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CBD needs no introduction to people familiar with wellness and alternative medicines circles. The cannabis/hemp-derived active ingredient is popular for delivering numerous therapeutic physiological and psychological benefits.
However, kratom, the new herb on the block, is gradually gaining mainstream acceptance as a natural treatment alternative. Kratom delivers pain and anxiety relief, among other beneficial health effects just like CBD. Besides, it comes in many forms, including extracts, capsules, and powder. The most popular way of using it is capsules hence why many people want to know where to find kratom capsules. But did you know that CBD and kratom can work together for more effects? Keep reading and find out more below.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the two most popular cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp plants. Research on CBD shows that unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other dominant phytochemicals in cannabis, CBD lacks psychoactive effects, so it will not make you high.
However, CBD is famous for its immense health benefits. Its purported health benefits include pain relief, anxiety and depression management, treating epilepsy, neuroprotection, relief for cancer treatment side effects, and managing skin condition flare-ups. Also, people are searching for where to buy delta 8 flower.
CBD binds to endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors to modulate various physiological and psychological processes. The ECS is an extensive and intricate signaling system that modulates multiple functions along with the central nervous system and the brain.
CBD's legality varies with jurisdiction. However, in places where it is legal, you can buy it as tinctures, CBD oil, edibles, topicals, cosmetic and bath products, vapes, joints, patches, and more.
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What is Kratom
Kratom is an herb native to Southeast Asia, famous for its pain relief and energizing effect. The herb first made it into European and US markets as a prospective opioid dependency treatment due to its atypical opioid characteristics. Atypical opioids deliver almost similar effects to prescription opioids and narcotics but interact differently with the body, limiting their capacity to cause dependency.
Kratom binds to receptors within the endogenous opioid system, which plays a crucial role in facilitating our interaction with the environment, causing various effects. The herb is available in multiple strains categorized by leaf venation color and geographical region of origin. And you can take it in powder, tea, or capsule form.
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How CBD and Kratom Complements Each Other
Although CBD and kratom interact with different systems in the human body, their collaboration effect delivers the best of both worlds. Below are some reasons why the two phytochemicals are a force when used together.
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CBD Cancels Out Kratom’s Psychoactive Effect
Although kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, are responsible for most of the herb’s therapeutic benefits, they also trigger psychoactive effects. Their modulatory action on various brain functions may trigger the motivation and reward system, causing pleasurable sensations akin to those caused by opioids.
While kratom has an extremely low propensity to cause dependency, the psychoactive effect may be unnerving for people with low kratom tolerance. However, CBD’s non-psychoactive property helps mellow down kratom’s psychoactive effect, especially in kratom strains with dominant euphoric effects.
The effect is pretty similar to research study results showing CBD’s capacity to counter THC’s psychoactive-like symptoms when one consumes the two cannabinoids together. By mellowing kratom's psychoactive-like effects, CBD makes the herb ideal for use during any time of day without causing impairment.
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Energy Production and Cognitive Functions Enhancement
Kratom, especially white kratom and Maeng Da kratom strains, have a profoundly stimulating effect. Coffee and kratom are distant cousins, so kratom has a mind and body stimulant effect, save for the jitteriness associated with coffee.
The herb's stimulant effect interacts with the endogenous opioid system receptors, facilitating dopamine production. Dopamine is the hormone produced during fight-or-flight responses, yet it also modulates the motivation and reward system. However, while kratom's modulatory effect on dopamine production yields energy and increases motivation, the herb has no lasting impact on cognitive functions.
In contrast, a study review on CBD’s effect on cognition yielded that the cannabinoid improves various cognitive functions including, working memory, attention, and executive function. The effect is particularly profound among people with attention deficiency and anxiety disorders. Therefore, CBD complements Kratom's stimulant effect by channeling the energy produced toward improving cognitive functions.
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Enhanced Pain Relief
Both CBD and kratom are potent analgesics capable of delivering instant pain relief. Although they work differently to provide pain relief, both phytochemicals alleviate nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Both remedies also feature the anxiolytic and mood-boosting capacity ideal for tackling stress-induced pain and pain experienced psychologically.
While CBD blocks pain signals from reaching the portion of the brain that processes pain, kratom is antinociceptive, meaning it enhances the body’s innate tolerance for pain. Therefore, the two phytochemicals utilize their unique pain-relieving capacities to fight chronic pain from multiple pathways, delivering deep relief over an extended period.
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Opioid Withdrawal
One animal study on kratom extract’s effect on opioid withdrawal conducted on morphine-dependent mice shows that the herb prevents hyperalgesia and physical dependence. A separate study indicates CBD's capacity to reduce drug cravings and curb associated drug withdrawal anxiety. Therefore, CBD’s psychological effect on drug dependence complements kratom’s physiological effect.
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Synergy
Synergy occurs when two compounds interact to produce a robust combined effect. Kratom and CBD may make waves individually, but they are a force when combined. Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD amplifies kratom's effects, especially in pain relief.
Conclusion
CBD-kratom seems to be the next big thing in alternative medicine. However, note that bond compounds deliver individual-specific effects, so start low and go slow when combining their doses.