Has anyone tried Kratom?

[Violets]

For anxiety/pain. Of course it's been illegalized in a few states, because of dubious claims it could be addictive (those claims are unfounded, from what I gather.)

I don't tell many people this, but I'm becoming less secretive about it...I have PTSD, and I'm a recovering heroin addict (those days are long gone, thankfully). Subsequently, I have anxiety and am in the process of getting off of a benzodiazepine I've taken for 15 years, other than being pregnant.

Standard herbal supplements for anxiety don't work so well for me, but neither do antidepressants (I'm generally not depressed, and they actually increase my anxiety).

Has anyone tried this? My friend gave me some today, and it's pleasant but I'm not sure it will help enough to bother with ordering it regularly.

To be honest, the low THC level pot that is used to treat PTSD and seizures works pretty well for me (it's legal in this state), but I don't care to use it often.

[Ava]

❤️

I had no idea. So sorry Violets.

I have to try and monitor myself so I don't just get weepy over everyone. Though lately I am amazed at how hard life is and how resilient people are.

I've never heard of kratom. Looking it up.

[Violets]

Thank you, Ava! ❤
Like I said, these are things I've mostly kept to myself over the decades for obvious reasons, but...T Uranus is on my MC, after all. You're right, we are resilient and life can be...surreal.

Thank you for looking into it! So far, it truly is very relaxing, but not sleep inducing like most anxiety meds or supplements. I'm wary of expecting too much from it, but so far so good!

[Violets]

Wow. Looking into it just a bit, it seems that it's been used as a natural treatment for pain relief and other ailments for over a hundred years--but, as with anything that isn't directly benefiting the pharmaceutical industry, of course it has to be deemed dangerous. The friend who gave it to me was married for years to a science professor and has studied chemistry extensively, so I believe she understands these things fairly well. *shrug*

[Ava]

Jul 7, 2018 4:47:00 GMT Violets said:

.......as with anything that isn't directly benefiting the pharmaceutical industry, of course it has to be deemed dangerous. 

Exactly. It's a crazy world  

I was watching videos about it last night, still need to watch more, but I got the impression it's fine and good in moderation. I really hope it helps you and works out well. 

Truthfully I would smoke pot if it were legal and available here, and I get really annoyed that it's banned. I think whole plants should never be banned. Who does the gov't think it is, to outlaw nature?

The gov't should work on making society less screwed up and then substance abuse would decline. 

[Violets]

Don't get me started on the government, lol.

[Ava]

Aqua Mercuries 🍻

[Violets]

Haha.

Well so far it's awesome, but I tend to agree that it's probably best used in cautious moderation. I'd like to use it on a daily basis, but I get a little squeamish about stuff like this.

I doubt that it's dangerously addictive like the stuff doctors prescribe (eyeroll), but as with pot I'm a little reserved about it.

But...wow, it really does seem like kind of a miracle herb for the time being. Very relaxing, but as it's related to coffee, also rather energizing. Unfortunately, it tastes very much the way henna smells--not vile like Valerian root (barf), but very earthy.

[Violets]

Objectively, this doesn't appear to do much for pain. I tweaked my back last week, and my ankle as well. It's mostly healed up now, but still touchy. I'm not noticing a lot of pain relief, unfortunately.

[Ava]

I'd like to try it....let me know if you think it's habit-forming?

I think tr Uranus is out to get me, my nerves are kinda shot lately.

Hope your back heals up soon...do you take magnesium for that?

[Violets]

No, I take ibuprofen and the occasional Vikodin (which IS habit forming, so I use that for days when I'm literally hobbling).

Now that the kratom has had time to take effect today (or the ibuprofen, I'm not sure which) my back feels fine. This happens on occasion with my back, but it always rights itself fairly quickly.

My friend's dad has been using this for a while, and she did say specifically that it doesn't have the same physically addictive properties of opioids, it just hits the same receptors (which is like the equivalent of fairy dust, imo).

I had to order mine from eBay, of all the stupid places. Amazon doesn't carry it, and any herbal site I visited only used obscure payment methods.

So far I would absolutely suggest giving it a try if your state hasn't deemed it a menace to society yet. 🙄

[Violets]

And yeah, my nerves are shot from T Uranus and Saturn as well. Not the most ideal time to try to get off of a benzodiazepine, but Pluto is transiting through my 6th house, so that's that, lol.

[12YearsABlob]

❤ So sorry, Violets.

Well, I dunno about kratom and what chemical profile makes for the mild psychotropic effects. If it doesn't give you trouble while going "off" it, it might not be addictive. Although, there should probably be a better way to tell than to just try it out.

:edit: There is something we use for seizures on going off of a drug - but it's a different drug, so it might not act the same.

The PTSD meds I've seen taken often are straight-up prozac and family.

[Violets]

Thanks, 12YearsABlob.

It's fine, it's just nice to find herbal supplements that actually work. Hopefully not addictive, or no more so than coffee...

[Violets]

I suppose it's worth mentioning that I've been getting off of this medication slowly over the past year. Anxiety/PTSD stuff is mostly only noticeable to people if I mention it, or if they're very close to me. I haven't touched an illegal substance in 13 years. (I don't know if I needed to clarify any of that or not, but I figured it can't hurt.)

Anyway, I love this herb, it really does alleviate my normal level of stress without making me tired!

[Ava]

Violets

Yes, for what it's worth, you've never seemed to have any kind of troubles like that. I've been talking to you for over 5 years I think, and this thread was a total surprise. You're really strong. 

I just feel bad you've had to deal with this. I really cannot stand anxiety....I've told people before that when I'm anxious it feels like my stomach is falling apart, and I can handle many things, but not that. I never even feel like myself if I have a queasy stomach. 

===

I just watched a Joe Rogan radio show on kratom, very interesting, his guest is super articulate.

This show here.

I consider myself fortunate that I've never had PTSD, but on the other hand, I don't like not knowing what something feels like from the inside.

My own issue is, I get in low moods sometimes, and it interferes with my productivity. I wonder if Kratom WOULD be a life-enhancer for me, if it biochemically helped me out of those slumps that create inertia. Joe Rogan and his guest were talking about its use to just help people exercise longer, or get through the grind of a hard life. Part of me thinks, "I don't need help, I've gotten this far without anything," and another part knows how much I love and appreciate all moments where I have a natural high, and optimism and hope. If I had that more often, what more could I do with my life? Would it free up my energy? That's what I wonder. 

"Kratom is a sedative, stimulant, mood-enhancer and pain reliever. At the right dose, it can make one feel stronger, happier, livelier and more motivated but still calm...Kratom is a well-known option for clearing up brain fog, helping you feel clear-headed, and making you more motivated and efficient. Users report a mild, non-jittery 'high' that typically lasts for a few hours. They claim to experience more alertness, less anxiety, and more clarity after ingesting Kratom."

kratomcrazy.com/2017/05/04/kratom-and-energy/

Do I need that? If this actually had a HEALING effect, a medicinal effect like cannabis, I'd be more tempted...oh look, it's an immune booster! 

Independent studies on the various alkaloids found in kratom leaves have shown that the combinative effects can have major effects on the strength and resilience of the immune system. [6] Kratom leaf extracts, which were traditionally used as herbs, are endowed with free radical scavenging and antimicrobial activity and are a natural source of antioxidants.

www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/kratom-leaves.html

The withdrawal symptoms listed there spook me, though.....even knowing they may be dramatized. I just have a sensitive system and it would be my bad luck to win that "lottery" of bad results. I guess I have no need for kratom at this time (no obvious reason to take it) so as I weigh it all in my mind, the risks seem to outweigh potential benefits.....I'm a bit of a hypochondriac. 

But I would definitely use it under different circumstances, and I'd drink it if it were offered to me to try once. I'm really glad you brought it to our attention, and hope it works out perfectly for you, Violets. 

[Violets]

Thank you, Ava. ❤ It really is nice to hear that.

Your research is always a lot more thorough than mine, lol.

I think I just want so badly for this to be a hassle free alternative to the medications I've been taking for anxiety--that come with horrid withdrawal symptoms (if I had stopped taking the benzodiazepine abruptly I could have had seizures, ffs--that's more dangerous than heroin). So I think my logic is like "I doubt the side effects could be worse than what I've already been legally prescribed by a doctor". Not the best logic, but...getting off of an anxiety medication during a hard Uranus transit isn't my idea of fun.

One caution I would offer in case anyone reads this and is considering using it--I made mine a little too strong yesterday (I mix it with water), and it was way too sedating. I guess it's fair to say that it's a pretty potent herb, but fantastic in the right amount.

[Ava]

I think that's actually the best logic Violets -- unsolicited opinion there. It looks like a risk worth taking, and possibly no risk at all, just something to help you through it. No need to suffer more than you have to. You know?

All the best of luck to you ❤

[Violets]

Thank you. ❤🤞

[Deleted]

Violets , just saw this thread. Firstly, you are an inspiration. I am amazed to know that someone with such challenges to overcome can be as caring, giving and such good company as you.

Co-incidentally, I have been reading about how certain psychedelics have huge potential to cure all sorts of ailments, e.g, cannabis oil for epilepsy. Here's a good article in the Washington Post re successful trials for PTSD.  None of the psychedelics used in the trials caused addiction. I really like the effects of Kratom - will try it myself. It could be this thread has a wider application .