Micro-dosing, When Less is More

If you google micro-dosing you will find that there is a certain stigma attached and is often associated with nootropic proponents in a negative perception but due to recent studies and human trials that stigma is being broken down and we will highlight some of the pros and cons of micro-dosing.

So you might wonder what does this have to do with Kratom. Before we begin I want to make clear that I am not trying to promote micro-dosing, I am sharing with you my experiences and reasoning why I choose to micro-dose as well as help others who have heard of the term find a better understanding of what micro-dosing is. But before I get into my personal experience I will give you a little background on what micro-dosing is.

What is Micro-Dosing

Micro-dosing is the practice of taking 1/10 to 1/20th of a standard supplement “dose” in order to get a reduced, subtle, and more manageable effect. By micro-dosing, your body can get used to a particular substance over time.

This approach is especially popular with natural nootropics allowing the user to better regulate the cognitive benefits they’re seeking. Nootropic supplements are generally chosen to create a certain response in the brain or nervous system that can be maintained throughout the course of a normal day. A greater-than-desired effect can be just as negative as an insufficient one, so increased control of the experience is always preferable. Micro-dosing allows a sense of ease to both new and experienced users with alternative ethnobotanicals.

Traditionally where Kratom is grown the indigenous laborers in these areas would use small amounts to provide stimulation, improve focus and pain management. They typically would obtain these benefits by chewing on the raw leaves throughout their work day. These farmers also have the expertise and access to picking the desired vein-color and knowing the ratio of active ingredients.

By the time Kratom reaches the states it is generally in powder form and is sold as a powder, all-natural extract or formulated into liquid. Should you choose to micro-dose it’s advisable that measuring your doses on a more precise level and having a gram scale is the best means of controlling your doses.

But how do kratom and micro-dosing go together?

Over that past couple of years I have been struggling with Fibromyalgia. I have chronic pain on a daily basis and I have tried several different anti-inflammatories and some natural remedies all of which helped for a short period or didn’t relieve my pain at all.

When I first started taking kratom there was a lot of trial and error with dosage and various strains. Some of my side-effects when I took more than I should had would leave me nauseous and a wicked migraine. I started out taking Kratom when I woke up in the morning but unfortunately my pain was not on a timer. When I started adding another equal dose to my pain management I found that it started to put me in a more sedative state.

Then I found my ‘sweet spot’, a dosage and regimen that worked best for me without side-effects of a migraine or nausea. In the morning I take a full dose of Kratom and throughout the day I take a smaller portion spread out between 4-6 hours apart depending on the level of my pain. By doing this I am able to get my day going and function with very little pain and maintain my energy throughout.

As I’ve said in previous articles, finding that ‘sweet spot’ is the key to enjoying the benefits of Kratom. Before something as simple as opening a jar would have been a challenge and knowing that I can manage my pain in a natural effective way has truly changed my life.