Interest in both CBD and kratom has been growing in recent years as more Western consumers switch to organic remedies to manage chronic conditions and support overall wellness. This has led to some confusion surrounding the two substances, though. While there are similarities between them, they are not the same plant, producing noticeably different effects.
Both CBD and kratom from Kratom Krush can give you an energy boost, but they do so in very different ways. The best kratom for energy will act as a natural stimulant, while CBD will only help address underlying problems that might drain your energy throughout the day.
Need more energy and focus on getting through your days and sick of pounding chemical-laden energy drinks? Read on to find out everything you need to know about kratom vs CBD for energy.
How Kratom Works
Kratom is made from the leaves of a Southeast Asian plant scientifically known as mitragyna speciosa. This tree is related to the coffee family, and its powdered leaves produce stimulant effects when you consume them in low doses. At high doses, they make relaxing sedative effects. Kratom is also known for inducing a pleasant feeling of euphoria, regardless of how much you take.
Pharmacology of Kratom
Kratom produces these effects thanks to its unique alkaloid profile. Scientists have already extracted and identified at least 25 different alkaloids from the leaves of this plant. These biologically active compounds, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with both opioid receptors and other key neurotransmitters to affect dopamine and serotonin production and GABA activity.
This fascinating pharmacological profile helps to explain why kratom has different effects when taken in different doses. While dopamine is known for increasing energy, serotonin is partially responsible for inducing feelings of sleepiness and relaxation. Interestingly enough, researchers believe that the combination of endorphin and serotonin activity increases your power when you take kratom in low doses.
Other Mechanisms for Boosting Energy
Kratom doesn’t just induce an energy boost by acting on the brain’s opioid receptors. Researchers have already identified at least a few other ways that it helps to increase your energy and focus, including:
- Kratom increases acetylcholine production. This neurotransmitter controls activities like attention, learning, and memory.
- Kratom stimulates blood flow, delivering more oxygen to your muscles to improve endurance and stamina.
- Kratom assists in the production of noradrenaline and adrenaline. Both of these hormones are known to offer a serious energy boost.
- Kratom relieves anxiety by releasing serotonin in the brain. This helps to resolve fight-or-flight responses, which can cause your body to waste energy, preparing for imaginary dangers.
- Kratom stimulates the release of endorphins that numb your pain receptors. If you suffer from a chronic pain condition, this analgesic effect can help you stay more focused and energized.
How CBD Works
CBD works on entirely different areas of the brain and body. It acts indirectly on the endocannabinoid system by increasing the amount of anandamide in consumers’ bodies. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid produced naturally by your body. Increasing it can help your endocannabinoid system work as intended to maintain a state of homeostasis.
CBD and Neurochemicals
Unlike kratom, CBD is non-psychoactive. Instead of inducing extra dopamine release, it interacts with your body’s mesolimbic dopamine pathway to restrict the release of this chemical. While serotonin does alter how your brain interacts with serotonin, it does not stimulate the hormone’s release, as kratom does. This indirect action can still benefit your mood and energy levels, though.
CBD for Managing Conditions that Cause Fatigue
Although CBD gets the most attention for its pain-relieving and anti-anxiety properties, it can indirectly boost your energy levels. If you have trouble sleeping at night, for example, taking CBD to regulate your sleep/wake cycle can help you maintain focus better during the day since you won’t suffer from the aftereffects of insomnia. CBD also helps with managing chronic pain, which can sap your energy. Plus, much like kratom, it can reduce anxiety, which can positively affect your energy levels and ability to focus.
Which Is Better?
Since CBD and kratom are such different substances, asking which one is better for increasing energy is a little like comparing apples to oranges. That being said, if you’re only considering the overall effect, kratom is the clear winner. As a natural stimulant, it helps to boost not just your energy levels but also your motivation, focus, and endurance, making it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up or replacement for a cup of strong coffee in the morning.
Can You Take Both CBD and Kratom?
Since kratom and CBD work to boost energy in different ways, many consumers find that they work best in concert with each other. Just like you can use different strains or dosage levels of kratom throughout the day to either give you an energy boost or induce relaxation, you can use CBD products designed for daytime and nighttime use in concert with your regular kratom routine.
Most people who take this approach find that using kratom in the morning is still the most effective way to kick-start their days. You can take small amounts of CBD alongside your kratom tea, but keep in mind that CBD can also make you feel sleepy if you use too much of it. Unless you’ve been using CBD for a while already, it may be better to save it for nighttime use and just stick with kratom when you need maximum focus and motivation.
Best Strains of Kratom for Boosting Energy
As a general rule, the most energizing and stimulating strains of kratom are the white strains. Some green strains can also help you get your day started, but they aren’t as strong. If you’re especially sensitive to stimulants, though, green strains may be your best bet. Try these strains to start:
- Green Maeng Da is excellent for beginners.
- White Thai is intensely stimulating and euphoric.
- White Maeng Da is excellent for veteran kratom enthusiasts since it’s powerful.
- Green Malay is less energizing than white strains but provides some extra euphoria and motivation.
- White Sumatra is unique among the white strains thanks to its simultaneous stimulating and analgesic effects.
Best Types of CBD for Boosting Energy
It’s rare to see manufacturers advertising different strains of CBD. Instead, the primary difference between CBD tinctures and oils is how they are made.
CBD isolates feature only cannabidiol, while broad-spectrum extracts feature many other cannabinoids and terpenes. Full-spectrum extracts have all the compounds found in cannabis plants, including trace amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products are usually best for those who want to regulate their sleep cycles and reduce anxiety to maximize energy during the day.
The Importance of Quality
As herbal supplements, neither kratom nor CBD is regulated by the FDA. You’ll have to do your research to find reputable manufacturers and vendors. Look for products that have been tested and check online reviews to learn about other consumers’ experiences with the company and its products to ensure a good fit. You should be able to find everything you need online.
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