One of the worst battles to fight is anxiety. Being anxious can often keep you homebound, almost too nervous to live your life to the fullest. For some, it brings intrusive thoughts and general feelings of doom. Others may feel like they’re having a heart attack every time a panic attack hits. So, you’d assume that those who suffer would want to jump on a solution that helps calm things down.
But, the answer might not be kratom tea. You’ve probably heard a bit about kratom recently, but it turns out that the popular supplement may be doing more harm than good.
So, what is kratom? It’s a type of evergreen tree in Southeast Asia. Its leaves are often used to make a tea that helps treat pain and lessen fatigue. It’s also popular for helping those with opioid issues to manage withdrawal a little more comfortably.
But, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s safe. According to Health, kratom has been credited in at least 91 deaths in the United States within the time span of 18 months. It’s possible to overdose on kratom, and many are unaware that it hasn’t been scientifically studied or proven to help anything. It’s so bad that the FDA is trying to put a stop to sales.
But, it might be a little late. People are already buzzing about kratom, assuming it’s more or less a miracle product.
“To date, there have been no adequate and well-controlled scientific studies involving the use of kratom as a treatment for opioid use withdrawal or other diseases in humans,” the FDA said in a statement published in 2018. They noted that kratom use was on the rise, which was a big concern.
“While it is important to generate more evidence, there is evidence that certain substances found in kratom are opioids and data suggest that one or more may have a potential for abuse,” the statement also said. More or less, even though kratom might have positive benefits for some people, it’s still viewed as a drug.
In 7 deaths, kratom was the only substance found, though the C.D.C. said that it could not rule out the presence of other substances in those cases. Additionally, kratom is vaguely defined by C.D.C. & does not necessarily mean whole plant botanical kratom.https://t.co/LIgLQNDDr8 pic.twitter.com/6IZG8oybIu
— Edelic Center for Ethnobotanical Services (@EC4ES) April 22, 2019
But still, there are plenty of people out there who think that there’s a lot of misinformation being passed around about kratom. Some people, especially who have bad anxiety, are crediting kratom for saving their life.
Here we go with the kratom misinformation. For heaven's sake... educate these officers. Kratom is saving lives dammit.
— Sit on it Potsie! (@Pussycat421) April 21, 2019
The FDA doesn't want you cutting into their methadone and suboxone maker's kickbacks. #livepd pic.twitter.com/CuEiKEepQa
Other people state that in comparison to drugs like alcohol, kratom is a lot safer.
And honestly, that’s quite true, especially if you also factor in the number of accidental deaths alcohol is responsible for.
They r trying to take everything from us folks! Even kratom. What about alcohol and cigs? People get addicted to those, but those are ok
— Lyn chronic pain (@pain_lyn) April 13, 2019
Both sides have their point. There are plenty of benefits if you use kratom in a healthy and non-excessive way. But if you don’t, and end up sipping on too much kratom tea during the day based on heightened anxiety, it may lead to bad health consequences.
The FDA noted that they’re not the only ones who are worried.
“We’re not alone in our concern about the opioids found in kratom,” their statement said. “It’s already illegal or controlled in several other countries including Australia, Denmark, Germany, Malaysia, and Thailand. The substance is also banned in a number of states and municipalities in the U.S.”
Since we’re in the middle of an opioid crisis, it makes sense for the FDA to be concerned about kratom.
“It has to be noted that the concentration of kratom’s psychoactive compounds is variable with the geographical area and time of harvest, which can lead to different and unreliable results,” Durga Bestha, MBBS, wrote for Innovations In Clinical Neuroscience. “Healthcare providers should be aware of the increasing prevalence of kratom use and screen for its use in vulnerable populations.”
So, what does this mean for you? Well, if you’re a fan of kratom tea, just know that as with many supplements out there, there might be a risk. Especially if you have a history of addiction.
But you should also know that there’s no product out there that will cure absolutely everything. And with supplements, everyone has a different reaction. Kratom might temporarily help with your anxiety, but it may not end up curing everything that ails you.
I have and still do use #Kratom, every day. I'm a CPP who was forced off of prescribed pain meds because of the CDC, and Kratom was my only hope. Now I no longer use oxygen, my labs are WNL, and my once-necessary motorized wheelchair is sitting in the corner.#IAmKratom
— Kim JLE (@KimLibbyEvans1) April 21, 2019
Health notes that kratom does have a long list of side effects that users should know about. They include weight loss, liver damage, vomiting, muscle pain, and even hallucinations.
Most regular users find it helpful. Doesn't work for all. Human variability.
— Terri Lewis, PhD #GratefulToBeVaccinated in TN-6 (@tal7291) April 20, 2019
Mayo Clinic also believes that kratom is unsafe. “Five of the seven infants who were reported to have been exposed to kratom went through withdrawal,” they state.
Still, some people note that kratom is much healthier than actual opioids. So if someone had to choose, kratom would definitely be the safer option.
The most important thing to remember is that anything can become addictive.
Just think about the past. At one time, smoking was seen as something everyone did… until more research came out. Now, everyone is more aware of how dangerous tobacco and nicotine can be.
So, time will tell as to whether or not kratom does more harm than good. For now, just make sure that you know that, while an occasional amount is likely fine, this is a substance that has some side effects you may be unaware of.
