Author: Catherine

The herbal substance kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has been the focus of much debate and regulatory wavering in the United States over the past decade. Studies suggest that kratom, derived from a tree in the coffee (Rubiaceae) family that is native to Southeast Asia, is typically used to ease pain and symptoms related to mental health disorders and opioid withdrawal.1 Of more than 40 alkaloids found in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine target the opioid receptors and have been identified as the plant’s primary psychoactive compounds.2 The effects of kratom appear to be dose-dependent, with stimulatory effects occurring at low doses and analgesic effects occurring at higher doses.3 The prevalence of kratom use has reportedly been on the rise in the US since 2007.4 In 2 studie...

The only constant aspect of the beauty industry is its changing trends. Individuals obsess over social media trends to mirror someone they admire or look a particular way. One day chemical exfoliants are in, and the next morning everyone’s going crazy over sheet masks. However, they forget that the potent chemicals in the products and prescription drugs can lead to severe consequences as most are carcinogenic and contain toxins. Therefore, the beauty industry is now moving towards organic products that are free from toxins and thus may be helpful for prolonged use. Beauty influencers and experts are also rooting for using organic compounds like Kratom and are promoting it as the ‘new normal’ in the industry. Keep reading at champagneliving.net

Kratom, formally called Mitragyna speciosa, is a type of tree native to Southeast Asia related to the coffee plant. For centuries, those native to Southeast Asia have chewed on kratom leaves or made a tea from kratom as a stimulant for pain relief. It’s also used in that part of the world to cope with heroin withdrawals. As an herbal supplement, kratom is available in the U.S., typically found in smoke shops or online. Instead of the fresh leaf form, it’s usually made with powdered dry leaves sold as tablets or capsules, although sometimes used as a tea. When it goes from fresh leaves to the powdered form, its chemistry and effects may change, says Christopher McCurdy, a medicinal chemist and behavioral pharmacologist who has done extensive kratom research at the University of...