly less absorption — closer to 3 –7%.
While you can’t use pine pollen as a natural source of testosterone, it does offer improvements to testosterone levels in older men through alternate mechanisms.
The improvement in male health and libido after using pine pollen is most likely a combination of its potent nutritional profile and anti-inflammatory benefits. Pine pollen is particularly rich in amino acids like nicotinic acid and pantothenic acid — both of which have been shown to play a major role in the function of the testes where testosterone is produced.
The benefits of pine pollen on testosterone levels are most notable in older men experiencing the natural drop-off of testosterone levels. There’s no evidence to suggest pine pollen can boost testosterone levels in healthy, younger men.
Phytochemistry
The entire pine tree is a rich source of nutrition. The bark, leaves, and pollen are all high in vitamins and minerals, while the resin is particularly rich in terpenes and other volatile compounds.
+ Pine Pollen Constituents:
Amino acids, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, inositol, folic acid, vitamin D2, vitamin D3. Some species (Scot’s pine — Pinus sylvestrus) has been found to contain testosterone, epitestosterone, and androstenedione — however, the concentrations are too low to reasonably offer any direct benefits through supplementation. The male tonic effects of pine pollen are primarily the result of other compounds, rather than from the androgens themselves.
+ Pine Resin Constituents
Abietic acid, dehydroabietic acid, elliotic acid, isopimaric acid, levopimaric acid, palustric acid, pimaric acid, sandaracopimaric acid, strobinic acid, volatile oils.
+ Pine Needle Constituents
Leucocyanidin, neoabietinic acid, pinosylvin monomethyl ester, strobic acid, antioxidants, volatile oils including α-terpineol (30.2%), linalool (24.47%), limonene (17.01%), anethole (14.57%), caryophyllene (3.14%), and eugenol (2.14%).
+ Pine Bark Constituents
Abietic acid, cis-abienol, leucocyanidin, neoabietinic acid, pinosylvin, monomethyl ester, strobic acid, volatile oils.
Cautions & Safety Information:
All pine species are considered safe. There is one species of tree that resembles the pine tree — the yew tree — which is toxic. The yew tree can be differentiated by the smaller, flat needles and little red berries.
The pollen of the pine tree is a common cause for allergy — take with caution when using pine pollen for the first time to ensure there are no allergic reactions.
Be careful when using tinctures of the pine resin to avoid causing gastrointestinal irritation. Start with a very low dose before increasing gradually once you get a feel for how it affects you directly.
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Popular Herbal Monographs
References:
[1] — Choi, E. M. (2007). Antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities of pine (Pinus densiflora) pollen extract. Phytotherapy Research, 21(5), 471-475.
[2] — Yen, G. C., Duh, P. D., Huang, D. W., Hsu, C. L., & Fu, T. Y. C. (2008). Protective effect of pine (Pinus morrisonicola Hay.) needle on LDL oxidation and its anti-inflammatory action by modulation of iNOS and COX-2 expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Food and chemical toxicology, 46(1), 175-185.
[3] — Mao, G. X., Zheng, L. D., Cao, Y. B., Chen, Z. M., Lv, Y. D., Wang, Y. Z., ... & Yan, J (2012). Antiaging effect of pine pollen in human diploid fibroblasts and in a mouse model induced by D-galactose. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2012.
[4] — Chamawan, P., Thisayakorn, K., & Phornchirasilp, S. (2017). Effects of Pine Pollen Extract in Relieving Hot Flushes in Sex Hormone-Deficienct Rats. Thai Journal of Pharmacology, 39(1), 19-37.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)
What is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a medicinal plant species native to Southeast Asia with powerful stimulating, pain-relieving, and euphoric effects.
As a member of the coffee family, it’s no surprise kratom is used to combat fatigue and work longer, more productive hours. But there are some other attributes to kratom that contradict this effect.
Kratom is stimulating in lower doses and sedative in higher doses. It acts on the opioid pain system and interacts with neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline.
This unique combination of relaxing, pain-killing, and stimulating effects gives kratom interesting applications. The most common use of the plant is to work longer hours, relieve joint and muscle pain, and help people with chronic pain transition away from highly addictive pain medications.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about kratom.
Topics We'll Cover in This Monograph
1. What is kratom used for?
2. Kratom Technical Details
3. History of Kratom
4. Guide to Using Kratom Safely (Dosage Information
5. Kratom Strains (Red, White, Green)
6. Different Types of Kratom Products
7. Medical Research of Kratom
8. Kratom Active Constituents
9. Kratom Side Effects & Safety
10. Legality of Kratom Around the World
Let’s jump straight in. Feel free to jump around to the sections that interest you the most.
What is Kratom Used For?
There’s a few differences between how kratom is used today compared to its traditional uses.
Let’s cover each in more detail.
Traditional Uses of Kratom
Traditionally, the leaves of the plant were chewed raw or made into a strong tea. This delivered much lower doses of the plant than modern methods allow.
In low doses, the effects of kratom are highly stimulating — very similar to coffee or yerba maté. Because of this, most traditional uses of this plant revolve around its stimulating effects.
Kratom was used by laborers as a way to combat fatigue during the long, hard working hours. Some reports even suggest kratom was used to increase the body’s tolerance to the effects of the hot sun. The pain-killing effects of the herb may have contributed to this by dulling body aches and pains while working.
Kratom was really a herb of productivity. If you took kratom while working, you could work harder, faster, and longer than normal — ultimately, getting more done in a day.
Other uses of the herb included treatment for intestinal infections, diarrhea, and muscle pain [5].
Modern Uses of Kratom
Modern applications of the herb are much more extensive because it’s easier now to choose between a low dose for stimulating effects or high doses for more sedative effects.
Kratom powders are readily available and don’t rely on chewing the leaves to release the active compounds. We also have access to high-potency tinctures, capsules, and resin extracts thanks to modern extraction technologies.
1. Kratom For Energy
We can split the uses of kratom according to the dose.
Lower doses of the plant (2.5 – 7 mg) are generally much more stimulating and have better mood-enhancing effects. This is the most common dosage taken traditionally by workers looking to leverage the energizing effects of the plant.
Many of the active ingredients in kratom stimulate the adrenergic receptors in the brain — causing increased electrical activity, faster heart rate, higher blood pressure, and more energy overall.
These effects can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours on a single dose.
2. Kratom for Anxiety & Sleep
Larger doses (over 8 grams) are more sedative — making these doses better for supporting sleep and anxiety. However, this effect is less reliable than the other uses of kratom because of the stimulating activity at lower doses. Some people simply can’t take higher doses of the plant without experiencing side effects — which won’t help you with your sleep.
Some strains are better than others for sleep and anxiety, so make sure you find a strain recommended for these uses specifically.
3. Kratom & Opiate Withdrawal
One of the most important uses of the plant comes from its opioid effects. Kratom is able to curb opioid withdrawal symptoms, making it less likely for people to relapse during this uncomfortable stage of the recovery process.
4. Kratom for Pain Management
Kratom is a popular alternative for pain management for its opioid pain killing properties and lower likelihood of addiction. People use this plant to numb pain without having to take highly addictive opiate pain medications like morphine, vicodin, oxycontin, or others.
5. Kratom For Mood
The opioid effects of kratom impacts mood regulation. The cascade caused by opioid receptor activation releases dopamine in the reward center of the brain, producing a mild euphoria and sense of wellbeing.
Other alkaloids in the kratom plant target serotonin release — another neurotransmitter associated with mood.
Because of these effects, many people report benefits to using kratom as a way to stabilize low moods during waves of depression or during stressful times.
6. Kratom as an Immunomodulator
One of the more interesting applications of kratom currently under investigation is its ability to support the immune system. Many of the alkaloids and saponins found in kratom are also found in a plant called cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) — which is well-known for its ability to boost the immune system and protect the body from cancer, viral infection, or autoimmune disease. These alkaloids stimulate parts of the immune system such as the Th1 immune response and various prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Research is still needed to fully understand if kratom exerts these same effects.
Comparing the Applications of Kratom According to Dose
| Low Dose Applications of Kratom | High Dose Applications of Kratom |
|---|---|
|
|
Herb Details: Kratom
Herbal Actions:
- Sedative (High-Dose)
- Stimulant (Low-Dose)
- Analgesic
- Anxiolytic
- Nootropic (mild)
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant
Dose
- (Dried Powdered Herb)
2.5 to 15 grams
Part Used
Leaves
Family Name
Methysticum speciosa
Distribution
Southeast Asia
Constituents of Interest
- 7-Hydroxymitragynine
- Akuammiline
- Mitragynine
- Epicatechin
- Quinovic Acids
Common Names
- Kratom
- Kakuam
- Ketum
- Biak-biak
- Ithang
- Thom
CYP450
- Unknown
Pregnancy
- Avoid use during pregnancy.
Duration of Use
- Long-term use should be avoided to prevent addictive tendencies
A Brief History of Kratom
Kratom comes from various regions of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Bali, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea.
Here, kratom goes by the following names:
Kakuam
Ketum
Biak-biak
Ithang
Thom
In these regions, the leaves of the kratom tree are chewed or smoked throughout the day, or brewed into a strong tea and mixed with honey or citrus fruits. It was popular among laborers as a way to combat fatigue as they worked long hours throughout the day.
For centuries, kratom helped people work harder, hunt for longer hours in the day, and manage pain caused by injuries or infection.
It wasn’t until the 1800s that the Western world caught wind of kratom. A botanist travelling through Malaysia noted the herb as a substitute for opium — which, at the time, was already heavily restricted.
Interest in kratom began to spread throughout Europe and eventually, North America. Still, it wasn’t nearly as popular as a stimulant as coffee and couldn’t compete as a pain medication with pharmaceuticals. Only in the last ten years has kratom really become popular in the Western world as an alternative to pain medications as the epidemic of drug addiction is at an all-time high.
Kratom remains a popular alternative option in Europe and the United States for pain management alongside cannabidiol (CBD) — which are often taken together.
Beginner’s Guide to Using Kratom
Getting started with kratom is simple — once you have your kratom, the next step is to figure out how much you should take, and how to prepare it.
Kratom Dose: How Much Kratom Should I Take?
The general dosage range for kratom leaf powder is 2.5 to 15 grams.
Note that concentrates can vary significantly, so always follow the directions on the label when using these products.
Everybody responds to the effects of kratom a little differently — so, play it safe if this is your first time using kratom. Start with a very low dose (2 grams), and increase gradually over time as you start to get a feel for how kratom affects your body individually.
A good process for beginners is to start with about 2 grams, wait 30 minutes, and follow up with another 1 gram every 30 minutes until you reach the desired level of effects.
If you start to experience side effects, like kratom wobble (more on this later), it means you’ve reached your dosage limit for that strain of kratom.
Once you find a dosage that works well for your body with that particular strain, you can be more confident in taking that dose from the beginning the next time you take kratom.
If you have a food scale, weigh your kratom for accuracy.
If you don’t have a scale, you can also use measuring spoons to get approximate doses. Use the table below to find the approximate equivalent dose from grams to teaspoons and tablespoons.
Imperial to Metric Conversions
| Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|
| 2.5 Grams | 1 Teaspoon |
| 7 Grams | 1 Tablespoon |
How Do I Take Kratom?
There are two main methods of preparing kratom powder. Let’s go through the basic process for each method.
Method 1: Kratom Tea
This is the most common method of preparing kratom. All you need to do is mix your dose of kratom (2.5 – 15 grams) with about 500 mL or 1 L of boiling water.
Stir until the powder dissolves— you don’t want to end up with any clumps of undissolved kratom powder in the mix.
Once you’ve stirred the mixture for a minute or two, leave it for another couple of minutes to let the powder settle to the bottom of the cup.
Once there's a layer of sediment at the bottom, you can pour the kratom tea into drinking cups, making sure to avoid the sludge of undissolved kratom powder at the bottom.
The final step is to add honey or sugar to sweeten, and drink up!
Method 2: Toss & Wash
This is the simplest method. It’s not the most enjoyable, but it’s quick and requires little preparation.
All you have to do is measure out the dose of kratom you want to use (somewhere between 2.5 and 15 grams depending on personal preference).
The next step is to simply swallow the powder with a spoon and quickly rinse it down with some water, juice, milk, or other beverage.
The powder can be hard to swallow, so it’s better to try and take a few spoonfuls than to fit the entire dose in one spoon.
What Are the Different Kratom Strains?
Kratom contains an array of alkaloids, each with its own set of effects on the human body. Some are stimulating like caffeine from coffee, others activate the opioid pain receptors (relaxing and pain-killing effects), others work through completely different receptors in the central nervous system.
This means the effects of kratom depend highly on which alkaloids are most abundant in the leaves.
As with most plants, there are many forms of kratom — each producing their own ratio of active alkaloids — resulting in subtle changes in growth patterns such as, leaf and or vein color, and effect profiles.
We call these different forms of kratom strains.
Each strain of kratom adds its own twist on the general effect profile of the plant. All kratom has stimulating effects in low doses and sedative qualities in higher doses — however, some strains place more emphasis on one effect than the other. For example, some strains are better for pain (like Red Vein Borneo), while others have stronger immune supportive activity (like White Maeng Da).
Let’s cover the most common strains of kratom, what makes them unique, and what their effect profiles are.
There are a few different ways to catalog kratom strains, but I’ve found the best way is to look at the vein color of the plant. This gives us a clue as to which alkaloids are most prevalent in the sample, and therefore, what the effect profile is most likely to produce.
Let’s get into the details.
1. Red Vein Kratom
Red vein kratom is usually the best for fast-acting sedative action. These kratom strains tend to be rich in 7-Hydroxymitragynine compared to other colors (more on this alkaloid later).
Kratom with red leaf veins can be found all over Southeast Asia, as you’ll find from the list below — but most users report red vein kratom to have very similar effects regardless of its place of origin.
Most Popular Red Vein Kratom Strains
Maeng Da Thai — Red Vein
Red Vein Kali Powder
Red Vein Borneo
2. Green Vein Kratom
Kratom strains with green veins are widely considered to be the middle ground for kratom effects. This means they’re both stimulating and sedative, and offer good general effects towards pain, mood, and focus.
Covering both ends of the kratom spectrum, green vein can have many different effects, so the strain really does matter with these plants. Unlike white or red vein where the effects tend to be very similar no matter where the strain originates from.
Most Popular Green Vein Kratom Strains
Super Green Vein Malaysian
3. White Vein Kratom
White vein kratom has a low concentration of 7-Hydroxymitragynine.
Kratom with white veins tend to have more of a mind effect — increasing alertness and focus, as well as producing feelings of euphoria and improvements in mood.
Many users use white vein kratom in a similar manner to coffee or tea while working or studying. The effects of white vein kratom are more subtle than both red and green vein strains, and therefore, is a better option for daily use.
Most Popular White Vein Kratom Strains
Maeng Da Thai — White Vein
Sumatra White Vein
White Vein Borneo
What Forms of Kratom are Available?
There are a few different ways you can use kratom. The most popular method is to mix the dried, ground leaf powder with water to drink. This produces the strongest and most reliable level of effects but isn’t exactly an enjoyable beverage to drink.
Other ways people use kratom include capsules, kratom resin extracts, pre-mixed drinks, and alcohol or glycerine-based tinctures.
Let’s discuss the differences between each form of kratom and what the pros and cons of each are.
1. Kratom Powder
Kratom powder is the most versatile and cost-effective way of using kratom. You can mix it with water, juice or milk, or put it in capsules or tea bags yourself.
Traditionally, kratom leaves were chewed to get the effects of the plant. The chewing action breaks the leaves up, while enzymes in the saliva break down the cellular structure of the kratom cells — effectively releasing the active alkaloids into the body.
Modern techniques of drying and powdering the kratom replaces the job of chewing the leaves. All you need to do is find a way to get this leaf powder into the body for the effects to take hold.
Unfortunately, kratom has a strong bitter flavor, so it may be difficult to take the powder raw. For this reason, most people mix kratom with chocolate milk, fruit juice, or other drinks with a strong flavor to mask the bitterness of the kratom.
Pros
- Allows you to consume the entire leaf — which is the most efficient way of using kratom
- Powder is the most cost-effective way of using kratom
- Powders are the closest method to traditional kratom consumption
- Most kratom strains are available as a powder form
Cons
- Kratom powders don’t taste very good
- You need a fairly large dose of powder to feel the effects
- Kratom powders require a little bit of effort to prepare
2. Kratom Capsules
Another popular method of using kratom is to take them as a capsule. You can make capsules yourself by using a capsule-making machine and filling it with raw kratom leaf powder.
Commercially available kratom capsules are also available and are an excellent option for novice users.
Capsules allow you to take consistent doses of kratom and are one of the most convenient and discrete ways of using the herb. Nobody thinks twice when you take a capsule, as it looks a lot like a regular health supplement — while mixing the green, bitter powder into a drink may draw the attention of your coworkers.
Pros
- Discrete and convenient way of using kratom
- Provides consistent doses every time
Cons
- Not the cheapest way of using kratom
- You may need to take several capsules to feel the effects
- Not all strains are available in capsule form, unless you make them yourself from raw powder
3. Kratom Tinctures & Glycetracts
All herbs can be made into a tincture. The process involves rinsing the raw herb with alcohol, vegetable glycerine, or another solvent to extract the active ingredients through diffusion. Once most of the active compounds are removed from the leaves, the remaining fiber and cell structures of the plant are filtered out — leaving behind a liquid rich in active kratom compounds.
Tinctures allow you to take consistent doses of kratom without having to weigh the leaf powder. This method is more discrete and can be added to any beverage or taken directly in the mouth.
For even faster onset of effects, you can hold the tincture under the tongue where the kratom alkaloids will absorb through the microcapillaries located directly under the tongue — delivering the active compounds directly into the bloodstream.
You can make tinctures yourself from the leaf powder or buy commercially made products.
Pros
- One of the most convenient ways of using kratom
- Alcohol or vegetable glycerine preserve the kratom — dramatically increasing the shelf life
Cons
- Not the most cost-effective way of using kratom
- Some of the active compounds will be lost during the extraction process
- You may need to take fairly large amounts of the tincture to feel the effects
4. Kratom Resin Extracts
The active alkaloids of the kratom plant are most abundant in the plant's resin — which is a highly viscous fluid produced by the plant. This is where many active alkaloids are stored. Numerous plants have resins that can be removed and concentrated.
Kratom resin extracts are very popular and make using kratom super simple. Since this preparation has all the unnecessary plant parts removed (the fibers, cell walls, proteins, carbohydrates, etc.), you don’t need as much of this stuff to start feeling the effects.
For this reason, be very careful when using concentrated extracts. It doesn’t take much to go overboard with this stuff.
Pros
- Allows you to take much less kratom to experience the effects
Cons
- Kratom extracts are expensive
- The effect profile isn’t as robust as the raw plant material
How Does Kratom Work?
Kratom works primarily through the alkaloid content of the leaves. We’ll get into the details of what alkaloids are, and what the most important alkaloids in the kratom plant do in more detail later.
The most important thing to note here is that alkaloids tend to have powerful pharmacological effects on the human body because they have the ability to activate or inhibit various cell receptors around the body.
The human body uses receptors as a way to control cellular functions around the body. By activating or inhibiting these receptors, we can tell our cells to behave a certain way.
Caffeine for example, binds to the adenosine receptors which are responsible for making us sleepy. By binding to these receptors, it prevents this from happening — causing us to feel awake and alert.
In the kratom plant, there are over 24 different alkaloids — each with their own affinity for different receptors in the body.
The majority of effects from kratom rely on an activation of the opioid receptors (resulting in pain inhibition, sedation, and euphoria), and adrenergic receptors (causing the stimulating effects).
Some of these alkaloids have more novel effects such as, stimulating immune cells, modulating dopamine levels, or inhibiting noradrenaline.
Kratom is also rich in flavonoids, including epicatechin — which is one of the primary antioxidants found in green tea, chocolate, and grapes. These antioxidants provide protection from harmful free radicals and oxidative compounds we’re exposed to from the environment.
Pharmacology & Medical Research
Over the years, there’s been a lot of interest in kratom as a therapeutic agent. In the early 1980s, there was a particularly strong interest in the potential to use kratom as an alternative to addictive pain medications or for helping drug users wean themselves off the medication.
There’s also a wealth of research for using kratom for increasing energy levels, addressing anxiety symptoms, and alleviating opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Most of this research was done in the 1970s and 1980s before there was a sweeping ban of kratom in the United States and Europe. Although most of these bans have since been lifted, kratom research is not as abundant as it once was.
Another reason why research isn’t as common for kratom as other pant medicines is due to the incredible complexity of the plants constituents. There are at least 24 known alkaloids in kratom, each with their own potent effect profile. This makes it very hard to study the plant because there are so many variables. It’s much easier to study plants with one active ingredient than a plant with 24 or more active ingredients.
Nevertheless, I’ll break down some of the best research we have available for the most common applications of kratom.
+ Kratom For Energy
The earliest uses of kratom involve its stimulating properties. Several alkaloids in kratom activate the adrenergic receptors [5,6].
Hormones such as noradrenaline and adrenaline (catecholamines) activate the adrenergic receptors which causes several important changes in the body — namely, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and electrical activity in the brain. The result of these changes is what we commonly experience as the fight or flight response.
However, these effects are highly dose-dependent. Higher doses of kratom have much more sedative effects on the body as a result of the opioid activity of the plant [7].
+ Kratom for Opiate Addiction
The first suggestion that kratom could alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms came from research published in the 1930s [3]. Since then, this application has gained a lot of attention.
So how does this work? What does the research suggest?
First, let’s discuss how opiate addiction works in the first place.
After frequent exposure to opioid drugs, the body begins to change its homeostatic balance as an attempt to resist the effects of the drug — resulting in what we call tolerance. Drug tolerance forces us to take larger doses of the drug to experience the same level of effects.
As soon as the drug-use stops, it’s metabolized and removed from the body. Unfortunately, the homeostatic changes the body made in response to the drug lead to a phenomenon known as withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms can last several days or weeks as the body struggles to readjust homeostatic mechanisms to reverse the adaptations made while taking the drug.
Opiate withdrawal can be severe — causing symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, chills, fever, body aches, seizures, headaches, and hallucinations. These symptoms are often strong enough to force the user to seek out more of the drug to alleviate these symptoms — resulting in a relapse.
Therefore, one of the major goals of addiction treatment is to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal while the user goes through the detox process.
The most common medications used for this stage are methadone and buprenorphine — however, both these medications can also lead to a second stage of opiate and opiate-like drug dependance.
Kratom is a strong candidate for opiate withdrawal symptoms because it has the potential to alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms without possessing nearly the same chances of secondary addiction.
So how does this work? Is there any data to back this up?
Kratom alkaloids alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms in zebrafish (a common model of addiction) [4].
Unfortunately, there aren’t many high-quality studies on this application of kratom. The best data we have at the moment involves anecdotal evidence of people who successfully weaned themselves off opiate drug addiction, and animal research including the study cited above.
It’s likely kratom’s effects on the opioid system are much more complicated than simply activating these receptors in place of the opioid medications. This could explain why kratom has a lower incidence of addiction compared to specific opioid agonist medications such as morphine, fentanyl, methadone, and oxycontin.
More research is needed to fully understand the role kratom might play in helping people wean off addictive opiate drugs like heroin, vicodin, morphine, fentanyl, and oxycontin.
+ Kratom For Pain
Since kratom is able to exert its effects through the opioid system, it’s not surprising the herb possesses pain-relieving benefits. The opioid system is integral to the transmission of pain from the body to the brain. Mu- and gamma-opioid receptors located in the spinal cord and brain regulate the transmission of pain signals.
By activating the opioid receptors, kratom inhibits pain signals and reduces both chronic and acute pain.
A study published in 2009, highlighted the pain-killing and anti-inflammatory effects of kratom [8]. The study gave rats a standardized extract of kratom known as MSM at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. A significant reduction in both inflammation and pain were noted in the rats following the treatment with kratom.
Researchers in the study suggested the anti-inflammatory effects were a result of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase inhibition.
The pain-relief is likely a combined result of the anti-inflammatory effects and opioid receptor activation.
+ Kratom For Focus
Kratom alkaloids possess adrenergic [5] and serotonergic [9] activity. Additionally, through the opioid system, kratom alkaloids like mitragynine are theorized to possess secondary dopaminergic and GABAergic effects in the brain [10, 11].
All of these effects are associated with cognitive performance and focus. Many of the most popular cognitive enhancing supplements and medications rely on activating one or more of these pathways in the brain.
Although there’s no research currently available that explores this interaction more closely, there's plenty of anecdotal reports that suggest kratom can boost focus and attention — especially with white veined kratom strains.
This is another area where more research is welcomed to fully elucidate the applications of kratom.
Kratom Constituents: What Are Kratom Alkaloids?
Kratom is a rich source of indole and oxindole alkaloids similar to caffeine. It’s also rich in antioxidant flavonoids, and pharmacologically-active saponins and glycoside derivatives.
The main constituents of kratom are mitragynine, paynantheine, speciogynine, and 7-Hydroxymitragynine — which collectively make up around 90% of the alkaloid content of the plant.
The alkaloid content of kratom plants can vary significantly. Even within the same strain, the alkaloid content can change depending on how much rain there was during the growing season, the altitude in which the plants are grown, and how soon the leaves were harvested during the season.
It’s thought the kratom plant produces these alkaloids as a way to defend itself from insects and animals and as a way to store excess nitrogen.
A) Kratom Alkaloids
Alkaloids are notorious for having powerful pharmacological effects on the human body.
Some of the most well-known alkaloids include caffeine (stimulant), cocaine (stimulant), morphine (pain-killer), nicotine (stimulant), ephedrine (stimulant), and ibogaine (psychedelic).
Alkaloids can be beneficial to the body, but they can also be quite toxic — as with the case of strychnine, aconitine, or coniine.
Kratom is exceptionally rich in alkaloids — most of which have been confirmed to be pharmacologically active in humans.
By far the most abundant alkaloid in kratom is mitragynine, so most of the current research explores his compound. However, over 23 other alkaloids have also been discovered, many of which have been investigated more closely for their effects.
Some of these alkaloids are even found in other useful plant species such as yohimbe or cat’s claw — both of which have a great deal of research highlighting their effect profiles.
Let’s briefly explore each alkaloid in kratom and their interaction with the human body.
1. 7-Hydroxymitragynine
This alkaloid is analgesic, antitussive (inhibits coughing), and antidiarrheal [12]. It’s also considered one of the key mu-opioid receptor agonists and one of the main alkaloids in red vein kratom strains.
2. 9-Hydroxycorynantheidine
This alkaloid is a partial opioid agonist — which means it’s not as strong as other alkaloids in the plant at activating the opioid pain receptors. However, many experts believe this alkaloid works through a different mechanism and can amplify the pain-killing effects of other alkaloids like mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine.
3. Ajmalicine
Ajmalicine is also found in another popular stimulating herb known as yohimbe and Rauwolfia serpentina. Extracts of this same alkaloid from the yohimbe plant is referred to as δ-yohimbine.
There’s actually a lot of information available on this alkaloid, and there are synthetic versions available used in the treatment of high blood pressure.
Ajmalicine is an α-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, which goes against many of the other alkaloids in the plant. It’s believed this alkaloid works as a smooth muscle relaxant, mild sedative, and helps reduce some of the side effects of other prevalent kratom alkaloids.
4. Akuammiline
Akuammiline is in the indole class of alkaloids and is also found in abundance in the akuamma seed (Picralima nitida) — which is where the name comes from.
This compound is structurally very similar to yohimbine and mitragynine — and likely offers a similar set of effects.
5. Ciliaphylline
There isn’t much research available on ciliaphylline, but it’s believed to be analgesic and antitussive (cough-suppressant) from preliminary research.
6. Corynantheidine
This alkaloid is a mu-opioid antagonist — which works against many of the other alkaloids in the plant. This compound is also found in yohimbe and acts as an α1-adrenergic and α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist (inhibitor).
7. Corynanthine
There isn’t much research on this alkaloid currently available, but some studies observed it to provide mild calcium channel blocking activity.
8. Corynoxine A & B
These two alkaloids have dopaminergic, neuroprotective, and mild sedative effects. Corynoxine A is also found in the medicinal herb cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa).
9. Iso Mitraphylline
This compound is a potent immunostimulant — suggested to provide the marhodity of the immune supportive effects of kratom despite making up less than 1% of the total alkaloid profile of the plant.
10. Isopteropodine
Isopteropodine is another immunostimulant and a 5-HTP modulator and mood supportive. This compound is involved in the concentration and mood-enhancing effects of some kratom strains.
11. Isorhynchophylline
Isorhynchophylline is found in Chinese cat’s claw (Uncaria rhynchophylla) and has immunostimulating and calcium channel blocking effects [13]. There isn’t much research currently available on this particular alkaloid.
12. Mitragynine
Mitragynine is considered the primary alkaloid in the kratom plant, responsible for the majority of the plants effects. It was the first discovered, and makes up roughly 66% of the total alkaloid profile of the kratom plant.
This alkaloid is an opioid receptor agonist, miod adrenergic receptor agonist, and 5HT2A (serotonin) receptor agonist. Its primary effects are antitussive (cough suppressant), anti-diarrheal, analgesic (pain-relieving), and central nervous stimulant and sedative.
13. Mitraphylline
Mitraphylline is an oxindole alkaloid with vasodilating, blood pressure lowering, muscle relaxing, and diuretic activity.
14. Mitraversine
This alkaloid is sometimes found in kratom but is more commonly found in a closely related species — Mitragyna parvifolia.
15. Paynantheine
This alkaloid is the second most abundant alkaloid in most kratom strains (though not all). It’s a smooth muscle relaxant and has minor activity on the opioid and adrenergic receptors. There’s a synthetic version of this compound available at the moment undergoing preliminary research.
16. Rhynchophylline
Rhynchophylline is found in both kratom and Chinese cat’s claw (Uncaria rhynchophylla). It’s been studied for its hypotensive effects — which were noted to leave blood flow in the kidneys unaffected [13]. Decreased blood flow in the kidneys is a serious side effect of modern pharmaceutical blood pressure medications — so there’s a lot of interest in this compound as a potential new blood pressure medication.
This alkaloid is also suggested to be an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, NMDA receptor agonist, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and antiarrhythmic through calcium channel blocking activity. All of these suggested effects need to be studied in further detail to confirm.
17. Speciociliatine
This compound is a diastereomer of mitragynine — which means it’s very similar in structure to mitragynine.
This alkaloid is a weak opioid agonist and may inhibit acetylcholine release from presynaptic nerve terminals.
18. Speciogynine
This alkaloid is very similar in structure to the primary kratom alkaloid mitragynine and the third most abundant alkaloid in the plant. It’s thought to have muscle relaxant properties, and is attributed for a lot of kratoms stress-reduction effects.
19. Speciophylline
Speciophylline is another alkaloid kratom that has in common with cat’s claw. There isn’t much research on this compound, but early research suggests it may have anticancer activity — specifically towards leukemia cell lines.
B) Other Compounds in Kratom
1. Epicatechin
Epicatechin is a flavonoid with potent antioxidant effect. It’s abundant in the plant kingdom, best known for its role in providing many of the health benefits of green tea (Camellia sinensis), chocolate (Theobroma cacao), and grapes (Vitis vinifera).
2. Daucosterol
Daucosterol is classified as a saponin — which is another class of compound that often possess pharmacologically active effects in animals. This particular saponin is thought to contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of kratom. It’s been shown to induce Th1 immune responses in animals [15] — which is a key component of a healthy immune system.
Daucosterol has also been shown to promote the regeneration of neural stem cells in vitro [16].
3. Quinovic Acids
Kratom shares a lot in common with cat’s claw — one of the world's premier immune-supportive herbs. Quinovic acids are another group of compounds the two herbs have in common.
Quibovic acids are classified as triterpene saponins. They’ve been shown to have potent antiviral activity in vitro [17], though more research is needed to see if this effect applies in living animals as well.
Safety & Side-Effects of Kratom
Caution is advised whenever using kratom. The effects can be very unpredictable, and the oposing effects some strains have from each other make it unreliable as a form of treatment for many conditions. If using kratom for its stimulating effects but sedation is delivered the condition can worsen. Only use kratom with the advice or observation of an experienced individual and only for minor conditions. Speak with your doctor before trying kratom is taking any medications or if you have any medical conditions.
Kratom Side Effects
Kratom doesn’t come without side effects — however, with responsible use the side effects of kratom acan be managed and mitigated.
The primary activity of kratom works through the opioid receptors and adrenergic receptors — so naturally, the most common side effects of the plant stem from the interaction with these receptors.
Adrenergic side effects cause a similar set of side effects of stress. This is because the adrenergic system is closely associated with the stress response.
Adrenergic side effects of kratom:
Nausea
Dizziness
Anxiety
Stimulation
Insomnia
Dry mouth
Headaches
Irritability
Sweating
Diarrhea
Increased urination
Rapid heartbeat
The opioid effects of kratom may produce a completely different set of side effects which are similar to other opioid medications.
Opioid side effects of kratom:
Sedation
Lethargy
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Itchy nose
Euphoria
Constipation
Increased urination
Despite the fact that most of these side effects are very rare and only tend to show up if kratom is used in high doses, it’s important to consider the potential dangers of using kratom. As with any compound, you can always take too much. Be responsible when taking kratom and listen to your body.
With that said, there’s a trio set of side effects that many users experience if they take too much. These side effects are one of the main reasons kratom doesn't tend to cause addiction. To take enough kratom to “nod out” — which is the goal for a lot of recreational users, you're more than likely to experience something called the kratom wobble before you get enough of the herb to start nodding out.
What Is the “Kratom Wobble?”
So-called kratom wobble is the most common side effect from high doses of kratom. It causes dizziness and loss of coordination. It can make users feel quite unwell.
Kratom wobble has 3 main symptoms:
Blurry vision
Dizziness
Nausea/Vomiting
These effects are more common in some strains of kratom than others. The likelihood a specific kratom is to cause these side effects is called the wobble threshold.
Strains with a low wobble threshold are more likely to cause wobble side effects if you take too much. Strains with a high wobble threshold will have a much lower chance of causing these effects if you go slightly over the optimal dose for your body.
The lower the wobble threshold, the more likely that strain is of causing kratom wobble — especially in higher doses.
What Happens if I Experience Kratom Wobble?
The first thing you need to do when you experience wobble effects is to relax. Panicking is only going to amplify the effects. Instead, find somewhere comfortable to sit or lay down and gather yourself. The effects will usually pass within a few minutes but may last up to 3 hours.
Many people find it helps to drink ginger tea or warm water.
If you experienced wobble while taking kratom, make sure to reduce the dose the next time you take kratom, or find a strain that’s less likely to cause these effects.
The most common cause for kratom wobble is taking too much. This is a sign you’ve hit your dose limit for that particular strain of kratom.
Is Kratom Dangerous?
Just about everything is dangerous if you take enough of it — kratom is no different. There have been some reports of people dying from kratom — however, this is over-sensationalized in media reports. In most of these cases, kratom was abused or mixed with other drugs.
Never do this.
Kratom is a powerful medicinal plant and should be treated with respect.
Stick within the recommended dosage limits, don’t mix kratom with other drugs or medications, and listen to what your body is telling you.
There are plenty of safety studies on kratom — the majority of which report little to no toxicity even in very high doses. An older study (1972) investigating the safety profile of the main alkaloid in kratom — mitragynine — found that even after significantly high doses (920 mg/kg), there were no deaths [2].
This is an insanely high dose. In the average 150 lbs. person, this is the equivalent of over 62,000 mg of kratom (62 grams).
That’s five times the high-end of the recommended dose and nine times the average 7 g dose.
Is Kratom Addictive?
The most concerning potential long-term side effect of kratom use is addiction.
Kratom is an opioid agonist, much the same way oxycontin or heroin is — however, unlike these pharmaceuticals, kratom contains dozens of active ingredients, each acting on different pathways in the body. This gives kratom a more rounded effect profile and has a much lower chance of leading to addiction.
In fact, kratom is often limited in its addictive qualities because the dose can only go so high before it causes the user to feel kratom wobble or other unwanted side effects. You can’t get high from kratom the same way you can with pharmaceutical opioid drugs.
Short term, low dose, or sporadic use of the plant is highly unlikely to result in addiction and is even used to help wean people off addictive drugs.
With that said, be careful when using opioid agonist plants or medications. Speak with your doctor before using the plant if you have a history of addiction — especially to opiate-based drugs or medications.
Kratom Legality
Kratom has a shaky legal history. It’s been banned, unbanned, and banned again all around the world. The laws on whether or not you can order kratom can be difficult to navigate.
Here’s a brief overview on the current legal climate around kratom.
Is Kratom Legal in the United States?
In the United States, kratom was banned, then unbanned, then banned again. It’s a rollercoaster ride trying to keep up with the changing laws. The argument goes back and forth whether kratom is useful for avoiding or treating addiction or if it causes addiction.
At the moment, kratom is legal on a federal level and banned in specific states or municipalities.
+ States Where Kratom is Banned
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
In some states, the laws aren't black and white. For example, kratom is legal in the state of California, but banned in the city of San Diego. There are similar examples of this in Florida, where kratom is only banned in the Sarasota county.
+ States Where Kratom is Legal
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California (Except San Diego)
- Colorado (Except Denver)
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida (Except Sarasota county)
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois (Except Jerseyville)
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi (Except Union County)
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Is Kratom Legal In Europe?
Kratom is very hit/miss in Europe. Some countries have decided to ban the plant because of fears of addiction, while others allow its use as a way for people to avoid addiction to prescription medications.
+ Legal
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Holland
- Hungary
- Moldova
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
+ Illegal
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- Sweden
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
- Denmark
- Finland
Is Kratom Legal in Asia and Australasia?
Starting with Thailand in 1943, and neighboring countries in the years following, kratom use and cultivation were banned. There’s a lot of conspiracy around this which we’ll get into later in the “Is Kratom Legal Where I Live” section.
To summarize, many people believe it was the pharmaceutical companies that lobbied against kratom because it was widely used by people as a substitute for opioid medications or to wean opiate addicts off these drugs. The main argument is that kratom is significantly less addictive than these medications, and despite the potential for uncomfortable side effects, the herb is much safer than prescription pain medications.
Nevertheless, kratom was banned in Thailand, and massive fines were given to anybody caught using, or growing the herb. Later in 2018, these laws were finally redacted and kratom is now a major economic export for the country.
Other Southeast Asian countries have had similar bans on kratom — many of which have been overturned.
+ Legal
- Thailand (medicinal only)
- Bali
- China (legal grey-area)
+ Illegal
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Australia
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Myanmar
- Singapore
- Vietnam
Final Thoughts: Kratoms Usefulness & Safety index
Kratom is an incredibly useful plant. It has stimulating effects similar to coffee or tea in lower doses and sedative effects similar to kava in higher doses. It has powerful pain-killing activity and can even be used to boost mood and our immune systems.
The contradictory set of effects kratom provides have boggled researchers for decades as they try to decipher the interaction between dozens of active alkaloids and other phytochemicals found in the plant.
After a few decades of banishment in the United States and much of Europe, the research on these chemicals fell out of interest. Only within the last 10 years or so has interest in the plant peaked again and research resumed.
Many people are finding usefulness for the plant as an alternative to coffee in the morning, for managing chronic or tough to treat pain without having to take pharmaceutical pain medications, boost focus and concentration, or stabilize mood.
As with any powerful medicine, it’s important you treat kratom with respect if you want to avoid side effects and stay safe.
Author:
Justin Cooke, BHSc
The Sunlight Experiment
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References
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[14] — León, F., Habib, E., Adkins, J. E., Furr, E. B., McCurdy, C. R., & Cutler, S. J. (2009). Phytochemical characterization of the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa grown in the USA. Natural product communications, 4(7), 1934578X0900400705.
[15] — Lee, J. H., Lee, J. Y., Park, J. H., Jung, H. S., Kim, J. S., Kang, S. S., ... & Han, Y. (2007). Immunoregulatory activity by daucosterol, a β-sitosterol glucoside, induces protective Th1 immune response against disseminated Candidiasis in mice. Vaccine, 25(19), 3834-3840.
[16] — Jiang, L. H., Yang, N. Y., Yuan, X. L., Zou, Y. J., Zhao, F. M., Chen, J. P., ... & Lu, D. X. (2014). Daucosterol promotes the proliferation of neural stem cells. The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology, 140, 90-99.
[17] — Aquino, R., De Simone, F., Pizza, C., Conti, C., & Stein, M. L. (1989). Plant Metabolites. Structure and In Vitro Antiviral Activity of Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa and Guettarda platypoda. Journal of natural products, 52(4), 679-685.
Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata)
What is Horopito?
Horopito is commonly known as New Zealand pepperwood for its mild spicy flavor and exclusivity to the cooler islands of the south pacific ocean — including New Zealand.
This herb has a lot of traditional uses as medicine but went largely noticed by the international herbal medicine community. Recently there’s been a surge in interest in the plant after a series of studies were done to assess the medical value of traditional New Zealand herbs.
Horopito is used for skin and digestive conditions largely due to the plant’s potent antifungal actions. This plant has been shown to kill candida, as well as a number of parasitic worms.
The mild spicy nature of the plant also brings some circulatory stimulant and analgesic activity.
This plant has a lot of practical applications, especially for infectious fungal or parasitic conditions. It’s likely this plant will become much more commonplace in western herbal medicine within the next 5 to 10 years.
What is Horopito Used For?
The primary uses of horopito in modern herbal medicine is for fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections.
A liquid extract of the herb is the most common form used today, but you can also find capsules and topical applications of the herb. For skin infections, such as ringworm or eczema, a poultice of the leaves can be applied directly, but a liniment is more common as the plant can be difficult to grow outside New Zealand.
Traditional Uses of Horopito
The Maori of New Zealand have been using horopito for a long time and have a long list of applications for its leaves.
The Maori use horopito in the following ways:
As a flavoring agent (spicy flavor profile)
For sexually transmitted infection
Ringworm
Chaffed or damaged skin
When the early Europeans colonized New Zealand many of them began using the herb as a source of vitamin C to prevent or treat scurvy.
Herb Details: Horopito
Herbal Actions:
- Analgesic
- Anti-Allergy
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Astringent
- Circulatory Stimulant
- Gastroprotective
- Insecticidal
- Nutritive
- Rubefacient
Weekly Dose
- 10 – 30 mL (1:2 Extract)
- View Dosage Chart
Part Used
Leaves & Inner Bark
Family Name
Winteraceae
Distribution
Cooler Tropical islands Around new Zealand
Constituents of Interest
- Anthocyanins
- Dialdehyde polygodial
- Sesquiterpenes
- Eugenol
Common Names
- Horopito
- New Zeland Pepper Tree
- Maori Painkiller
- Ramarama
CYP450
- Unknown
Quality
- Warm
Pregnancy
- Safety during pregnancy not well established, avoid use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Duration of Use
- Long-term use is acceptable and common
Botanical Information
Horopito is a member of the Winteraceae family of plants — which consists of about 90 species of trees and shrubs nearly exclusive to the Southern hemisphere.
The leaves of horopito have a characteristic red color as a result of the sesquiterpene content of the leaves — which are also one of the main medicinal compounds in the plant.
Cautions & Safety Information:
There have been very few reports of side effects from using horopito — however, some reports of allergic reactions have been reported.
Horopito should be avoided by epileptics due to a possible increase in extracellular glutamate found in some animal studies.
Avoid larger doses of the herb with acute gastritis or peptic ulcers.
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References:
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Kava (Piper methysticum)
Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
What is Reishi?
Reishi is a medicinal forest-grown fungus. It's revered in traditional medical systems across Asia for its powerful immune-enhancing and longevity-promoting benefits.
Medicinal mushrooms are notorious for their complex effects on the immune system — often working in both directions (stimulation and inhibition), depending on what’s needed.
Reishi is no different — it's one of the most important medicinal herbs for longevity and immune health in the world.
This saprophytic (tree-eating) fungus is often used for the prevention and treatment of immune-related illness — including cancer, autoimmunity, infection, inflammation, and allergic reaction.
Reishi is also used for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and as a general adaptogen for overall health and wellbeing.
What is Reishi Used For?
Reishi has the unique ability to act bidirectionally on the immune system — which means it can increase immune activity, and decrease immune activity. It appears it will push the immune system in whatever direction it needs to go. In patients with low immunity or cancer, reishi up-regulates the immune response.
however, in patients with hyperactive immune activity — such as autoimmune disease or allergic reaction — reishi has an opposite effect, toning down the immune response.
This is an effect not well understood to this day, but gives the mushroom an incredibly versatile set of benefits.
Traditionally, reishi is considered a shen tonic — which is used to calm the nerves, ease anxiety, and promote healthy sleep (without being directly sedative).
Most people use reishi as a general health and immune tonic. It’s used by people with known immune-related illness — such as frequent infection, autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, cancer, and more.
Others use the herb as a prophylactic against common infections like colds and flus, or to keep chronic viral infection at bay (such as herpes or shingles).
Traditional Uses of Reishi
+ Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine this fungus has been used for (altitude sickness and is often combined with chrysanthemum, rhodiola, and safflower seed.
Taste:
Sweet [5]
Energy:
Neutral [5]
Channels:
Heart, liver, lung [5]
Actions:
Tonifies, the heart, calms and anchors the Shen, stops cough, stops wheezing, dislodges phlegm, tonifies the spleen, tonifies the Qi, tonifies blood [5]
Indications:
Suitable during pregnancy [5].
Dose:
3-15g decocted20 mins [5]
Considered to be warming, astringent, nourishing, detoxifying, and tonifying. Protects qi of the heart, used to repair a knotted, tight chest. Traditionally in this system, it was recommended to take this herb over long periods to reap the benefits of longevity.
The spores are suggested to contain high amounts of jing and considered an elixir of life [1].
Other uses include Hashimoto's disease, in foot baths for gout, altitude sickness prevention, and immune regulation. [1].
+ Ayurveda
A related species — Ganoderma applanatum — has been used extensively in Ayurvedic systems in the pine region of India. Its uses include stopping excessive salivation in the mouth, as a styptic.
+ Other Historical Uses
Reishi has been used medicinally in Asian countries for at least 4000 years and is the most widely depicted mushroom in Japan, Korea, and China, which can be found on temples, tapestries, statues, and paintings.
Reishis rarity and subsequent value made it most accessible to the privileged like emperors and royalty. It has long been associated with longevity and was included in many ancient medical texts for this purpose.
Used to treat liver ailments, lung conditions, kidney disease, nerve pain, hypertension, gastric ulcers, and insomnia. The antler growth pattern is considered very rare and is the most desired for promoting sexual function in both men and women.
Other uses include its use as a means to ward off evil by hanging dried specimens over the door. Similarly, it has been placed on the graves of shamans to protect from evil souls or spirits.
Reishi has been used in nearly every format imaginable including tinctures, teas/decoctions, powdered preparations, brewed into beers and wines, and eaten raw.
Herb Details: Reishi
Herbal Actions:
- Adaptogen
- Immunomodulator
- Analgesic
- Muscle relaxant
- Nervine Relaxant
- Hepatoprotective
- Pulmonary trophorestorative
- Cardiotonic
- Chemoprotective
- Anti-Cancer
- Antiviral
- Antibacterial
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
30-60 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Fruiting body, Spores, Mycelium
Family Name
- Ganodermataceae
Distribution
- Asia, Europe, and North America
Constituents of Interest
- Beta-glucans
- Ergosterol
- Triterpenoids
- Polysaccharides
Common Names
- Reishi
- Ling Zhi
- Saiwai-Take
- Kishiban
CYP450
- Unknown
Quality
- Neutral
Pregnancy
- No adverse reactions expected.
Taste
- Bitter
Duration of Use
- Suitable for long term use.
Mycological Information
There are about 80 different species of Ganoderma, many of which are used as medicine. The Ganodermataceae contains 8 genera and roughly 300 different species.
Reishi is a saprophyte, meaning it only eats dying or decaying organic matter such as wood. It's mainly found growing on dying trees, stumps, and fallen logs.
Ganoderma spp. is long-lived — releasing approximately 30 billion spores everyday for up to 6 months or a year [1].
Habitat Ecology, & Distribution:
Wild Ganoderma lucidum is rare but is indigenous to forested regions of Asia including Japan, China, and Russia. Other species are found in North America and Europe.
It grows on Elm (Ulmus spp.), alder (Alnus spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), maple (Acer spp.) and some strains on conifers. Other species of Ganoderma such as G. tsugae or G. oregonense grow better and almost exclusively on conifers. G. lucidum, however, prefers hardwoods.
G. lucidum can be found very rarely in the Pacific Northwest, and a similar species (G. curtisii), is seen more commonly in eastern Canada around the great lakes region [1]. This species is actually a yellow form of the red G. lucidum.
Most reishi products on the market are cultivated in a sterile environment on logs or sawdust in large laboratories.
Harvesting Collection, & Preparation:
Both the mycelium, fruiting body, and spores are used medicinally. The red and purple varieties are considered the most valuable. These phenotypes are also thought to be the most potent in their effects [1].
The spores can be either taken raw or can be cracked. This basically involves the germination, then drying of the spores and is suggested to provide stronger medicinal effects after this germination process has taken place.
Another, much more expensive way of ingesting the spores it to run it through a supercritical CO2 extractor. This method creates a product that is roughly equivalent to 20-40 of the raw spore capsules [1].
A mushroom oil can also be extracted from the fruiting body waxes, can be used as is topically, or added to lotions, and salves.
Cosmetically it is useful as a sunscreen due to its radio-protective effects, as well as in anti-aging creams, and to remove warts [1].
As with most hard, polypores, chop the fungus into strips (better when wet or a saw may have to be used), and crumble into small pieces.
Decoct in water, then strain and freeze the leftover mush, doing this will cause the cell walls to burst and allow more constituents to be extracted during the next process. Next, after it has been frozen for 24 hours or so, de-thaw, and mix with 95% alcohol for at least 2 weeks.
In the end, strain, and combine with the decoction made earlier to a standardized amount.
Pharmacology & Medical Research
+ Antibacterial
Ganoderma applanatum is an effective inhibitor of:
- Bacillus cereus
- Cornybacterium diphtheria
- Escherichia coli
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus pyogenes
Gram-positive bacteria were more affected than gram-negative [1].
It has been suggested that the polysaccharides in Ganoderma spp. are more antibacterial — while the triterpenoids are more antiviral.
More research is needed to elucidate on this further.
+ Anti-diabetic
Ganoderma has been reported to produce potent lens aldose reductase inhibition, and significant inhibition of serum glucose and sorbitol accumulation in the lens of the eye, red blood cells, and sciatic nerves in diabetic rats (based on earlier studies) [1]. This shows potential as a treatment for diabetic induced retinopathy and other diabetes-related damage in the body.
Has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in hyperglycemic models (fruiting body), and involved the ganoderan B and C [1].
In a study on type 2 diabetics not on insulin, were given reishi extracts, and compared to the placebo control group, were found to have significantly decreased glycosylated hemoglobin (8.4%-7.6%), in as little as 12 weeks. Fasting insulin levels, 2-hour -post-prandial insulin, fasting C-peptide, and post-prandial C-peptide all showed significant improvement in the reishi group [1].
Spores have also shown evidence for anti-diabetic effects [1].
+ Antioxidant
Methanol extracts of G. tsugae were found to be more potent in antioxidant effects that alpha-tocopherol, and exhibited significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation as such.
The antioxidant effects are not considered as reliable as G. lucidum but are very close. It is the phenol content that has been deemed responsible for these effects. [1].
G. tsugae fruiting body extract was shown to increase intracellular glutathione levels, which in turn protect against oxidative damage [1].
+ Antiulcer effects:
Polysaccharides from Ganoderma spp. protects the gastric mucosa by improving PGE2. This backs up some of its uses in the form of tea for treating ulcers.
+ Antiviral
G. lucidum fruiting body extracts have been shown to inhibit HIV, and HPV [1].
Rogers, (2011) reports that Ganaderiol-F, ganodermadiol, ganoderic acid beta, and lucidumol have all been identified as antiviral agents.
G. resinaceum (and most likely G. tsugae, and G. lucidum as well), have been shown to inhibit punta toro, pichinde, and H1N1 [1].
+ Blood Tonic
Reishi been shown to enhance the production of interleukin-1 in vitro, and increase white blood cell and haemoglobin levels in mice [1].
+ Cardiotonic
Reishi has been shown to improve symptoms of coronary heart disease [1].
G. lucidum has been shown to provide anti-cholesterol, anti-diabetic, reduced platelet aggregation, anti atherosclerotic, and antihypotensive effects, which all play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Suggested to produce angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition through its ganoderic acid B, C2, D, and F [1].
+ Chemoprotective
Has been shown to increase natural killer cell activity of splenocytes by up to 52% [1]
+ Hepatoprotective
The triterpenoids contained in the mycelium of G. tsugae have shown hepatoprotective activity [1].
Ganodereic acid B has shown hepatoprotective effects [1].
+ Immunomodulatory
The polysaccharides from the mycelium were found to be both anti-inflammatories, and immune-stimulating, Rogers, (2011), suggests contradiction from these two effects suggest bi-directional (immunomodulatory) effects on immune response, rather than just stimulating. This appears to be dose-dependent and may be through modulation of cytokine production.
Reishi has been shown to both reduce inflammation and increase immune response — which is contradictory in that an increased immune response should correlate with inflammation. It's has been suggested that G. lucidum produces this apparent modulatory effect through the enteric mucosal pathway. Its effects on the immune system do not appear to be through IgE antibody synthesis, rather through a modulating effect on immunoglobulin levels [1].
+ Sedative
The spores are suggested to produce sedative and hypnotic effects in mice [1].
+ Other
There's some evidence to support the effects of reishi towards bronchitis and other lung disorders . The chemicals suggested to be responsible for these effects are gonoderic acids A, B, C1, and C2 [1].
Phytochemistry
+ Compounds by Anatomy
Fruiting Body
Carbohydrates, amino acids (including adenosine), steroids (ergosterols), protease, lysosomes, lipids, triterpenes, alkaloids, vitamins B2 and C, minerals (zinc, manganese, iron, copper, germanium), beta-glucans (up to 40.6%), [1].
Mycelium
Sterols, alkaloids, lactones, erogone, polysaccharides, triterpinoids,
Spores
choline, triterpenes, betaine, palmitic acid, stearic acid, ergosta7,22-dien-3b-ol, tetracosanoic acid, behenic acid, nonadecanoic acid, ergosterol, beta sitosterol, pyrophosphatidic acid, hentriacontane, tetracosane, ganodermasides (A and B) [1].
+ Species Specific Breakdown
Ganoderma tsugae
3 α-acetoxy-5α-lanosta-8,24-dien-21-oic acid, 2β,3α,9α-trihydroxy-5α-ergosta-7,22-dien, 3alpha-acetoxy-16alpha-tsugarioside B and C, ganoderic acid C2, ganoderic acid B, lucidone A, and glycans (various) [1].
Ganoderma applanatum
Ergosterol (and its peroxide), ergosta-7,22-dien-3b-ol, ergasta-7,22-dien-3-one, β-D-glucan, fungisterol, alnusenone, friedelin, triterpenoids (including ganoderenic, furanoganoderic, ganoderic acids), applanoxidic acids (A, B, C, and D), lanostandoid triterpenes E-H, lucidone A, ganoderma aldehyde, 3 linoleic acid steryl esters. To compare with G. lucidum, ganoderenic acid, and ganoderic acid is found in both [1].
Ganoderma lucidum
Still compiling research.
Clinical Applications Of Reishi:
Reishi is used as a supportive agent for cancer, autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular dysfunctions, respiratory dysfunctions, viral and bacterial infection, and hypertension. It's rarely used on its own, but makes for a great addition to herbal formulations.
Cautions:
Caution advised in combination with ACE inhibitor medications due to potential drug interactions.
Synergy
For altitude sickness: Combines well with rhodiola for this purpose.
It has been suggested that vitamin C helps absorb this mushroom, however, more research is needed to confirm this. Pineapple and ginger may also increase the absorption of reishi constituents.
Recent Blog Posts:
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References:
Rogers, R. D. (2011). The fungal pharmacy: The complete guide to medicinal mushrooms and lichens of North America [Adobe Digital Editions version].
Berovic, M., J. Habijanic, I. Zore, B. Wraber, D. Hodzar, B. Boh and F. Pohleven. Submerged cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum biomass and immunostimulatory effects of fungal polysaccharides. J. Biotechnol. 103: 77–86, 2003
Jiang, Y., H. Wang, L. Lu and G.Y. Tian. Chemistry of polysaccharide Lzps-1 from Ganoderma lucidum spore and anti-tumor activity of its total polysaccharides. Yao. Xue. Xue. Bao. 40: 347–350, 2005.
Cheng, K.C., H.C. Huang, J.H. Chen, J.W. Hsu, H.C. Cheng, C.H. Ou, W.B. Yang, S.T. Chen, C.H. Wong and H.F. Juan. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in human monocytic leukemia cells: from gene expression to network construction. BMC Genomics 8: 411, 2007.
Hempen, C. H., & Fischer, T. (2009). A Materia Medica for Chinese Medicine: Plants, Minerals, and Animal Products. (Pg. 436-437).
Thyagarajan, A., J. Jiang, A. Hopf, J. Adamec and D. Sliva. Inhibition of oxidative stress-induced invasiveness of cancer cells by Ganoderma lucidum is mediated through the suppression of interleukin-8 secretion. Int. J. Mol. Med. 18: 657–664, 2006.
Xie, J.T., C.Z. Wang, S. Wicks, J.J. Yin, J. Kong, J. Li, Y. C. Li and C.S. Yuan. Ganoderma lucidum extract inhibits proliferation of SW 480 human colorectal cancer cells. Exp. Oncol. 28: 25–29, 2006.
Paterson, R.R. Ganoderma — a therapeutic fungal biofactory. Phytochemistry. 67: 1985–2001, 2006.
Lin, Y.L., Y.C. Liang, S.S. Lee and B.L. Chiang. (2005). Polysaccharide purified from Ganoderma lucidum induced activation and maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells by the NFkappaB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. J. Leukoc. Biol. 78: 533–543.
Clavo Huasca (Tynanthus panurensis)
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa/indica)
Cannabis Overview
Cannabis is well known for its psychoactive effects, causing temporary changes in visual and auditory perception.
The cannabis plant is also a rich source of medicinal compounds. Cannabinoids related to THC exert medicinal action through the endocannabinoid system — a critical component of homeostasis.
Many of these cannabinoids aren't psychoactive, and wont produce the 'high' associated with the plant in their isolated forms.
Compounds like CBD, have become especially popular as a supplement recently for its broad medicinal benefits.
There are plenty of uses for cannabis — however, product selection, strain choice, and cannabinoid profiles make a big difference in the effects produced by the plant. It's important to use the right type of cannabis for the job.
What is Cannabis Used For?
Using cannabis as medicine poses challenges due to the large variety of effects each cannabinoid possesses. Different cannabinoid and terpene ratios can produce different effect profiles.
The plant has many claimed benefits, and though a lot of them can be validated, it's not a miracle plant.
Cannabis is especially reliable for a few key symptoms:
- Lowering various forms of inflammation
- Improving microbiome diversity (through CB2 receptor activity)
- Reducing nervous excitability
- Reducing convulsions
- Improving sleep onset and maintenance
- Lowering pain
Using cannabis as medicine should be attempted with caution due to the degree of variability the plant produces in terms of effect profile. What this means is that some cannabis extracts will make symptoms like anxiety worse, while others can dramatically improve it.
Choosing the right strain or extract is of the utmost importance when using cannabis as medicine.
The effects of cannabis can be contradictory:
- It's both a stimulant and a sedative
- It increases appetite, and suppresses it
- It increases immune activity, and suppresses inflamamtion
These effects all contradict themselves in most cases. The reason this happens is because the cannabinoids work through a regulatory pathway (endocannabinoid system) rather than on a particular organ function.
It's similar to how adaptogens like ginseng, ashwagandha, or reishi produce often contradictory or bidirectional results.
+ Indications
- Anorexia
- Cancer
- Crohn's disease
- Dystonia
- Epilepsy
- General anxiety disorder
- Glaucoma
- Gout
- Insomnia
- Menstrual cramping
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuropathic pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Schizophrenia (Caution)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Substance abuse/addiction
- Ulcerative colitis
+ Contraindications
- Only use cannabis medicinally following the direction of a qualified medical practitioner.
- Caution with anxious or depression.
- May worsen symptoms of psychosis
- Avoid use alongside medications unless first discussing with your doctor.
+ Potential Side-Effects
- Apathy (long-term use)
- Bronchitis (smoking)
- Cough (smoking)
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth
- Eye reddening
- Fatigue
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
- Hypertension/Hypotension
- Increased appetite
- Lightheadedness
- Menstrual changes
- Nausea/vomiting
- Numbness
- Paranoia
- Tachycardia
Herb Details: Cannabis
Weekly Dose
- (CBD content in mg)
70–700 mg - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Leaves, flowers, seeds
Family Name
- Cannabacea
Distribution
- Worldwide
Herbal Actions:
- Sedative/Stimulant
- Anti-emetic
- Anti-spasmodic
- Anti-convulsant
- Analgesic
- Antinflammatory
- Appetite Suppressant/Stimulant
- Adaptogen
- Anti-cancer
- Antioxidant
Common Names
- Cannabis
- Marijuana
- Hemp
- Mary Jane
- Herb
Pregnancy
- Avoid use while pregnant and nursing.
Duration of Use
- Long-term use acceptable. Recommended to take breaks periodically.
CYP450
- CYP2C9
- CYP3A4
Botanical Information
Cannabis plants are members of the Cannabacea family. This small family comprises only 11 different genuses, and about 170 species.
Some common members of the family are hops (Humulus spp.) and celtis (Celtis spp.). The celtis genus contains the largest collection of species by far, with over 100 different species. Cannabis and Humulus are the closest related genus' in the group by far.
There are three species of cannabis:
1. Cannabis sativa
Cannabis sativa is a tall, fibrous plant. It's high in cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals — giving it many uses medicinally.
Cannabis sativa is the most commonly cultivated species. There are hundreds, if not thousands of different phenotypes of this species — the most important being hemp — which is a non-psychoactive, high fiber plant valued as both a health supplement and textile. It's also used for food (seeds), and to make biodeisel.
There are also Cannabis sativa strains high in the psychoactive component — THC — which make it popular as both medicine and recreational intoxicant.
2. Cannabis indica
Cannabis indica grows as s shorter, bushier plant. It's hgiher in THC, and there are few low-THC phenotypes available for this plant.
This species of cannabis is most often used recreationally.
3. Cannabis ruderalis
Cannabis ruderalis is a small, herbaceus plant more closely related to Cannabis sativa than Cannabis indica. It's low in cannabinoids, and terpenes, as well as fiber — limiting its value to humans.
This species has the unique ability to initiate flower production irrelevant to day length. Plant breeders have started mixing the plant with other species to gain these benefits. This makes cultivation easier in areas where day length is too short or too long for optimal cannabis cultivation.
Phytochemistry
There are 421 compounds in the cannabis plant [1], at least 66 of these are cannabinoids — some sources report as many as 112.
The top 6 cannabinoids in the plant (CBD, CBG, CNN, THC, THCV, and CBC), account for the vast majority of the cannabinoid profile.
The phenotype of the cannabis used is the primary determining factor for the cannabinoid profile of each plant.
Hemp plants for example, contain much higher levels of CBD, and lower levels of THC. Marijuana strains are the opposite, contianing high THC, and lower CBD.
Depending on the strain, this can vary dramatically — and you can find almost any combination of cannabinoid possible.
The Cannabinoids:
Cannabinoids are a class of phytochemical compounds resembling the structure of our naturally occurring ecosanoid endocannabinoids; anandamide, and 2-AG. There are roughly 66 of these compounds in the cannabis plant, and a few found in other species of plants as well — such as helichrysum and echinacea.
Although the cannabinoids are very similar, their binding activity varies a lot [14]. Some bind to CB1 receptors (located primarily in the central nervous system), others bind to CB2 receptors (found primarily in immune tissue). Some cannabinoids will even bind to both, or work by increasing the concentrations of naturally occurring endocannabinoids instead.
Due to the wide range of variability between each cannabinoid, it’s useful to go over them in greater detail individually.
1. CBC
Cannabichromene
CBC is the third most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.
It’s non-psychoactive.
CBC is far less studied than the two preceding cannabinoids CBD, and THC, though early research is starting to suggest it’s even better for treating conditions like anxiety than the famed CBD.
CBC content can be increased in the cannabis plant by inducing light-stress on the plant [5].
CBC Medicinal Actions
Antidepressant
Mild sedative
Receptors Affected
Vanilloid receptor agonist (TRPV3 and TRPV4) [4]
2. CBD
Cannabidiol
In many cases, CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid. Only selectively bred cannabis strains will have higher THC concentrations than CBD.
CBD is famed for many reasons. It offers a wide range of medicinal benefits, and has been well-studied and validated over the past two decades.
CBD oils, e-liquids, and edibles have become highly popular in recent years as more of this research is being released and translated for the general public.
CBD Medicinal Actions
Antinflammatory
Mild appetite suppressant
Lowers stress
Adaptogenic
Mild sedative
Anti-emetic
Receptors Affected
Adenosine (A2a) reuptake inhibitor [6]
Vanilloid pain receptors (TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3) [7]
5HT1A receptor agonist (serotonin receptor) [6]
FAAH (–) [6, 7]
PPARγ nuclear receptor (+) [48]
Mg2+‐ATPase (−) [11]
Arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (−) [44]
Indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase (−) [45]
15‐lipoxygenase (−) [46]
Phospholipase A2 (+) [11]
Glutathione peroxidase (+) [47]
Glutathione reductase (+) [47]
5‐lipoxygenase (−) [46]
Metabolism
CYP1A1 (−) [40]
CYP1A2 & CYP1B1 (−) [40]
CYP2B6 (−) [41]
CYP2D6 (−) [42]
CYP3A5 (−) [43]
Enter KATS15 for a 15% Discount
3. CBG
Cannabigerol
CBG is an early precursor for many of the other cannabinoids including THC.
Plants harvested early will be high in this compound.
Many users report that strains high in CBG are less likely to cause anxiety, and are good for people experiencing acute stress.
This is likely due to its role in blocking the serotonergic effects of THC through the 5-HT1A serotonin receptors [9].
CBG Medicinal Actions
Anti-anxiety
Adaptogenic
Mild sedative
Receptors Affected
4. CBN
Cannabinol
CBN is made from THC. As THC content breaks down with time, or heat, CBN levels increase overall.
Older harvested plants that have gone past their window of ripeness will be much higher in CBN.
It’s mostly non-psychoactive but may have some mild psychoactivity in some people.
Products or strains high in CBN will produce more of a heavy feeling and are best used for treating conditions like insomnia or anxiety.
This cannabinoid is potentially the most sedative of the group.
CBN Medicinal Actions
Sedative
Anti-anxiety
Appetite stimulant
Receptors Affected
CB1 receptor agonist [10].
Metabolism
CYP2C9
5. THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol
THC is the main psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant.
There are two main types:
Delta-8-THC — contained in very small amounts
Delta-9-THC — the most abundant form of THC in the cannabis plant
THC activates both CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors, causing changes in neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and most importantly, serotonin. It’s this change in neurotransmitter levels that produce the bulk of the high experienced by this compound.
Aside from its psychoactive effects, THC has medicinal benefits of its own.
It’s mentally stimulating and has some potent antidepressant effects through its euphoric effects.
THC Medicinal Actions
Appetite stimulant
Sedative (low doses)
Stimulant (high doses)
Receptors Affected
Metabolism
CYP2C9
6. THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin
THCV is the fraternal twin of THC.
It’s virtually identical except for one slight chemical difference — THCV is missing two carbon atoms.
This makes the effects of THCV very similar to THC — but is much weaker in its effects.
One study reported THCV as being 20-25% as strong as THC in its psychoactive effects [12].
There are others affected by this, including CBCV, and CBDV, though they are in far less concentrations.
THCV Medicinal Actions
Appetite suppressant
Euphoric
Antispasmodic
Paranoic
Receptors Affected
Vanilloid receptor agonist (TRPV3 and TRPV4) [13].
7. Other Cannabinoids
There are also a lot of cannabinoids that can be found in much lower concentrations.
These make up the bottom 5% of the cannabinoid profile.
Few of these cannabinoids have many studies on them aside from chemical mapping to identify their structure.
We may see more research on these cannabinoids in the near future.
Some Novel Cannabinoids Include:
CBCV (cannabichromevarin)
CBDV (cannabidivarin)
CBE (cannabielsoin)
CBGM (cannabigerol monomethyl ether)
CBGV (cannabigerovarin)
CBL (cannabicyclol)
CBT (cannabicitran)
CBV (cannabivarin)
A Note On Synthetic Cannabinoids
There are also synthetic cannabinoids. These are compounds that are similar in shape and function to cannabinoids produced in our bodies, or in the cannabis plant.
It’s recommended that you stay far away from the synthetic cannabinoids — not only do they lack many of the medicinal actions of cannabis, they have the potential to cause serious harm.
The street drug known as “spice” is a combination of various synthetic cannabinoids. They were designed as an attempt to circumvent the legal hurdles preventing the sale of cannabis products for recreational use — and have since become a major cause of addiction and abuse.
+ Side-Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoid Use
- Agitation and anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Death
- Hallucinations
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Kidney failure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Racing heart
- Seizures
- Shortness of breath
+ List of Synthetic Cannabinoids
- JWH-018
- JWH-073
- JWH-200
- AM-2201
- UR-144
- XLR-11
- AKB4
- Cannabicyclohexanol
- AB-CHMINACA
- AB-PINACA
- AB-FUBINACA
Cannabis Terpenes
Terpenes are a class of compounds characterized by their volatile nature, and hydrocarbon-based structure. These are contained in high amounts in the essential oil of plants.
Terpenes have a very low molecular weight, and will evaporate under low temperatures. This, combined with their characteristic aromas is what gives many plants their scent. Conifer trees, fruits, and many flowers (including cannabis) all owe their aroma to their terpene profile.
Each plant can contains hundreds of different terpenes — many of which will even overlap into unrelated plant species. Cannabis shares terpenes with pine trees, many different flowers, citrus fruits, and nutmeg, among others.
Terpenes add flavor as well as additional medicinal benefits. Terpenes often have antibacterial, antiviral, antinflammatory, and anxiolytic effects.
+ List of Cannabis Terpenes
- A-humulene
- a-Terpenine
- Alpha Bisabolol
- alpha-Terpineol
- Alpha/Beta Pinene
- Beta-Caryophyllene
- Bisabolol
- Borneol
- Camphene
- Caryophyllene oxide
- D-Linalool
- Eucalyptol (1, 8 cineole)
- Geraniol
- Guaiol
- Isopulegol
- Limonene
- Myrecene
- Nerolidol
- p-Cymene
- Phytol
- Pulegone
- Terpineol-4-ol
- Terpinolene
- Trans Ocimene
- Valencene
- ∆-3-carene
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics
Cannabinoids work by mimicking the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG.
Learn more about cannabinoid metabolism.
Clinical Applications of Cannabis
As an herb, cannabis is very useful. It works through a set of receptors most other plants don’t interact with — the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in maintaining homeostasis. This gives cannabis an effect profile similar to adaptogens — but through different mechanisms.
Cannabis is similar to adaptogens in that it offers a bidirectional effect profile — which means it can both increase, and decrease tissue function according to its homeostatic baseline.
But cannabis isn’t quite an adaptogen because it can’t increase the bodies resistance to stress, and doesn’t appear to exert any action on the hypothalamus or adrenal glands directly.
Although cannabis has broad actions and therefore can provide benefit to a wide range of body systems — choosing the right product, strain, and phenotype for the job is critical.
An experienced herbalist or naturopath using cannabis will take into account the cannabinoid profile, terpene content, and anecdotal effects of each strain or CBD product being used.
Unlike other herbs, you have to be very particular about the type of cannabis being used for each condition.
What Constitutes “Medicinal” Cannabis?
There’s a big difference between using cannabis because “it’s healthy”, and using it as a therapeutic agent aimed at treating a specific disease process.
Although it can be used as both, daily supplementing cannabis or extracts like CBD don’t constitute medical cannabis.
However, you can use cannabis to address the symptoms, or underlying causes for some conditions.
Cautions:
Caution advised whenever using cannabis due to the potential for intoxicating side-effects. Without careful consideration of cannabinoid profile, some strains, or cannabis products may make symptoms for certain conditions worse — especially anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and insomnia.
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California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
California Poppy Summary
California poppy is a relative of the opium poppy that gives us morphine. This particular member contains a different set of alkaloids with similar, but milder effects.
California Poppy is the official state flower for California but grows throughout the Southern parts of the United States.
Its primary uses — both in modern herbal medicine and traditional herbal medicine — is for treating anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. It's one of the most potent herbal sedatives available.
How Is California Poppy Used?
California poppy is used for its sedative and analgesic effects. It contains a set of alkaloids similar to morphine, though not as strong. It can be used both internally for anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain, as well as topically for skin irritations and ulcers.
Herb Details
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
20-40 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Aerial parts
Family Name
- Papaveraceae
Distribution
- Southern parts of The United States of America
Herbal Actions:
- Analgesic
- Antispasmodic
- Anxiolytic
- Nervine
Constituents of Interest
- Eschscholtzine
- Californidine
- Sanguinarine
- Chelerythrine
Common Names
- California Poppy
- Kaliforniese papawer (Afrikaans)
- Pavot de Californie (France)
CYP450
- CYP3A4
- CYP2C9
- CYP2C19
- CYP2D6
- CYP1A2
Pregnancy
- No adverse effects expected.
Taste
- Bitter
Duration of Use
- May be used long term.
Botanical Information
California poppy is a member of the Papaveraceae family. This family contains roughly 42 genera and about 775 different species. The Eschscholzia genus itself contains about 12 different species.
The species, Eschscholzia californica, is very diverse, as it has been extensively bred commercially and by hobbyists as an ornamental garden flower.
Clinical Applications Of California Poppy
California poppy extract enhances GABA binding and is an opioid receptor agonist. It's been shown to displace fluorazepam from the benzodiazepam receptor. This is likely the main mechanism of action for California Poppy's sedative, and analgesic effects.
Caution
- May possess additive interaction with benzodiazepines.
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Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
What is Horse Chestnut?
Horse chestnut is a large tree with a long history of use for treating vascular conditions like varicose veins and other forms of poor vascular tone.
Its common name originated from a belief that horse chestnut seeds were able to relieve panting horses.
What is Horse Chestnut Used For?
Horse chestnut is mainly used for its astringent and anti-inflammatory activity specific to the vascular system. It's also used for fluid accumulation, chest pain, rheumatism, neuralgia, hemorrhoids, and sinus congestion.
Herb Details: Horse Chestnut
Herbal Actions:
- Astringent
- Antinflammatory
- Decongestant
- Antioxidant
- Antirheumatic
- Analgesic
- Expectorant
- Vasoprotective
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
15–35 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Seeds
Family Name
- Sapindaceae
Distribution
- Europe & North America
Constituents of Interest
- Aescin
Common Names
- Horsechestnut
- Conker Tree
- Atkestanesi
- Buckeye
- Eschilo
Duration of Use
- Long term use of horse chestnut is acceptable.
Botanical Information
The Sapindaceae family of plants contains 138 genera, and 1858 different species. The Aesculus genus contains 13-19 different species. Other famous members of the Sapindacea family include maple (Acer spp.), lychee (Litchi chinensis), longan (Dimocarpus longan), Guarana (Paulinia cupana) Ackee (Blighia sapida).
Clinical Applications Of Horse Chestnut:
Horse chestnut is a reliable vascular tonic, suitable for most forms of vascular insufficiency or fluid retention. Varicose veins, spider veins, burst blood vessels, and peripheral vascular and arterial insufficiency are all indicated for use wth horse chestnut internally.
Cautions:
The esculin may be toxic in higher doses. Many horse chestnut extracts will remove this component to improve safety.
Do not use horse chestnut in combination with pregnancy or breastfeeding.
+ Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Breast feeding
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Anticoagulant medication use
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Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
What is Lavender?
Lavender is one of the most famous herbs known to man. It's cultivated on a massive scale throughout Europe and North America and is a popular flavoring and aromatic agent for household products.
Medicinally lavender is best known for its ability to promote sleep. It's often sold as aromatherapy, in salves and creams, and incense for this purpose. Lavender is also great for internal use, where it interacts with the GABA system to produce relaxation and sleep.
Lavender essential oil can be used as a topical agent for insect bites, rashes, and infection.
What is Lavender Used For?
Lavender is mainly used in topical applications for rashes, skin irritations, mild infections, sunburn, and insect bites. Internally it's mainly used for anxiety-related conditions, GIT inflammation and discomfort, and insomnia.
Herb Details: Lavender
Herbal Actions:
- Analgesic (mild)
- Antibacterial
- Anti-cancer
- Anticonvulsant
- Antidepressant
- Antifungal
- Antioxidant
- Anxiolytic
- Antiparasitic
- Carminative
- Nervine Relaxant
- Neuroprotective
- Antispasmodic
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
15–30 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Leaves and flowers
Family Name
- Lamiaceae
Distribution
- Mediterranean and Southern Europe
Northern and Eastern Africa
Constituents of Interest
- Monoterpene Alcohols
- Athocyanins
Common Names
- Lavender
- Laventelit (Finland)
- English Lavender
Pregnancy
No adverse reactions expected.
Duration of Use
- This herb is generally regarded as safe for long term use.
Botanical Information
Lavender is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). In the genus Lavandula, there are approximately 47 species — most of which are perennials, or small shrubs.
There are a number of lavenders used medicinally
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Lavandula stoechas (French Lavender)
Lavendula dentata (Spanish Lavender)
This list is disputed by many taxonomists, suggesting that French lavender may be Lavandula stoechas or Lavandula dentata, and that Spanish lavender could be either Lavandula dentata, or Lavandula lanata, or Lavandula dentata.
Clinical Applications Of Lavender:
Lavender is useful topically for female conditions including dysmenorrhoea and PMS due to its antispasmodic and analgesic effects. It's also useful topically for its anti-fungal and antibacterial effects. Internally lavender can be used for gastrointestinal complaints, including bloating, flatulence, and colic.
Lavender is a reliable nervine for its GABAergic activity. Additionally it has been shown to reverse the stimulating effects induced by caffeine, and inhibits acetylcholine release.
Cautions:
Lavender has been proven to be a very safe herb with a low incidence of adverse effects.
Avoid use with pharmaceutical sedatives due to the possibility of agonistic synergy.
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As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, we’re getting a lot of questions on what the potential role of herbal medicine is during the outbreak. Learn how the virus works and how to limit your chances of transmission.