Jade Small
Jade Small
January 14, 2025 ·  7 min read

Kratom: What You Need to Know About This Popular Herbal Supplement

Kratom, a herbal supplement derived from a Southeast Asian tree, has gained popularity for its supposed benefits in pain relief, mood enhancement, and energy boosting. However, as its use becomes more widespread, concerns about its safety and potential side effects have emerged. Advocates often promote it as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, but experts warn that it is far from risk-free. The unregulated nature of the supplement market adds another layer of complexity, making it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they’re getting. Moreover, while kratom’s traditional use spans centuries, modern applications often stray from these roots, contributing to misuse. Understanding its benefits, risks, and regulatory challenges is crucial before incorporating kratom into your health regimen.

Understanding Kratom and Its Origins

Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa branch green leaves on natural background.
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Kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, a tropical evergreen native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally, locals chewed the leaves or brewed them into teas for their stimulating and pain-relieving effects. This ancient practice highlights its deep cultural and medicinal significance in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Today, kratom is sold globally in various forms, such as powders, capsules, and liquid extracts, making it more accessible than ever. Unfortunately, its rapid commercialization has led to a flood of products with varying quality and potency. Without regulation, consumers may unknowingly purchase contaminated or adulterated kratom. Despite its long history, the lack of standardization in modern markets raises questions about its safety and efficacy.

How Kratom Affects the Body

Kratom Mitragyna speciosa powder, capsule and drink stock images. Green kratom powder, capsule and beverage still life stock photo. Kratom herbal medicine stock images
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Kratom’s effects vary depending on the dose. At lower doses, it acts as a stimulant, promoting energy and alertness. Higher doses, however, mimic opioids by providing pain relief and sedation, making it appealing to a diverse group of users. The dual-action properties stem from its active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain. These interactions are not fully understood, leaving researchers with unanswered questions about kratom’s long-term impact on the body. Some users report enhanced focus and productivity, while others rely on it for managing chronic pain. However, its ability to mimic opioids raises concerns about dependency and addiction.

Why People Use Kratom

Many users turn to kratom as a natural alternative to prescription medications. It’s often marketed for relieving chronic pain, improving mood, enhancing focus, and even alleviating symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Additionally, its energizing properties make it appealing to those seeking a boost in stamina or productivity. Some use it recreationally, drawn to its reported euphoric effects and mild high. Despite these perceived benefits, there’s little scientific evidence to support many of these claims. The allure of a “natural” remedy often overshadows the potential risks associated with unregulated substances like kratom. As its popularity grows, so does the need for clearer information and consumer education.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Kratom

Mitragyna speciosa Leaves / Kratom Leaves / Ketum Leaves with stethoscope. Healthcare
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Kratom’s unregulated nature poses significant risks. Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness, which can range from mild to severe. In higher doses, users may experience more alarming reactions such as liver damage, seizures, hallucinations, and respiratory depression. The risk of contamination with harmful substances, including heavy metals and bacteria, further complicates its safety profile. Long-term use has also been linked to dependency, withdrawal symptoms, and even overdose in extreme cases. Without standardized dosages, it’s difficult for consumers to gauge the proper amount to take, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects. Experts emphasize the importance of caution when using kratom, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

The Link Between Kratom and Addiction

Close-up of a man holding and biting a green kratom leaf, with the leaf in his mouth. The image represents the concept of kratom consumption and its potential effects on health and wellness
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While some people use kratom to manage opioid withdrawal, the supplement itself carries a risk of dependency. At high doses, its effects closely resemble those of opioids, which increases its addictive potential. Users who rely on kratom for extended periods often report withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, and muscle pain. The cycle of dependency can make it challenging to quit, even for those who initially used it as a temporary solution. The overlap between kratom’s stimulant and opioid-like effects makes it particularly tricky to regulate and monitor. Experts caution that without medical supervision, individuals using kratom risk replacing one addiction with another.

Legal Status of Kratom in the United States

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Kratom’s legal status varies across the U.S. It is banned in states like Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin due to safety concerns. Other states have implemented age restrictions to limit access, such as Florida, where individuals under 21 are prohibited from purchasing it. The ongoing debate over its legality reflects a broader struggle to balance potential benefits against documented risks. Advocates argue for regulation rather than outright bans, suggesting that controlled access could improve safety standards. Critics, however, point to the lack of scientific research and the risks of widespread misuse. As the conversation continues, more states may adopt restrictions to protect vulnerable populations.

Safety Concerns With Kratom Products

Supplement kratom green capsules and powder on brown plate. Herbal product alt-medicine kratom is opioid. Home alternative pain remedy, opioid addiction, dangerous painkiller. Selective focus
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One of the significant issues with kratom is the lack of quality control. Because it’s not FDA-regulated, products may contain contaminants like heavy metals or bacteria, posing additional health risks. Additionally, users have no guarantee of consistent potency, making it challenging to predict how their bodies will react. The absence of labeling requirements further complicates matters, leaving consumers in the dark about what they’re ingesting. Reports of counterfeit or adulterated products have also emerged, adding another layer of risk. Experts recommend consulting a healthcare provider before using kratom, especially for those with underlying health conditions or taking other medications.

The Debate Over Kratom’s Medicinal Potential

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Advocates argue that kratom could serve as a natural remedy for chronic pain and a safer alternative to opioids. They highlight anecdotal evidence of its benefits, particularly in regions where traditional medicine plays a significant role. However, medical research remains limited, and its risks often outweigh its unproven benefits. Critics point to the lack of clinical trials and the high potential for abuse as reasons for caution. Until more is known, healthcare professionals caution against using kratom without proper supervision. The need for thorough scientific investigation is clear as more consumers turn to this controversial supplement.

How to Approach Kratom Responsibly

capsule of kratom leaf (Mitragyna speciosa) Mitragynine on wooden with powder . Drugs and Narcotics, kratom leave, kratom used in tradisional medicine , top view, oil extracts in jars
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For those considering kratom, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. Start with minimal doses, monitor for side effects, and avoid mixing it with other substances. Always purchase from reputable vendors to minimize the risk of contamination or adulteration. Above all, consult a medical professional to ensure it won’t interfere with existing medications or conditions. Responsible use also involves educating oneself about potential risks and staying informed about legal developments. Taking these steps can help mitigate the dangers associated with unregulated supplements like kratom.

The Growing Popularity of Kratom Among Younger Populations

North Bend, Oregon United States - 03-01-2022: A view of a retail store a-frame sign advertising the sale of kratom.
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Kratom’s accessibility has made it particularly appealing to younger demographics, including teens and college students. Available in gas stations, smoke shops, and online stores, the supplement is often marketed as a legal and natural way to enhance focus, manage stress, or boost energy levels. Social media and online forums further contribute to its popularity, with users sharing anecdotal success stories and tips for use. However, this widespread availability and casual promotion mask the potential dangers of improper use. Younger individuals, often unaware of the risks, may experiment with higher doses or combine kratom with other substances, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions. Public health officials and educators stress the importance of raising awareness about kratom’s effects, especially among impressionable and vulnerable age groups.

Ongoing Research and Future Perspectives on Kratom

hand catching Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Mitragynine. Drugs and Narcotics.Kratom is Thai herbal which encourage health.
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Despite the controversies surrounding kratom, researchers are actively studying its active compounds to better understand its effects and potential medicinal uses. Some preliminary studies suggest that mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine may have therapeutic applications, particularly in pain management and opioid addiction treatment. However, these studies are in their infancy, and more extensive clinical trials are needed to verify safety and efficacy. Policymakers and healthcare professionals are calling for stricter regulations to ensure quality control and prevent misuse. The ongoing research underscores the complex nature of kratom—while it may hold promise for certain medical applications, its risks cannot be ignored. Future developments will likely shape how kratom is perceived and regulated in the years to come.

The Bottom Line on Kratom

Mitragyna Speciosa Korth or kratom capsules in bottle wtih green leaf isolated on white background.
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Kratom is a complex and controversial supplement with both potential benefits and significant risks. While it may offer relief for some, its unregulated nature and the lack of scientific backing make it a risky choice. Until further research provides clearer guidance, it’s best to approach kratom with skepticism and prioritize safer, well-studied alternatives. Consumers should remain vigilant, understanding that “natural” does not always mean safe or effective. Educating oneself about the potential risks and consulting a healthcare professional before use is essential for minimizing harm. As the debate around kratom continues, responsible decision-making and increased awareness will be crucial to navigating its risks and rewards.