CBD is the crown jewel of the health and wellness industry, but it seems like other players are making some dent in its market share. Recently, there’s been a surge in demand for another plant-based supplement known as Kratom.

Both cannabis and Kratom go long back in human consumption history for their efficacy in providing relief from pain, sleep, anxiety, recovery, appetite, and energy-related issues.

However, owing to regulations and a long history of debate on safety, Kratom has always lagged behind CBD when it comes to mass adoption. That scenario is changing now, and many people now find themselves confused between choosing one over the other.

In this article, we will take a deep dive and learn about both of these plant-based natural healing agents, helping you decide which one is worthy of being a part of your wellness journey.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a naturally occurring plant compound belonging to the cannabinoid family. There are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis sativa plants, with CBD being the most studied and widely used one.

Unlike another major cannabinoid THC, CBD doesn’t have intoxicating properties, which makes it perfect for day-to-day use without worrying about getting high.

It’s been extensively studied for its analytic, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Many people now prefer to use CBD over prescription medications to deal with anxiety, sleep, and chronic pain-related issues.

There’s no risk of overdosing with CBD, and compared to general prescription medicines for pain and anxiety, it has a much cleaner formulation. There’s also no risk of habit formation with CBD products, making them a better alternative to opioid-based pain medications.

In short, clean formulation, non-addictiveness, no overdosing, and cost-effectiveness have made CBD an integral part of the wellness routine for many Americans. Even if you do end up taking more than the required CBD, you’ll only feel slight discomfort.

This may include slight dizziness, fatigue, and headaches, which shall go away by stopping it for a few days or by increasing the water intake.

CBD mainly works by influencing the endocannabinoid receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. This endocannabinoid system is found in all mammals and is spread throughout the body.

The ECS is responsible for maintaining balance by controlling physiological processes like anxiety levels, stress response, appetite, memory, sleep, metabolic rate, temperature, and more.

Hence, when we take CBD, the ECS becomes even more efficient, and we feel more calm, more focused, and well-rested. To learn more about CBD’s impact on sleep, you can read these CBD sleep gummies reviews.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna Speciosa, is a shrub found mainly in the Southeast Asia region of Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. People in these regions have used its leaves since as early as the 19th century for relief from various ailments.

Native people consume Kratom by chewing the leaves, smoking it through chilies,  boiling the leaves, and drinking it as tea. Its effects are mainly dependent on dosage.

In lower dosages, it has energy-boosting effects, which may keep you focused and productive throughout the day. Whereas in higher dosages, it becomes slightly sedative and curbs pain levels, along with creating a feeling of euphoria.

Most anecdotal testimonials report that Kratom may lead to an increase in alertness, energy levels, mood changes, pain relief, and slight sedatives. Its general side effects typically include nausea, constipation, increased heart rate, and the risk of erectile dysfunction.

It mainly works by binding to our body’s opioid receptors. That’s why, unlike CBD, it poses the risk of dependency and negative withdrawal effects. Kratoms contain a large number of chemical compounds known as alkaloids.

The two most common alkaloids, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, affect the mu-opioid receptors in our brains, which leads to sedative, pain-relieving, euphoric, and energetic effects.

It may also bind to adrenergic receptors, serotonin receptors, and dopamine receptors, which leads to the arousing and exhilarating effects that some people feel. It’s also quite possible to overdose on kratom, which can lead to severe effects like psychosis, seizures, respiratory depression, liver toxicity, and even death in some cases.

The legal status of Kratom is also somewhat complicated in America. It’s still completely illegal to buy, sell, carry, or use kratom in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Rhode Island. Whereas other states have strict regulations, you may be able to buy it in the form of powder, shots, capsules, or gummies online.

Which One Is Better For Pain, Sleep, And Energy?

If you are a newbie to this whole clean and green lifestyle, choosing between CBD and Kratom can be a bit confusing. Of course, CBD is much more popular, widely available, vastly legal, and safe, but you still can’t completely ignore Kratom.

After all, it’s been in use for ages and is supported by plenty of modern-day anecdotes. Let’s cut to the chase: for better sleep and pain management, CBD is a superior option. Why? because,

• It doesn’t affect opioid receptors, so there is no risk of addiction.
• Next to nil side effects in day-to-day usage.
• Much better taste.
• No chance of accidental overdosing.
• No reported deaths.
• Easily and legally available in almost all US states and many other countries.
• More scientific evidence to back its potential health benefits.

Whereas for energy, Kratom may be a slightly better choice. See, it belongs to the same family of trees as coffee plants, so naturally it tends to boost your energy levels, and increase your alertness.

Whereas CBD has more soothing and relaxing properties, which may make you feel a bit fatigued, energized, and laid back. Hence, for pain and sleep, choose CBD gummies, and for improving your energy levels, go with Kratom Powder.

Just make sure to be cautious about dosage when using Kratom, as it may cause serious harm when taken more than required.

Key Takeaways

To sum it up, in this ever-evolving and fast-paced world, we do sometimes have to rely on natural plant-based products to keep our health in check. Both CBD and Kratom have their share of health-boosting properties and can be used to deal with a large number of ailments.

But from a safety point of view, CBD is a much better option. It can help improve your sleep quality and provide relief from pain without the risk of overdosing.

Kratom may cause quite some harm to your health if not taken in strict and controlled dosages. Also, a person may become dependent on Kratom because it mainly affects the opioid receptors in the body.

The only advantage Kratom has is its energy-boosting effects, but still, we’d say it’s better to stick with your favorite CBD gummies. Though the CBD market is full of brands, you should only buy it from reputable and well-tested brands like Colorado Botanicals.