*This is an original post by one of my friends, and was originally posted in our Opiate Therapy Group. I thought it to be interesting, and believe it deserves a larger audience in the appropriate forum. - Stef
I found this in a chronic pain forum on a lyme disease website. An elder hippy friend of mine suggested I look into the pain relief provided by a tree called kratom. This was the first testimonial i found online by someone I consider to be a legitimate informational source. From the research I have done so far I think this is something that I am going to have to try.
As many of us know, it's tough being in constant pain,dealing with chronic pain, and also being on and coming off narcotics. I have found Kratom to be extremely helpful, and it is legal, so there is no need to not discuss it. A link to wikipedia is here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kratom
Basically, it is widely used for an opiate alternative as it does contain similar alkaloids that bind to the opiate receptors. The only problem is that some do abuse it, it became an issue in Thailand (used for centuries) so they may have made it illegal there as people were using it like heroin in different forms.
The nice thing about it is this:
you can take small or larger doses, depending on your tolerance and apparently it's easier on the liver than needing something always with acetaminophen/etc which is actually not good for Lyme patients.
A 'regular' dose of Kratom , to compare, it you easily tolerate 10-20 mg of percocet/oxycodone, a typical dose of Kratom is about 8-16 (yes, 16) 600 mg capsules. I was fearful when I first took it and only took one. Then worked up and if it's PC Bali grade then about 7 capsules will sometimes be all I need. It is also used for 'recreational' use and some of those individuals will use up to 28-56 grams. A lot. You have to be careful as there are many vendors out there, just like with buying any other herb. I have someone who I have come to trust who sells on ebay/privately. I have shopped around and compared which is also a headache.
Cost--56 grams is about $35-45 for capsules. There is PC Bali, Green Malay, Indo, Thai, Red Veined Thai and Maeng Da (some say Maeng Da is the strongest so be careful) . You can buy in leaf, capsule,resin, and tincture form. You get what you pay for, and some varieties are active at 2-3 grams which is less than 8 capsules. Just if you do try it, go easy with the first dose, start very small, do it on an empty stomach, if nauseated, that goes away after the first try.
I also will say if you are trying to wean or get off narcotics OR you just are out of them and don't have a re fill, it's a great way to ease the withdrawls if one should experience any. It can be addictive, like most meds/herbs containing those particular alkaloids. If you are interested, and have any questions, pm me as I know it's scary making the switch to something that people (some) use in massive amounts for other reasons. Again, like many other meds used for 'recreational ' reasons, legal or not.
I am not promoting this whatsoever I have just been through the whole chronic pain deal for so many years, and have honestly found Mother Nature always knows best. If you do buy, see at how many 'grams' the Kratom is active at to give you an idea. Sometimes they will say 3-4 capsules if super strong but you will get an idea with how much you pay.
We all need a little help every now and then and there is nothing wrong with discussing this! It's sometimes advertised in a manner that would make you think it's not okay, but its the target audience they are aiming at , and that is changing.