Pain is no one’s cup of tea. Whether you suffer migraines, chronic pain or any kind of pain, you’d do anything to keep the pain at bay. Opioid medications have been known to treat pain but these come with myriad unpleasant side effects. This is why people are shifting their focus to natural pain relievers. The most common ones that have created a buzz in recent times are CBD and Kratom. Both have burst into the health and wellness scene with a lot of gusto. People that use these herbs claim that they are effective at pain relief among other things. But is one superior to the other with regards to relieving pain? If yes, which one is it?
Here, we set the record straight.
Types of Pain
In order to answer the question comprehensively, we need to discuss the different types of pain. This will help know why one herb is better for a certain condition. Essentially, there are two main types of pain as interpreted by the human body.
- Neuropathic pain: This refers to pain associated with damage in the nervous system. This can be a result of disease or injury which causes the neurons to deteriorate or dysfunction. Even without physical damage or injury, the body sends pain signals to the brain. This specific type of pain arises from chronic disorders such as neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis.
- Nociceptive: This is the kind of pain that stems from physical damage to the tissues of the body. This is the kind of pain you know and understand – injury, burns, tumors, arthritis, sprains, etc.
CBD versus Kratom
Kratom originated from Southeast Asia. The two plants are actually grown miles away from each other. Although CBD seems to have taken the world by storm, both kratom and CBD have been around for the same period of time. As a matter of fact, the Asian people utilize both interchangeably for varied reasons.
Both have different molecular compounds hence they treat pain differently. Some people swear by kratom for nociceptive pain while others say CBD is much better. Kratom heals the body by interacting with its natural opioid receptors. Certain strains of kratom contain a high amount of alkaloids that find their way to the body on consumption. The only disadvantage of kratom is that it can become very addictive. This is not a good thing because it brings with it signs of withdrawal if you stop consuming high dosages of it. The reason for this is the interaction of the natural herb to the opioid receptors present in your body.
However, compared to other opioid s such as morphine kratom is a safer alternative. Its side effects (sweating, loss of appetite, constipation, nausea) aren’t life-threatening. In fact, many people have resumed normalcy even after suffering extreme withdrawal symptoms from using kratom. Kratom is a better treatment option for nociceptive pain. If you suffer pain as a result of a sports accident or bone fracture, kratom can help you treat or manage it.
CBD, on the other hand, is an excellent reliever for neuropathic pain. It works great for conditions like fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis as well as arthritis and epilepsy. Unlike kratom, CBD poses very little risk of adverse effects. Some studies actually claim that CBD side effects are simply a continuation of its positive effects on the body. Even if you consume huge amounts of CBD in one sitting, you wouldn’t suffer anything fatal. The most severe side effects perhaps would be mild diarrhea on the first days.
Safety Profile
- CBD Safety: CBD is widely considered safe, with a high tolerance level in humans. Common side effects are mild, like fatigue and changes in appetite. However, it can interact with certain medications, so consultation with a healthcare provider is advised.
- Kratom Safety: Kratom’s safety profile is less favorable. Long-term use can lead to dependency and addiction. Side effects can include nausea, blurred vision, and elevated heart rate, especially at high doses.
Usage for Sleep, Anxiety, and Focus
- Sleep: CBD is a more reliable sleep aid, addressing various triggers like chronic pain and anxiety. Kratom can aid sleep but risks include overstimulation and dependency.
- Anxiety: CBD is more effective for anxiety, working on multiple pathways including serotonin and dopamine. Kratom’s anti-anxiety effects are mild and more prominent at higher doses.
- Focus and Concentration: Kratom is a better stimulant, enhancing focus and alertness, especially at low doses. CBD can support focus indirectly by reducing stress.
Key Takeaways
Clearly, CBD is the preferred option when it comes to a pain reliever with limited side effects. However, kratom is much more effective than CBD but it can be dangerous if consumed in high dosages and on a regular basis. When taken in moderation, kratom side effects are mild compared to opioid drugs like morphine.
To be safe, stay within 2–6 grams of kratom capsules every two or three days. If you consume more than this, your body will likely build a tolerance to alkaloids. This will make you crave more for it, which will result in overdependence. The chances of CBD increasing tolerance upon daily consumption are very low.
Lastly, it is critical to understand that there is still no adequate clinic data to support the effectiveness of these two medications, particularly when it comes to their potential to relieve chronic pain. Accordingly, it is always advisable to do meticulous research on your condition before opting for Kratom or CBD. It is also important to understand that everyone’s chemical makeup varies, so the way you interact with one compound may be different from another user. In other words, while you may find the effects of Kratom to be miraculous for your pain, another user may find CBD to work better.
