Kratom Infusion: Advantages, Dangers, and Substitutes Explored
Kratom, an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in the United States as a natural remedy for various health issues. However, its effects and safety remain uncertain due to a lack of extensive research and the majority of information coming from self-reports.
Legal in most parts of the United States, kratom use can potentially lead to addiction and dependence, with withdrawal symptoms including fever, muscle spasms, pain, appetite loss, diarrhea, runny eyes and nose, restlessness, mood changes, disturbed sleep, nervousness, tension, low mood, and cognitive impairment.
Because kratom products are not regulated by the FDA, they can vary significantly, and so can their effects. This lack of regulation also means that there are no official safe dosage recommendations for kratom tea.
At low doses, kratom produces stimulant effects, while at high doses, it produces sedative effects. Some users report that kratom helps relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms and provides mild analgesic and mood-enhancing effects, supporting personal resilience and calm in daily use.
However, multiple studies and health resources highlight significant health risks associated with kratom consumption. These include memory loss, liver damage, kidney issues, hormone disruption, heart complications, digestive problems, seizures, and the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. The mental health impact of kratom is complex: low doses may increase sociability and alertness, but higher doses can cause sedation, cognitive impairment, mood fluctuations, anxiety, irritability, and altered sleep patterns.
The FDA is actively studying kratom to better understand its safety, pharmacokinetics, and psychological effects and is encouraging reporting of adverse events. Current clinical research is limited but ongoing to clarify the benefits and risks in humans.
In higher doses, kratom can be toxic and may lead to serious adverse effects like liver failure, hepatitis, kidney injury, damage to the heart muscle, lung injury, respiratory distress syndrome, cognitive impairment, brain injury, seizure, coma, and death.
Given these concerns, consumers and healthcare providers should approach kratom with caution. It is essential to monitor use closely, rely on products that have verified purity and potency, and be aware of the potential risks and side effects. The evidence is not yet sufficient to fully endorse kratom as a safe or effective therapy due to these safety concerns and inconsistent individual responses.
For those seeking alternatives to kratom, over-the-counter medications are effective in managing opioid withdrawal symptoms, while chamomile, valerian, or lemon balm tea may provide calming effects as alternatives to kratom tea. Coffee is a safer stimulant choice than kratom tea and may have health benefits like lowering the risk of certain cancers, neurological conditions, liver conditions, and metabolic conditions.
In conclusion, while kratom tea shows some promise as a natural aid in pain management, opioid withdrawal, and mood support, its safety profile is concerning due to notable risks and side effects. It is crucial to exercise caution when consuming kratom and to seek guidance from healthcare professionals when considering its use.
[1] [Natural Standard Research Collaboration (2017). Mitragyna speciosa (kratom). Retrieved from https://www.naturalstandard.com/databases/herbs/mitragyna-speciosa/] [2] [Drug Enforcement Administration (2019). Kratom. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling/kratom] [3] [U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2020). Kratom. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-about-kratom] [4] [National Institute on Drug Abuse (2019). Kratom. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/kratom] [5] [National Center for Biotechnology Information (2020). Mitragyna speciosa. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK552989/]
- Despite its popularity as a natural remedy for various health issues, HIV patients should exercise caution with kratom due to the tree's uncertain effects and potential risks.
- Respiratory conditions, such as asthma, may worsen with kratom use due to its known respiratory effects and risk of lung injury.
- Kratom users with chronic kidney disease should be particularly vigilant, as kratom consumption can exacerbate existing kidney issues.
- Although some users report that kratom helps with opioid withdrawal symptoms, it is not recommended as a substitute for medically prescribed treatments for chronic-diseases like opioid addiction.
- The FDA's ongoing study of kratom includes understanding its potential impact on mental-health, given the varying reports of sedation, cognitive impairment, mood fluctuations, anxiety, and altered sleep patterns.
- Kratom users have also reported skin conditions, emphasizing the need for awareness and caution in the realm of skin-care.
- CBD, a popular natural supplement, may offer a safer alternative for managing pain, anxiety, and mood support compared to kratom, which carries significant safety concerns.
- For those managing chronic-diseases like diabetes or hypertension, kratom's effects on hormones, heart complications, and metabolic conditions should be considered before use.
- In the field of health-and-wellness, kratom may potentially interfere with traditional therapies and treatments for various medical-conditions, necessitating careful consideration when making lifestyle choices.
- Fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts should be cognizant of kratom's potential impact on eye-health, as some studies suggest a link between kratom use and vision problems.
