Despite Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) being legal in many US states, there are still many people who feel skeptical about its legal status. This is one of the reasons why many are looking for a safe and effective natural Kratom alternative.
The good news is that people discovered Mitragyna javanica as a viable alternative, though not as potent as Kratom. If you are searching for an alternative to Kratom, read on and learn about Mitragyna javanica, its effects, uses and similarities with Kratom.
Mitragyna Javanica as Kratom Alternative
The genus Mitragyna is a well-known family of herbal trees in many regions of Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Rubiceae family and contains many pain-reducing qualities. Plants that belongs to the Mitragyna genus tree are often used as natural remedy for malaria and pain.
There are many variants of Mitragyna genera. Popular varieties include Mitragyna speciosa, Mitragyna, parvifolia, M. tubulosa, M. hirsuta and M. javanica. These plants are native in the regions of Southeast Asia such as China, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia. The plant is vastly used for its massive medicinal properties. It grows in hot, tropical places, hence it is considered a deciduous tree.
Mitragyna javanica is quite rare and a relatively unknown plant, compared to Mitragyna speciosa. In Thailand, the powdered extract of M. javanica is used as a substitute since Kratom has been banned in this region. It is found in nearly all parts of Thailand where it is called ‘Krathumna’ and has been used in folklore medicine for a wide range of diseases such as malaria, fever, diarrhea, muscular pain and cough.
Due to its close relation to M. speciosa, M. javanica looks similar to Kratom. Both have tall and strong trunk with broad leaves. But the alkaloid content of the leaves is very different from one another.
In terms of uses, M. javanica isn’t as strong and powerful as Kratom. However, it is still rated as one of the best Kratom alternatives.
Alkaloid Profile of Mitragyna Javanica
In Kratom, the most active alkaloid is the Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine, which are opioid receptor agonists and are responsible for relieving pain and enhancing the mood. These alkaloids aren’t present in Mitragyna javanica but rather Mitrajavine.
Mitrajavine also act on the human opioid receptors. Non-active components prominent in M. javanica include 3-isoajmalicin and ajmalicin, which are present in Kratom. Ajmalicine is believed to have stress-relieving and relaxing properties, making it ideal to use for people suffering from opiate withdrawal.
Overall, Kratom contains over 40 alkaloids. It is still unclear if Javanica holds as many active components as Kratom since only few have studied the exact chemistry of Javanica. Hence, there’s little known regarding its content. In general, more studies have to be done for Mitrajavine and until now, its complete mechanism still remains a mystery.
Effects of Mitragyna Javanica
Though they belong to the same plant family, Kratom and Mitragyna javanica are completely different in terms of effect or health benefits.
Mitragyna javanica is ideal for those who want a mild substitute of Kratom. One major reason to buy it is that it’s legal everywhere, so you won’t have to worry facing any charges while buying it.
However, Mitragyna javanica isn’t a completely legal substitute for Kratom. It is not as potent as Kratom when it comes to reducing stress or fighting depression. Kratom can also lower high blood pressure, but this effect isn’t present in Javanica.
Javanica still offers an opioid-like effect, depending on the dose. You’ll either feel sedated or stimulated, but generally, most users describe the effect as less stimulating and sedative than Kratom. This is often accompanied by a good mood and mild euphoria. All Mitragyna species have anti-depressant qualities, so they reduce stress and anxiety.
Experiences with Mitragyna Javanica
Mitragyna Javanica is grown increasingly popular as a Kratom alternative. However, there are mixed reviews all over the Internet. One user reported that he found it as good as Kratom while another user said that it is ineffective and far from Kratom.
Some users like the mild taste of Javanica compared to the strong bitter taste of Kratom. Unlike Kratom powder that is smooth and won’t form clumps, Javanica is said to clump together. The user reported that after 3 hours of taking Javanica, she didn’t feel any headache or nausea which is somehow a good thing.
One user recommend Mitragyna Javanica to those who never tried Kratom before since they won’t be able to compare the two.
Risks and Side Effects of Mitragyna Javanica
Like Kratom, there’s also a risk of physical dependence after taking it daily for months. If a Mitragyna species is discontinued, symptoms such as mood changes, hot flashes and chills may occur. However, the dependence and side effect potential of this plant is not as high as in the case of poppy seeds or pharmaceutical opioids. The most frequent acute side effect is nausea.
Mitragyna Javanica Dosage
Dosing of Javanica varies depending on the form. Many users reported using 1 to 2 grams of Javanica extract capsules for beginners but since it provides only mild effects, it is advised to start out with up to 4 grams if you want to achieve that ‘Kratom-like’ feeling, which is stimulating and sedative.
When preparing a tea, steep 10 to 20 grams of dried plant material in hot water. Let it steep for 30 minutes and strain the remaining. Unlike Kratom, it is less bitter and unpleasant so you’ll be able to enjoy M. Javanica tea without adding too much sweetener. To improve its solubility, you can add lemon juice.
Do your experiment with M. Javanica dosage using the dried powder. The effect is comparable to Kratom but less potent and weaker at comparable doses. You may gradually increase it until you achieve your sweet spot.
Tips When Using Mitragyna Javanica
You can pulverize the dried plant material to make it more effective. Use an electric kitchen mill or a food processor to achieve such powdery texture. The powder is then filled inside empty capsules of size 00. Some users simply take it using the toss and wash method.
If you have the leaf extract, simply fill it in capsules or use it in your drinks.
Final Thoughts
Mitragyna Javanica is simply an alternative but not a replacement for Kratom for many reasons. It is good for people who want a mild alternative for it. Javanica is legal and readily available while Kratom is banned in some states. Try it so you can discover its worth.
