Kratom vs CBD which is better?
Agreed, Kratom and CBD have a lot of similarities, is one really better for you? If so, what exactly is the difference between them? Here we’ll give you the lowdown on Kratom vs CBD.
Perhaps you’ve tried it, perhaps not, but as a smart shopper does, you’re looking for more information before you make a purchase. Either way, we’re glad you found us and are happy to share our research with you!
Busy? Then skip straight to what interests you.
Table of contents:
- The origins
- The different types
- How it works
- Comparing Effectiveness
- Pain relief
- Anxiety relief
- Sleep aid
- Focus enhancer
- In Summary
The Origins of Kratom & CBD:
CBD comes from a cannabis or hemp plant, while kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree found in Asia. Both substances have gained popularity in recent years and are known to have relaxing and pain-relieving effects.
However, they work in completely different ways!
Grab a drink, a snack (or dare we say a gummy), and get ready to explore the science & origins behind these natural substances and the effects of CBD vs Kratom.
Different Types of Kratom and its Effects:
Yes, ancient people knew how to have fun too. The tropical leaves of the Kratom tree have been used for centuries, both for medicinal and recreational purposes. Chewing, smoking, and brewing tea was the way to go!
For centuries, the tropical kratom leaves were used for medicinal and recreational purposes. Chewing, smoking, and brewing a cuppa kratom tea were the way to go. Today you can find Kratom in more palatable forms! Try Kratom in a powder form, capsule, gummy, or as a tincture – check out available products on our site.
COLOR | |
RED | Relaxation |
GREEN | Stimulation |
WHITE | Mood |
The main varieties are red, green, and white:
➤ Red kratom is known for its sedative effects and is often used to treat pain and anxiety.
➤Green kratom is known for its mild stimulation and is often used for increased energy and focus.
➤ White kratom is known for its euphoric effects and is often used to enhance mood and well-being.
Each variety of kratom can also have different effects depending on the strain and the dosage.
Different Types of CBD and its Effects:
Apparently, ancient physicians knew a thing or two – they prescribed marijuana for everything from pain relief to earache to childbirth. Even as far back as 2737 BCE in China, it was documented that Emperor Shen-Neng drank tea infused with cannabis to bring his body back into balance.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many active compounds found in the hemp plant. And similar to Kratom, there are several forms of CBD available, including oil, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals. The effects of CBD can vary depending on the form and the person taking it. Most commonly it is used for its potential health benefits such as reducing anxiety and stress, long-term pain relief, improving sleep and bringing you back to balance like Emperor Shen-Neng!
How does Kratom vs CBD actually work in the human body? (or should we say, the brain!)
Ok, now we’re going to nerd out a bit as we look at some of the science. According to scientific studies, CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors (found in the central/ peripheral nervous system) to produce its effects. For instance, a study published in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD was effective in reducing pain in animals and humans with chronic pain conditions. It has also been shown to help with sleep and managing mental health.
On the other hand, a study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that kratom’s active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with the mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors in the brain, contributing to potential pain-relieving and mood-enhancing effects. In other words, kratom works by binding to specific receptors in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin receptors. These receptors play a role in regulating mood, pain perception, pleasure, and other amazing functions.
In short – Kratom binds to the opioid receptors, while CBD affects the cannabinoid receptors.
AND, if you’re still with us – well done!
Comparing the Effectiveness of Kratom vs CBD
True, they sound quite similar in their potential benefits. Let’s weigh up exactly how Kratom vs CBD compare in terms of managing pain, anxiety, depression, focus, energy levels, and overall mood.
CBD vs Kratom for Pain
Pain from fibromyalgia, arthritis, endometriosis, injury, chronic back pain and other debilitating conditions can make your life hell and stop you from functioning. Many people have had bad side effects from prescribed meds, and prefer to try a natural alternative to synthetic analgesics. So, can CBD or Kratom help manage mild to severe pain? Let’s find out.
Here’s what some people have said about Kratom:
“I take Kratom for Fibromyalgia.. And it kept my pain at a manageable level for the last 3+ years!”
“Arthritis. Kratom helps dull the pain a good 70-80% – enough to make getting about my day a hell of a lot more tolerable.”
“Super wild red borneo is the very best for pain.I highly recommend this strand”
“I suffer from Scoliosis, and migraines, and I take 5 grams twice a day, works great!”
So according to real human personal experience Kratom seems like a great option for pain management. The science says because Kratom blocks opioid receptors directly, it can potentially provide fast and effective pain relief regardless of the type or severity of the pain. And it’s this mechanism that works in a way that’s quite similar to pain meds like morphine or percocet.
Let’s take a look at CBD for pain relief? Will it work or won’t it? CBD doesn’t block pain completely, but it can reduce the severity of pain. The science says that CBD can effectively regulate the volume of pain signals going to the brain but works better for pain whose cause is inflammation such as arthritis. But it might not do much for severe pain from migraines, fibromyalgia or injury.
In the short term kratom can offer faster relief because it directly blocks opioid receptors whereas CBD only modulates receptors and reduces pain signals going to the brain.
CBD vs Kratom for Anxiety / Depression
Depression can feel like a heavy blanket that makes you feel hopeless, while anxiety is like an unwanted guest that shows up when we least expect it, making us feel scared, sad, and nervous. If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, or both, can CBD or Kratom help manage those symptoms?
What the people say:
“One of the best white maeng da’s I have tried. Got a major daytime boost “
“After a dose of kratom I get this sense of inner calm and gentle contentment and great clear, focused headspace.”
Kratom really helped my anxiety – I feel safe and calm. And things which normally have me shaking/ in tears of anxiety and frustration now I just shrug off”
“This white maeng da gave me a good mood lift, great energy,and just overall great feeling +long lasting effects!”
Real people have reported that using kratom has helped them to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. It helps them worry and stress less, improve their mood, and provide a sense of calm and relaxation.
Kratom has the potential to be a great anti–depressant due to its ability to activate opioid receptors and trigger dopamine release in the brain. This powerful euphoric effect can have a dramatic impact on your mood and wellbeing. However, as with any substance the effects will be different for everyone – so it’s best to test different doses/ forms of Kratom and see how it helps your mood and mental health.
Now, let’s look at how CBD can help anxiety and depression. CBD may help to reduce symptoms by altering the way that the brain processes these emotions, and reducing levels of stress and anxiety-related hormones. There are studies that show that because CBD works to regulate neurological function and restore homeostasis of neurotransmitters and electrical transmission in the brain it may be more reliable for long term management of anxiety and depression.
At the end of the day every person will find different effects on their mental health and can decide which works best for them. From the few studies and anecdotal evidence it seems white kratom may work well as a short term solution.
CBD vs Kratom for sleep
Looking to get a peaceful rest, fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed? When using Kratom for sleep it’s important to understand the different strains and their potential effects on your slumber and overall levels of calm.
- Red Vein Kratom: This strain is known for its relaxing and sedating effects, making it a popular choice for those seeking relief from anxiety and insomnia.
- Chocolate Kratom: Chocolate Bentuangie works best when taken later in the day. Using it in the evening provides a calming experience, especially after a rough day
- Green Borneo Kratom: Many find that the soothing effect helps their tired joints and muscles relax after a long day.
People Say:
“In my personal experience, red strains work the best for my insomnia, and enhance my relaxation enough to allow me to doze off.”
“One of the best bents I’ve ever had! Nice calm relaxation that lasts a long time”
What about CBD? Just how effective is it for sleeping like a baby? Well, by modulating the activity of the ECS ( that’s the Endocannabinoid system), CBD can potentially help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can be the root cause for interrupted sleep. Some research also suggests that CBD may increase levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which is known to promote relaxation and calmness, and may also have a sedative effect on the central nervous system.
But we’re going to “sleep” on this one and let you decide which one is better for you.
CBD Vs Kratom for Focus and Concentration
Can kratom help you stay sharp and focused throughout the day? Will it help you say goodbye to brain fog and get more done? Let’s find out.
This super herb from Southeast Asia is a natural nootropic known to boost mental clarity, enhance cognitive function, and improve productivity. Taking certain strains of Kratom even in small doses can help stimulate brain activity and make you feel more alert. Concentration and focus benefits are noticeable within 30 minutes of taking kratom, and they last for 2 to 3 hours.
People’s Experiences:
“Green makes me relaxed and improves my mood, focus and motivation at the same time. Whites are also nice, but some are too stimulating.”
“This herb is really helpful to increase focus and mood”
“2 teaspoons of kratom powder makes for a wonderful calm/focused morning.”
Can CBD help you stay focused and undistracted from external stimuli? Well not directly. CBD may improve concentration only by its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. So potentially, having more peace of mind can improve concentration but only in those people with severe levels of anxiety. In any case reports show these effects are subtle and CBD is not as stimulating as kratom or other nootropics like caffeine.
So in this case kratom for focus beats CBD due to its ability to directly stimulate adrenergic receptors, and help you achieve laser focus.
Summary: Kratom vs CBD which one is better?
As you can see both Kratom and CBD can have amazing benefits on your brain and body. And, although they can both help with pain relief, better sleep and anxiety they do this through completely different functions.
Sadly Kratom has also been widely misunderstood and mischaracterized in recent years, leading to misinformation about its safety and potential effects. Despite this, research has consistently shown that kratom is a safe and effective substance for many people, and the negative effects often attributed to it are not supported by scientific evidence.
In fact, many users report that kratom has helped them manage pain, anxiety, and depression, and has even been used for opioid withdrawal recovery. But, it’s important to remember that like any substance, kratom can have potential side effects and adverse reactions, but the vast majority of users report positive experiences with kratom.
In conclusion, keep an open mind and see what works best for you!
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