With all the legalities that surround kratom, many people are looking for kratom alternatives. This is because there are a lot of areas across the United States that have banned kratom itself or the active alkaloids within this herb, which happen to be Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynin.
Overall wellness has become a huge factor in the lives of many individuals, and this has also created a need for kratom alternatives. This ancient herb is known to provide overall balance support, which is why it has become so popular across the globe.
Health enthusiasts are turning to natural alternatives such as kratom due to the chemical additives that are now being found in modern medicine. While most prefer to stick to kratom, as it is an herb that they know and love, there are some good alternatives to try. Let’s take a closer look at which herbs could serve as an alternative to kratom.
Understanding Kratom Alternatives
When researching kratom, you will find many anecdotes that provide benefits of kratom. However, you must understand that Kratom is not used to treat, cure, or mitigate any disease, illness, ailment, and/or condition. Please see FDA import alert 54-15. We make no representations as to intended use or suitability for use.
Before you start any new type of substance, including natural herbs, you must consult with your general practitioner. They will have a vast understanding of your current and past medical history. Plus, they are the only ones who can offer advice and recommendations when it comes to taking alternative supplements and herbs.
So, when seeking an alternative to kratom, you have to know the reasons behind why you are wanting to take this herb. If there are important beneficial properties then those are the specific alternatives you will want to be seeking.
You have to understand that all of these alternatives will provide specific aspects that may be close to the active alkaloids in kratom, but none of them provide the same natural properties that are found in this herb.
Kratom Alternatives
As more studies continue to be conducted on kratom, there are sure to be improvements on the alternatives that are offered for this herb. There is still a lot about kratom that is not well known because it lacks scientific research. However, based on what is known here are some alternatives for kratom.
Reasons for these alternatives are anecdotal at the moment but will come with more research as time goes on. Never start any new supplement or herb without first consulting with your medical physician. They are the only ones who can give you safe advice on kratom alternatives.
Kava
Kava is native to South Pacific Islands. It belongs to the pepper family and has the botanical name of Piper Mehystricum. Kava is a shrub and the roots are commonly made into a paste. This can be mixed with water or coconut milk. Just like kratom, kava has loads of antidotal claims that are not backed up with scientific research.
Kava and kratom both possess different alkaloids. This means that they will interact with the body in different ways. The alkaloids in kratom stimulate the opioid system within the brain. Kava works with the limbic system.
There is more scientific research on the chemistry within kava, and the main ingredients are kavalactones. However, the active ingredients of the plant will vary among the various types of kava plants. It is important to note that the kavalactones in kava will massively be different than the alkaloids in kratom.
While some studies show that kava can help manage anxiety and promote sleep, there are some downsides to using this kratom alternative. Long-term heavy use of kava could lead to severe liver damage.
Again, with all-natural supplements and herbs, it is advised that you consult your general practitioner before use. They are the only ones who can offer sound advice for these supplements.
Mitragyna Hirsuta
Mitragyna Hirsuta happens to be from the same genus as the kratom plant, which is known as Mitragyna Speciosa. This is a popular kratom alternative because they share similar properties. Hirsuta has smaller leaves than kratom and is known on the street as “kra thum khok”.
M Hirsuta is similar to red vein kratom strains. It contains a high potency level that is not seen in other kratom alternatives. However, it does not seem to reach the same potency levels that are offered by red vein kratom. This is why kratom enthusiasts still choose red kratom strains over Mitragyna Hirsuta.
When it comes to robust alkaloid content, M Speciosa tends to take the lead. This herb contains high concentrations of mitragynine and is known to work with the opioid receptors in the brain. M Hirsuta does not contain either of the main kratom alkaloids, which include mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Hirsuta is less intense than kratom and is preferred by some because of this.
Mitragyna Hirsuta contains mitraphylline, which contains similar mechanisms in the alkaloids found in kratom. This is why it has been named as a suitable alternative to kratom. It tends to last longer than kratom, which is a bonus for some who are looking for an alternative herb to kratom.
Mitragyna Hisuta became popular in Thailand during the 1940s when kratom was banned. Both herbs lack scientific research, so again, we are left to only really know user experience which is not safe advice. To get the most from your natural herbs and supplements be sure you always check with your family physician before taking any new substances.
Mitragyna Javanica
Mitragyna Javanica comes from the Kra Thum Na tree that is native to Southeast Asia. This herb is not as potent as kratom but still tends to be a popular choice among those who are looking for an alternative herb to kratom.
M Javanica does not have the same active alkaloids that kratom does. It does have a similar compound known as Mitrahavine, which contains large amounts of 3-isoajmalicine. It is a milder alternative to kratom and also became very popular in Thailand during the 1940s when kratom was banned in this area.
Since both herbs lack proper scientific research, most encounters are anecdotal. This means that it is only experienced by actual users without proper scientific research. For this very reason, you must seek advice from your family physician before trying any new substances. Both kratom and Mitragyna Javanica offer support in different ways. So, it will highly depend on the type of support that you are looking for as to rather or not M Javanica is an ideal alternative to kratom.
Kanna
Kanna is another kratom alternative that users tend to turn to. This herb is scientifically known as Sceletium Tortuosum. It is a flowering plant that originates from the Aizoaceae family. This herb is native to South Africa and is different when it comes to its chemical makeup and comparison of kratom.
The main alkaloids in Kanna are Mesembrine and Mesembrenone. The most appealing aspect of Kanna is the fact that it does not have the legal issues that are often seen with kratom. This herb is offered without issues and has become known as a good alternative for those who live in areas where kratom has been banned.
Sakae Naa
Sakae Naa comes from the laves of the Combretum Quadrangulare tree. This tree, just like kratom, is native to Southeast Asia. It thrives in areas including Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
Sakae Naa has a shamanic background and was used in white magic. This herb was very popular in Thailand after the banned of kratom occurred. Both kratom and Sakae Naa contain a different chemical makeup, which sets them apart from one another. Sakae Naa contains a flavonoid known as Combretol.
Again, like with our other alternatives on this list, there is a huge lack of scientific research and how this herb interacts with the body.
White Willow Bark
White Willow Bark has been known to help with body aches and pains. The Salix Alba bark was so effective that salicylic acid was produced with the active compounds purified crystal form. This remedy is still commonly used today under the name aspirin. The biggest issue is that the body builds up a tolerance, and aspirin is one of the most commonly used medications on the planet. So, it may not prove to be the most effective alternative to kratom. However, it has been used as an alternative for many centuries.
CBD
With the legalization of hemp, the world of hemp-derived products has become more prevalent and is being researched for the first time. CBD has many beneficial properties that are coming to light. All vary and still need more scientific research to provide the supporting claims.
However, CBD is widely available and is being looked at as a good alternative to kratom. It does not bear the negative press that comes with kratom, and it is widely available both locally and online. This makes it easier for users to access products and trial them.
CBD offers a lot of wellness support without the high levels of THC that is found in marijuana. For hemp to be legal it must possess 0.3% or less of delta 9 THC. Even with CBD, you are going to want to consult your medical physician before starting this alternative. They will be aware of your past and current medical history, as well as be able to guide you on dosing and recommendation of products.
Marijuana
Marijuana is legal in some areas but not all. Because of this, it is probably not the best alternative to kratom because it tends to be illegal in the same areas that kratom is. However, some users have noted using marijuana as an alternative to kratom, so we thought we would add it to our list.
It will all depend on the type of support you are looking for, and if marijuana is a good alternative for that support. However, please be aware that there are many areas where marijuana is illegal and will lead to jail time. So, you must know the laws that surround this alternative and rather or not it is a viable one for you.
Guarana
Kratom is native to the coffee plant and is well known for its stimulating properties. So, guarana beans tend to be a good alternative for these types of properties. They are high in caffeine. Each bean has twice the amount of caffeine as a coffee bean. Due to this reason, users have to be careful not to become overstimulated by Guarana products.
The good news is, this kratom alternative is widely available and does not come with the negative press that is seen with kratom. So, if you are looking for an alternative that is rich in caffeine, then this may be the best option for you. However, do not ever start any new substances without first consulting with your general practitioner.
Oasis Kratom
Here at Oasis Kratom, we offer a large variety of high-quality kratom capsules and powders. However, we know that kratom is not offered in all areas so we want to provide you with some kratom alternatives if this is the case for you. We ensure all of our products are lab tested and all quality is measured according to the American Kratom Association GMP regulations. Check out our website and let us know if you have any questions about our products.