Centuries ago, natural remedies were the norm. In fact, they were the only options people had available to help them deal with illnesses and chronic medical conditions. In time, man-made alternatives came into play. When they did, people began to veer away from the age-old, time-tested natural supplements with the belief that synthetic medications had to be more effective.
At this point, though, people are trending back to the old ways. Some are doing so because they’re concerned about the long-term repercussions of synthetic medications. Others are taking new interest in natural supplements because they’ve found no relief through man-made pharmaceuticals. Either way, botanical shots for relaxation, gummies for energy, topicals for pain, and a variety of other options are now on the market to meet their needs.
Looking at the Differences and Benefits of CBD and Kratom
Many of those products are infused with either CBD or kratom, both of which have become extremely popular. What are the differences and potential benefits of each of those herbal supplements, though? Read on to learn more about how each one works and what they may do for you.
CBD
First, let’s look at CBD, or cannabidiol. As you probably already know, CBD is derived from the cannabis or hemp plant. It works by binding to receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. CBD doesn’t cause the well-known high that comes with THC, one of its fellow cannabinoids. Still, it can produce a variety of helpful effects depending on the strain, dosage, and other factors.
People use CBD for numerous issues. It has been found to help with pain, anxiety, and insomnia, to name a few possibilities. It’s also known to alleviate inflammation. As such, it can provide relief for a long list of both short-term and chronic medical conditions. Those range from IBS and arthritis to asthma and diabetes.
Though CBD won’t cure those conditions per se, it can certainly reduce their symptoms. Furthermore, it produces few, if any, negative side effects. People who do experience dry mouth, stomach upset, and drowsiness while taking CBD find that those issues are generally mild and short-lived.
Kratom
Now, let’s delve into kratom. This botanical comes from the leaves of the kratom tree, which is a member of the coffee family. Rather than interacting with the endocannabinoid system, the main active ingredient in kratom binds with dopamine, serotonin, and opioid receptors in the brain. Like CBD, Kratom comes in different varieties and can have varied effects. The exact dosage can impact its effects as well.
There are three main categories of kratom: red, green, and white vein. Each one branches into different strains as well. In general, red vein kratom generates relaxing, pain-relieving, and mood-enhancing benefits. White vein kratom can also provide mood-lifting effects along with energy and heightened focus. Green vein kratom tends to offer more balanced effects that include pain relief, slight relaxation, and possibly a mild energy boost.
Many studies show that kratom can reduce inflammation too. Like CBD, though, kratom provides relief from several issues but doesn’t actually cure them. Some people feel that kratom provides more noticeable results than CBD, but the effects of both can vary from one person to the next. For some people, similar side effects to those of CBD can be a problem when taking kratom.
Finding Relief Through Natural Supplements
Countless synthetic pharmaceuticals are on the market. Though they have their place in the world of healing, many aren’t quite as effective as people need them to be. They can certainly have serious long-term side effects as well. Because of that, many people are returning to natural supplements to find the relief they’re looking for. CBD and kratom are among the most popular botanicals. Both can have an array of positive effects and be used to target a range of conditions from anxiety to pain and beyond. That being said, their effects can vary based on several factors and from one person to the next.
