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Kratom and Your Sex Life… What’s the Deal?
Sex is great. It’s fun, stress-relieving, and the ultimate expression of physical intimacy. But what if you could make it even better? In this guide, we explore how Kratom may (or may not) help take your sex life to the next level.
Our Search for the Ultimate Aphrodisiac and Sexual Enhancer: is Kratom the Answer?
What is an Aphrodisiac, and Does Kratom make the Cut?
An aphrodisiac is a substance that is believed to have the capability to increase sexual desire or libido in an individual. Aphrodisiacs can be found in various forms, from natural herbs and plants to synthetic chemicals, and have been used for centuries in folk medicine and cultures around the world.
The Origin of Aphrodisiacs
The origin of the word ‘aphrodisiac’ comes from the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. It was believed that the goddess blessed certain foods, herbs, and plants with the power to arouse intimate and passionate desire. Some of the foods commonly associated with aphrodisiacs include chocolate, oysters, honey, vanilla, ginger, and basil. These foods often play a prominent role in folklore and myths associated with seduction.
In ancient times, certain herbs and plants were also thought to act as aphrodisiacs. For example, yohimbine, derived from the Yohimbe tree, has long been consumed in West Africa for its purported libido-boosting effects. Other, more familiar plants often associated with aphrodisiacs include damiana, anise, ginseng… and perhaps Kratom.
In modern times, pharmaceutical and synthetic chemicals have become increasingly popular as aphrodisiacs and sexual performance aids. Research suggests that certain drugs, such as Viagra, may be effective in treating erectile dysfunction in men and issues with desire and other issues in women. Illicit such as MDMA are said to enhance the user’s ability to become sexually aroused and attain peak pleasure.
How Kratom May Enhance Sexual Performance in the Bedroom
Did you know that an estimated 15 million Americans take Kratom each year? Furthermore, there is information out there on Kratom’s alleged sexual advantages.
What is Kratom exactly and is it really an aphrodisiac? Kratom is a natural plant with a long history of use as a traditional medication in Southeast Asia. One of the least known uses of Kratom is as an aphrodisiac.1 Not only can it boost energy and relieve anxiety and pain, but it also may spark lust and sexual desire.
As a popular herbal remedy with a long history of use, Kratom has been widely researched to determine whether it can indeed act as an aphrodisiac. So far, there is evidence that Kratom can improve sexual response, enhance sexual pleasure, and increase sexual desire. Let’s take a look at the science behind this potentially exciting use for Kratom.
1. Kratom’s Sexually Stimulating Properties
Kratom consists of a number of compounds that may have aphrodisiac properties. These include mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, epicatechin, corynantheidine, and others. Research suggests these compounds may act on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is linked to the control of sexual behavior and arousal.2
Mitragynine, specifically, has been found to increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, both of which are involved in sexual arousal and pleasure.2,3 In animal studies, mitragynine has been shown to increase sexual performance and pleasure.4 This suggests that, in humans, Kratom could potentially have a similar effect and enhance sexual arousal and pleasure.
In addition, Kratom has been found to have anti-anxiety and stress-relieving properties. Stress can be a major libido killer and Kratom could potentially help to lower stress levels, allowing for increased sexual desire.
2. Increased Energy for Better Performance
Another possible benefit of Kratom as an aphrodisiac is its ability to increase energy levels. Sexual activity often requires considerable energy and stamina, which can be difficult to obtain when stressed from work or life. By increasing energy levels, Kratom can make sexual activity more enjoyable and allow for improved performance.
These days we’re all running on empty. If you’re feeling too exhausted at the end of the day, you’re not only gonna feel less aroused, but less likely to perform well during the act.
In low to moderate doses, Kratom acts in a stimulating way to liven you up, giving you both the physical and mental energy to tackle anything… including a romp in the bedroom.
3. Shake Off Stress and Performance Anxiety
Over 40 million individuals suffer from anxiety, and nearly 80% of all Americans feel stressed out. According to research published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, stress plays a major role in reduced sexual arousal, desire, and performance.5
Kratom has been shown to significantly reduce stress, produce a sense of calm and relaxation, and help consumers live for the moment without a care in the world. All of which could result in improved sexual performance and enjoyment.
4. Better Mood
Nobody on the planet would object to having a little additional vigor and optimism throughout the day. Kratom is known to improve mood and uplift your overall spirit.
In fact, Kratom has long been utilized by Southeast Asian locals as a euphoric energy booster to get through the monotony and physical demands of the day.
How Does Kratom Improve Mood?
Dopamine is a neurochemical that (for the most part) causes euphoria. You may remember dopamine as the “feel good” neurotransmitter from high school biology.
This moniker for dopamine refers to one of its numerous roles, which is the control of your body’s intrinsic reward system (pleasure) and mood.
Our body has a natural “reward system” that keeps us motivated, healthy, and socially engaged, among other things. Your brain’s neurochemistry is fundamentally designed to keep you engaging in activities and behaviors that lead to enjoyable experiences.6
Even though the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa contain dozens of complimentary alkaloids, just TWO are believed to be the main mechanisms behind Kratom’s capacity to induce euphoria and improve mood:
- Mitragynine: Usually found in quantities between 0.5% and 1.0%, with a half-life of 2.85 to 4.85 hours.
- 7-hydroxymitragynine: With a half-life of 1.8 to 3.2 hours, 7-hydroxymitragynine typically accounts for around 2% of the total alkaloid content.
What Does the Research Say About Kratom and Sex?
The Study of Kratom and Sexuality
92 Malaysian men who took Kratom daily were the subject of a research titled Improved Sexual Functioning in Long-Term Daily Users of Mitragyna speciosa. They ingested 1200 mL of kratom on average each day.1
The study’s findings were astonishing:
1. 75 individuals (82%) claimed to have higher libido.
2. Seventy-one (71%) individuals had delayed ejaculation.
3. Seventy-one (70) respondents (76%) said they had no difficulties keeping an erection.
4. 51 persons (or 55%) reported having a lengthier climax.
5. 44 individuals (48%) claimed to have increased sexual desire.
Overall, 85% of the Malaysian men who participated in the research indicated that Kratom increased their level of sex life satisfaction.
Final Thoughts About Kratom in the Bedroom
Kratom has become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional supplements for both recreational and homeopathic purposes. Its also gained popularity in part due to its reported effects on sexual pleasure.
Among the desired effects driving its popularity is the potentially positive effects on libido, or sexual desire, with some people reporting feeling an increase in their sexual desire after using the plant. It has also been associated with improved sexual performance and pleasure, with anecdotal reports suggesting it can enhance pleasure both while engaging in sexual activities and while having an orgasm.
However, the effects of Kratom in regard to sex can be quite variable since different users respond to the plant differently. This is due to the individual differences in chemistry and psychology (such as body weight and metabolism) meaning some people may not experience the same effects that other users describe.
And while the potential aphrodisiac effects of Kratom are promising, it is important to remember that Kratom is not an FDA-approved drug and should only be used with proper medical supervision. Kratom is not without its risks and should be used carefully.
Kratom can be taken in a number of ways, including as a brewed tea, a capsule, or even a smokable powder. The dose and potency of Kratom can vary greatly, so it is important to speak to a doctor before using it. It is also important to avoid mixing Kratom with other drugs or alcohol, as this could be potentially dangerous.
References
1. Singh D, Grundmann O, Murugaiyah V, Rahim ABM, Chawarski M, Balasingam V. Improved sexual functioning of long-term daily users of Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.). Journal of Herbal Medicine. 2020;19.
2. Pfaus JG. Pathways of sexual desire. J Sex Med. 2009;6(6):1506-1533.
3. Croft HA. Understanding the Role of Serotonin in Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Treatment Options. J Sex Med. 2017;14(12):1575-1584.
4. Behnood-Rod A, Chellian R, Wilson R, et al. Evaluation of the rewarding effects of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in an intracranial self-stimulation procedure in male and female rats. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2020;215:108235.
5. Raisanen JC, Chadwick SB, Michalak N, van Anders SM. Average Associations Between Sexual Desire, Testosterone, and Stress in Women and Men Over Time. Arch Sex Behav. 2018;47(6):1613-1631.
6. Bressan RA, Crippa JA. The role of dopamine in reward and pleasure behaviour–review of data from preclinical research. Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl. 2005(427):14-21.
