Maybe your morning routine consists of choosing between coffee and tea. But why haven’t you tried kratom yet? And should you?

Kratom is a member of the coffee family and has historically been used for medical reasons. But could it be the pick me up you’re looking for when you get up in the morning too?

Also called mitragyna speciosa, the leaves are typically harvested and dried. They can then be smoked but are more commonly ground up and turned into powder for tea. You can find it in capsule form as well. 

Understanding kratom nutrition facts and its benefits and risks is a helpful way to determine if it belongs in your routine. Kratom tea, used as a coffee alternative may be a good choice for some people, but not others. 

So, is it right for you? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before taking your first sip or swallowing that first capsule. 

What Is Kratom

If you read above, you know that kratom is a coffee alternative, but in the same family. At the same time, it’s often processed and used in a similar way to tea leaves. 

Often billed as an herbal product, it’s getting more of the spotlight as people are increasingly looking for alternative ways to get healthy and treat diseases and other health problems. 

Kratom is a stimulant but has also been used as a sedative. There isn’t a lot of research to date, but it’s been used to treat depression, chronic pain, and a variety of digestive issues.

It’s also been used to treat those suffering from opioid withdrawal. As a home remedy, it may be beneficial for fatigue, muscle cramps, and as a libido enhancer.

So, does that make it a viable alternative for your typical cup of coffee or mug of tea in the morning? You probably need more information before you can decide.  

Kratom Nutrition Facts

In addition to its potential to treat health problems, kratom has a nutritional profile that could make it a good addition to your daily routine.

One of the top perks of kratom is that it is high in fiber. Not only is fiber a no-calorie nutrient, but it’s also good for appetite control. That’s because it bulks up in your digestive tract, keeping you feeling full for longer. 

In addition, kratom is a great source of a wide range of vitamins. That includes vitamins A, C, E, K, and several of the B vitamins. That means it could offer skin benefits, improve immunity, aid in healing, and support a healthy heart. 

Because kratom comes from a leaf, it’s also rich in minerals, which are absorbed through the tree’s roots. That includes potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, and zinc. 

Collectively, this set of minerals offers a wide range of health benefits. From supporting a healthy heartbeat to keeping muscles strong to preventing depression, these minerals play a vital role in your overall health. 

There are more than 50 alkaloids, including mitragynine, in kratom. They have a variety of functions in the body, doing everything from fighting inflammation to battling microbes to controlling pain. 

Finally, since it comes from a plant, you also get a decent dose of antioxidants and flavonoids from kratom. These help fight free radical damage, which helps reduce the risk of developing certain kinds of cancer. They also have anti-aging benefits. 

How to Use Kratom

The way you use kratom depends on what your goal is. For people who want a quick dose of energy in the morning, kratom can be used in place of coffee or tea. You can drink the powder, mixed with water or use a capsule instead.  

If you plan to try kratom as a stimulant, stick to smaller doses. This will provide you with the pick-me-up you’re looking for. Smaller amounts are important because kratom in higher doses produces a sedative effect. 

That makes larger amounts of kratom ideal for its potential health benefits. Due to its mood-enhancing effects, it might be a viable addition to a treatment plan for depression and other mood disorders.

These mood-boosting benefits are also what make kratom in larger doses a viable treatment for opioid dependence. It’s been used for both morphine and ethanol withdrawal. 

Most people who use kratom do so by brewing it into tea. However, as mentioned above, it’s also available in capsule form. Health food stores may sell it in tablet or paste form as well. 

If you want to try using kratom, either as a stimulant or a sedative, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. Together you can decide on an appropriate dosage for your needs. 

There are many kinds of kratom and the strongest strains may necessitate smaller doses to achieve your desired results. Recommended doses range from 1 – 15 grams, depending on why you’re using it. 

Considerations to Keep in Mind

While kratom certainly has some potential benefits, it’s best to proceed with caution. It might not be safe to use every day and could be unsafe if you have certain health conditions or take certain medications. 

Kratom should never replace any medications or treatments prescribed by your doctor. 

There are some side effects to be on the lookout for when you use kratom. They include itching, sweating, dry mouth, dizziness, hallucinations, seizures, and liver damage. 

Prolonged usage of kratom has also been linked to changes in skin color, frequent urination, dry mouth, and urinary and bowel disturbances. More alarming, it may also lead to weight loss and anorexia. 

Unlike coffee or tea, kratom can also produce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. They include hostility, aggression, reduced work performance, pain in the muscles and bones, and impaired limb movement. 

Keep in mind that while kratom is legal in the United States, it’s illegal in Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, and several European countries. 

What’s the Bottom Line?

Despite kratom nutritional facts, there isn’t a lot of research on it and it’s probably not the best choice for everyday use unless recommended by your physician.

However, it may have potential as an occasional treatment for certain health problems. But chances are, you’re better off sticking with your usual coffee or tea in the morning. 

Before you go, read some of our other advice about living your best life. 

Jane