Originally, South East Asia communities used kratom leaves to relieve people of anxiety, fatigue and pain. The leaves were chewed raw or the extract derived and consumed in powder form. Kratom extract still enjoys massive favor for its holistic healing abilities that range from pain relief, curing anxiety to helping with muscle health.
However, even with all these benefits associated with the plant, you may not achieve the desired results. This is because the effectiveness of the plant depends on several factors, most them out of and beyond your control. Understanding these factors can help you choose only the best to make the most of the herb.
Consumption Method
How one consumes the herb really determines the effectiveness you are looking for. Mainly, the leaves of the herb are dried and packaged as a powder. Some people choose to mix the powder in their favorite beverages and drink it while cold. With this usage method, you can be sure to derive the maximum potency of the herb since no compounds are lost during preparation. Other people choose to mix the extract in boiling water and strain it before drinking. With this method, boiling water kills some of the active compounds in the extract, thereby reducing its strength and effectiveness.
Kratom leaves should be prepared right
Mishandling and Contamination
Kratom leaves extract may lose their effectiveness during their storage and shipping to their intended destination. Exposure to natural factors such as light, moisture and air activates the breakdown of some of the most important ingredients of the extract. These could also harbor the growth of mold and mildew, all of which reduce rather than improving its potency. What this means is that by the time it reaches its destination, it will have lost most of its effectiveness and may not give the desired relief.
Growing Conditions
Due to its skyrocketing demand, some people have resulted to growing the herb in greenhouses even in the west. What they may never be aware is that the greenhouse reduces the amount of sunlight required for the optimal production of the psychoactive compounds of kratom. In fact, research findings show that kratom leaves grown under heavy shade have up to 27% less potency than those grown in open field under full sunlight. How the herb is harvested and processed also greatly determines potency and thus the effectiveness. For example, the leaves must be completely dry before they are harvested and processed. That is why it is always important to purchase the herb from only the trusted sources.
Genetics
Genetic difference plays a key role in the effectiveness of the herb. A lot of breeding changes the genetic makeup of the herb thereby reducing its strength. Since the herb comes in different varieties, there may be difference in the chemical makeup in one variety, compared to another. It is believed that some varieties have more active beneficial compounds than other types of the same plant.
Maturity of the Leaves
Age is another important key factor when it comes to the effectiveness of kratom herb. For optimal production of the key psychoactive compounds that contribute to the effectiveness of the herb, the leaves, not just the plant must complete the full growth cycle. Very young, compared to mature leaves, have less healing chemicals.
Environmental Conditions
Other growing conditions such as type of soil, climate and topography come into play during the growth of the herb. Some soils and climatic conditions support better growth of the herb than others do. This could explain why kratom plant extract from South East Asia is the best and most effective for treating various health issues.
Exposure to Chemicals and Pesticides
Bearing in mind that the herb occurred naturally in the ancient times, growing it with so much pesticides and commercial fertilizers could reduce its effectiveness. This is a common practice in greenhouse conditions as people try to accelerate its growth. However, this only ends up compromising the chemical makeup of the herb, thereby reducing its effectiveness.
Being aware of these factors is critical to making the most of the leaves extract. It is worth noting that some of these factors such as pesticides and chemical exposure may alter the chemical composition of the herb and contribute to undesired side effects. All these factors point to the need to purchase your kratom only from the trusted sources. This is the only way you are guaranteed of optimal benefits and less side effects from the consumption of the extract.