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Aromatherapy has been used for centuries as a holistic healing and wellness tool. Once exclusive to eastern medicine, over the last few decades, aromatherapy has gained significant acceptance in western medicine, driven largely by new research and clinical studies.
But can kratom be used in aromatherapy? In this guide we explore kratom and aromatherapy, answering that question and more.
If you’ve been curious about how you can use kratom for aromatherapy, you’ve come to the right place.
Kratom is a traditional medicinal herb, used in Eastern medicine for holistic wellness throughout Asian cultures. For centuries, this herb was a mainstay among these cultures, used for its purported energizing, sedating, mood-enhancing, euphoric, pain-relieving, and other effects.
Kratom is from the dried and processed leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree, an evergreen that is part of the Rubiaceae family of plants (same as coffee). Kratom is usually found in powder form, although the industry now offers several modes of consumption, from capsules to extracts and even beauty products.
Despite its use for centuries among Asianic cultures, and its growing popularity in the west, with more than 14.5 million US consumers, the FDA has taken an alternative stance. For this reason, all kratom is sold for research purposes only and we encourage you to do your own research on the product, its purported myriad of benefits, and to always speak with your primary care physician before starting any new herbal routine. Be sure to also take a look at our latest article on White Borneo vs White Maeng Da.
Used for nearly 6000 years, aromatherapy refers to a range of complementary or alternative therapies that use aromatic plant compounds and/or essential oils.
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), aromatherapy applications include inhalation, topical applications, and massage with oils.
Yes! Kratom can be used in a variety of aromatherapy applications that work through smell/inhalation, or through the skin as a topical application. Below we’ll explore a few of the ways kratom can be used for aromatherapy.
When molecules from the plant or botanical become airborne, these molecules are inhaled through the nose and/or mouth. The initial effect takes place on the olfactory system, the system of the body responsible for the smell. This system has been proven capable of eliciting a wide range of physiological and psychostimulatory effects depending on the botanical used.
Once inhaled, these aromatic molecules travel to the lungs, where they are absorbed into the bloodstream and pumped by your heart throughout your circulatory system to tissues all around your body. In this way, aromatherapy is thought to have a holistic full-body effect.
When aromatherapy involves bath, skin and massage oils, these molecules are not breathed in, but rather absorbed through the skin, often having a more localized effect.
CAUTION: While kratom infused bath and beauty products, along with massage oils are made for direct use on the skin, essential oils are NOT. Never apply an essential oil (kratom or otherwise) directly to the skin. Essential oils must ALWAYS be diluted in concentration, usually with a carrier oil. Common carrier oils you can buy at any grocery store include olive oil and almond oil.
Inhalation (NOT smoking)
It is important to note that kratom aromatherapy is very different than smoking kratom (which can have serious negative side effects). By contrast, inhalation in the context of aromatherapy involves the evaporation of the plant’s active compounds. Once evaporated, these now aromatic compounds can then be breathed in.
Diffuser: You may be most well-acquainted with aromatherapy in the form of a diffuser. Commonly sold in home goods stores, these diffusers usually use a botanical extract or oil that is ‘diffused into the air. While some people use these purely for ‘aroma’ and air freshening, they are also used for aromatherapy purposes. Not all diffusers will be able to use your kratom preparation, so always refer to the manufacturer’s guide on what can and cannot be used in the diffuser.
Spray: Botanical sprays are another way to infuse the air with active botanical compounds that are then dispersed throughout the area and naturally breathed in.
Oil Droplets: Due to the aromatic nature of some plant extracts, simply using oil droplets on one’s skin or surrounding areas may be enough to provide some degree of aromatherapy.
Kratom Soaps and Bath Bombs: Some kratom products in the beauty and bath category are ideal for bath time, with soaps and bath bombs infused with kratom a potential opportunity to take advantage of this modality.
Kratom Candles: Kratom candles can be purchased or made at home, and offer an effective way to try out kratom aromatherapy.
Kratom Incense: Kratom powder can also be used as a substrate for incense burners, much in the same way you burn other types of incense as a powder.
WORD OF CAUTION: Because aromatherapy can diffuse in the area around you, it is important to make sure that the area is free from pets, children and any other person who has not consented to using kratom.
Absolutely. There are a multitude of ways you can enjoy, experiment and partake in kratom. From bath bombs and essential oils to oil diffusers and everything in-between.
Shop our selection of pure, potent, and third-party tested kratom today and explore this herb’s potential for yourself.